Chester Bennington's stint as frontman with the Stone Temple Pilots (STP) is over. Bennington took on lead vocal duties in early 2013 when STP split with its wayward singer Scott Weiland. Now it's Bennington's turn to depart. In a statement issued over the weekend, both parties say the decision to part ways was an amicable one. And for Bennington, the move frees him up to devote time and energy to his other band, Linkin Park.

"The last few years have been an amazing experience," writes Bennington. "1 got to create and perform with one of the greatest rock bands of our generation that had so much influence on me growing up. With the amount of time STP deserves, in addition to being in Linkin Park, and with the needs of my family, one of them always

seems to fall short. Going in to this, the four of us... Robert, Eric, Dean and myself knew what we were up against. We decided in due fairness to friends, fans and the legacy of STP that it needs more than time was allowing me. And in all fairness to my band-mates in Linkin Park, as well as to myself and to my family, I'm going to focus solely on Linkin Park so I can contribute 100%. It's been an amazing experience and a dream come true, and I look forward to the future of both STP and Linkin Park."

It's unclear at this stage who will take on full-time vocal duties with STP. Though for now, the job will be handled by Joss Stone.