PHOTO: Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland found dead on tour

Scott Weiland, former frontman of the US rock band Stone Temple Pilots, has died at the age of 48.

The singer's manager, Tom Vitorino, confirmed his death on Thursday night.

A statement, on Instagram, said Weiland had "passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts".

Weiland had a history of drug problems. He formed the Grammy-winning band Stone Temple Pilots, and was a member of supergroup Velvet Revolver.

TMZ reported Weiland's body was discovered on his tour bus outside a motel, near the venue where the band were due to play.

Actress Juliette Lewis was one of the first to pay tribute to the singer following news of his death: "Sad to hear about Scott Weiland passing. He was a once of a kind epic force onstage. Thoughts are w[ith] his family," she tweeted.

Rock band Wheatus, best known for the hit single Teenage Dirtbag, tweeted: "We opened for @STPBand in 2000. I watched them side stage and Scott Weiland destroyed me, he was the real thing. Seeing him changed me forever."

Grammy organisers the Recording Academy of America hailed Weiland as "a grunge icon" adding his "extraordinary talent and captivating performances will forever live on and inspire legions of rock fans worldwide".

DJ Zane Lowe tweeted he was "very sad", adding: "So many moments sent listening to him sing in my headphones."

Aerosmith's Joe Perry also praised Weiland as "such a gifted performer".

FOR MORE INFO: BBC NEWS