American singer Scott Weiland, best known as the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, died in his sleep at the age of 48.

His distinctive voice was showcased in grunge classics of the 1990s, such as Plush and Interstate Love Song, and he was also known for his struggles with addiction and had a colourful history fronting various bands.

A statement on his Facebook page on Dec 4 said he had "passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts".

"At this time we ask that the privacy of Scott's family be respected,".

Details of his death are not known.

He is survived by his wife, Jamie Weiland, a photographer, who confirmed his death to The Los Angeles Times yesterday, saying: "I can't deal with this right now."

The couple met in 2011 on the set of his music video for I'll Be Home For Christmas and they married in 2013.

He is also survived by two children, Noah, 15, and Lucy, 13, from his ex-wife, model Mary Forsberg.

Born Scott Richard Kline in San Jose, California, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of grunge rock band Stone Temple Pilots in the 1990s.

The band released six albums from 1992 to 2010, before firing Weiland in 2013.

When the band went on hiatus between 2002 and 2008, he formed the supergroup Velvet Revolver with former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Matt Sorum and Duff McKagan, as well as Dave Kushner of Wasted Youth, in 2003.

The band went on to win the 2005 Grammy Award for their single Slither in the Best Hard Rock Performance category. Weiland left the band in 2008 to rejoin Stone Temple Pilots.

He also released four solo albums.

Weiland has had many run-ins with the law and stints in rehab over the years, owing to drug use and driving under the influence.

His former bands have yet to release a statement about his death.