Scott Weiland Dropped As STP Frontman

American rock band Stone Temple Pilots have sacked their long-time lead singer Scott Weiland.

In a one-sentence news release, publicist Kymm Britton said: "Stone Temple Pilots have announced they have officially terminated Scott Weiland."

The band provided no further information.

Weiland said he was as surprised as anyone to hear of his departure from the band, and hinted he would pursue legal action over his dismissal.

He said in a statement: "I learned of my supposed 'termination' from Stone Temple Pilots this morning by reading about it in the press.

"Not sure how I can be 'terminated' from a band that I founded, fronted and co-wrote many of its biggest hits, but that's something for the lawyers to figure out."

The band's 1992 debut, Core, has sold more than eight million units in the United States.

Weiland also performed in Velvet Revolver, which included former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.

The 45-year-old has dealt with drug addiction, run-ins with the law and two failed marriages. He released his memoir, Not Dead & Not for Sale, in 2011.

The Stone Temple Pilots' latest album is their self-titled 2010 release.

The band separated in 2003 to pursue individual projects, but reconvened in 2008 for a reunion tour.

The group won a Grammy in 1994 for Best Hard Rock Performance.