The man thought to be the frontrunner to land the vacant vocalist role in Stone Temple Pilots says the band’s original singer Scott Weiland is “irreplaceable.”
Filipino musician John Borja says he can’t reveal the full details of his connection to STP, but he believes his chances are good.
Borja tells Radio Republic: “As of now I can’t give the full details yet, but there are clues or hints that seem to be favourable to me.
“Let’s wait for them to give the official announcement. I respect the guys’ decision, whatever it is. It would be my honour to play music with them.”
While he would love to land the job, Borja says he would’t aim to be a direct replica of STP’s most recent singer Chester Bennington and that he knows he couldn’t possibly replace original frontman Scott Weiland, who died last year.
Borja adds: “Weiland is irreplaceable. No doubt about it, but I think I can carry his legacy through my personality.”
The band invited candidates to send in audition videos once Bennington announced he was stepping down to devote his time to Linkin Park. Borja’s tape can be viewed below.
Manila-based singer Borja works mostly in local bars and clubs and previously fronted the band Fuel. He knows it would be a huge adjustment to take on the job with STP, but he’s confident he can pull it off.
“I sing in bars six days a week, every day, for 30 songs a night,” he says. “I think I’m prepared for the hectic scheduling and touring if ever…but since STP’s demands are different, I will have to adjust a bit.”
Borja was in Los Angeles this month where he was photographed with STP bassist Robert DeLeo.
Stone Temple Pilots have so far made no announcement as to who their third frontman will be.
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