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Atlantic Sues One-Half of Stone Temple Pilots

Scott Weiland and drummer Eric Kretz are facing a lawsuit from their longtime label, Atlantic Records, who claim the duo threatened "to stop performing" as Stone Temple Pilots unless certain changes were made to their record contract. According to a copy of the lawsuit—filed on Thursday and obtained by Reuters—Warner Music Group is asking a federal judge to step in and uphold the band's obligation to deliver a new album to Atlantic, with the option of two more, now that the band's reunited.

"They are touring successfully and have indicated their intention to record again," the complaint states, adding that STP's contract was "written under New York laws and that the musicians are trying to use California laws to terminate it."

Interestingly enough, STP claims to be "deeply disappointed" about the lawsuit. In their eyes, "cordial and positive" discussions had just started with Atlantic.

"Despite the allegations in the complaint, the band never threatened anything more than remaining away from the studio until equitable terms could be arranged," read a band statement. "The precipitous filing of this action is yet another example of the difficulties facing artists in the new music environment, as relationships between artists and their labels fall further and further apart. Eric and Scott have not yet been served and hope that Atlantic will allow cooler heads to prevail, and have the courtesy of shelving this action to permit negotiations to continue in a positive spirit rather than under a dark cloud of hostility. Should everyone operate in good faith, STP are certain that a new album from the band will be available soon. Should Atlantic instead pursue this scorched earth policy towards the band, the ultimate victims will be STP's fans, who will never be able to enjoy a new album from the group."

Shangri-La Dee Da, the band's last LP, was released in 2001—just a year before their breakup.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
6.16.08