In the years leading up to the death of founding lead singer Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots toured and recorded with Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington on lead vocals. But Bennington left the band late last year when it became clear his commitments to Linkin Park were too significant to continue fronting STP. A few days after news of Bennington’s departure broke, STP teamed with Joss Stone for one of Jimmy Kimmel’s goofy Mash-Up Mondays, roaring through “Interstate Love Song” under the name Joss Stone Temple Pilots. But that was just a one-off; STP have no lead singer at the moment.

According to Alternative Nation, the band is seeking to change that. STP’s official site was recently updated with a “LAUNCHING SOON” message reading, “We’re updating our website and will be back up shortly.” But Alternative Nation was able to find some sections of the new site that the band has yet to publicize, including an announcement that they’re officially seeking a new lead singer. One relevant excerpt: “If you think you have what it takes to front this band, record with this band, and tour with this band, we would dig hearing from you. No one will ever ‘replace’ Scott, that was never the intent. The intent is for Stone Temple Pilots to continue on, to evolve, and to do what we do… make music!”

There’s also a video of remaining STP members Dean and Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz performing “Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart” — arguably STP’s greatest song — presumably intended as a backing track for prospective vocalists. Check out the full message along with the video below.

2016 marks a new year for Stone Temple Pilots…

A year of hope, optimism, and most importantly, new music! We are immensely proud of all that we have been able to share with you over the years. Music, music, music. We very much want to continue doing that, but that’s going to take a little help from all of you.

As you know, prior to the untimely passing of our brother in arms, Scott, we had been working with the incomparable Chester Bennington. What you also likely know is that having Chester front two bands of this size and scope was too much for one man to be able to do and so regretfully we had to move onto a new chapter together. This is where you come in…

We are officially announcing that we are seeking a new vocalist to front Stone Temple Pilots. We’ve already heard from many talented people, but want to make this an opportunity for many more so we’ve set up a way for you to do just that.

If you think you have what it takes to front this band, record with this band, and tour with this band, we would dig hearing from you. No one will ever “replace” Scott, that was never the intent. The intent is for Stone Temple Pilots to continue on, to evolve, and to do what we do… make music! We look forward to seeing you.

Love,

Robert, Eric, Dean

UPDATE: Auditions are on. Submit here by 3/8/16.