Report: Stone Temple Pilots Singer Scott Weiland Dead

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —  Billboard is reporting the death of former Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland.

The ever-changing, often-troubled singer was 48.

Music lore said that in 1986, Weiland was talking with bassist Robert DeLeo at a concert and while discussing their girlfriend -- realized they were dating the same woman. They reportedly developed a friendship and formed the band Mighty Joe Young, later called Stone Temple Pilots (or STP) from the small-world encounter.

From 1986 through 2002, the band, which had several break-ups and reunions, hit the charts with punk, grunge, alternative and heavy metal music. They were also critical favorites.

Weiland was also lead singer of the group Velvet Revolver from 2003-2008.

Friend and Jane's Addition guitarist Dave Navarro tweeted about the death just after 9 p.m. He wrote, "Just learned our friend Scott Weiland has died. So gutted, I am thinking of his family tonight."

Billboard said they had not independently confirmed the death. TMZ is reporting he was found dead on his tour bus by his manager.

The Santa Cruz-born Weiland was touring in Minnesota with his newest band, the Wildabouts.

Weiland turned 48 on Oct. 27.

His battles with drug addition -- including crack, cocaine, heroin and alcohol  -- were well-known.

No cause of death was given in the Billboard report or Navarro tweet.

STP won several major awards including a Grammy for "Plush," and an American Music Award for Favorite New Artist Pop/Rock.

In February, Loudwire.com picked the group's 10 Best Songs and called them one of rock's "top acts at the time." The group's hits included "Plush," "Vasoline" and "Interstate Love Song."

His autobiography "Not Dead & Not For Sale" was published in 2011. At this writing, Weiland's  official website was offline.