Jeremy Brown (pictured), guitarist for former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS/VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland and his backing band THE WILDABOUTS, has died. The group was scheduled to perform a record-release show Monday (March 30) in Hollywood for its debut album, "Blaster", which comes out today (Tuesday, March 31).

In a post on his official Facebook page, Weiland wrote: "We received a call today about my friend Jeremy Brown that has shaken me to the core.

"We were all concerned this afternoon when Jeremy didn't show up for a long-scheduled rehearsal for tonight's album release show at School Night. An hour later, Jeremy's family called us to say that he had passed away.

"I am in shock right now. Everyone that knows him is devastated. It is a terrible loss that goes beyond words.

"He is one of my best friends, a truest friend and one of the most gifted guitar players that I’ve ever known. A true genius.

"It's impossible to explain how much he will be missed and what a hole this will leave in our hearts.

"A post on Facebook feels so trite and small compared to the love that I have for him and for the talent that has passed on, but I felt it was necessary to at least start here. Please keep his family in your thoughts."