It’s possible a young Filipino will replace the late Scott Weiland in Stone Temple Pilots (STP).
Several music sites hinted that 27-year-old John Borja is the “apple of the eye” in the race for the next frontman of the American rock band. Upon Weiland’s tragic death last December, the band’s remaining members—guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz—commenced auditions of global hopefuls and fans.
In March, Borja submitted a medley of 12 STP hits on video-streaming site YouTube, which racked up 100,000 views. With his hair-raising voice comparable to Weiland, Borja went to California for “Round Three” of the competition, Alternative Nation disclosed.
In an interview with radio show Radio Republic, Borja clarified reports that he would “officially” jam with the STP.
“As of now, I can’t give the full details yet, but there are clues or hints that seem to be favorable to me. Let’s wait for them to give the official announcement,” he told the radio show. “I respect the guys’ decision, whatever it is. It would be my honor to play music with them.”
He also asserted that he would entrench a “more melodic and powerful” voice to the band, although he believes Weiland’s musical legacy and character are “irreplaceable.” Nevertheless, he said, “I think I can carry his legacy through my personality, despite being Filipino.”
His thriving musical career began in 2005, and up to now, he juggles his hectic schedule of performing “six days a week, every single day, 30 songs a night” while fulfilling his duties as a husband and father of one. If he will be lucky to be part of STP, he will follow the footsteps of Arnel Pineda, who secured the spot as the lead vocalist of rock band Journey in 2007.
Established in 1989, STP popularized the tracks “Interstate Love Song,” “Vasoline,” “Creep” and “Take a Load Off.” They recorded seven albums, including their latest, “High Rise,” in 2013. Gianna Francesca Catolico