Scott Weiland was born on this day, October 27th, 1967, in San Jose, California. He became best known as the lead vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots from 1989 to 2003 and again from 2008 to 2013.
During his time away from STP, Weiland was the lead vocalist for the rock supergroup Velvet Revolver from 2003 to 2008. He was also part of another rock supergroup Art of Anarchy for a short time in 2015.
As a solo artist, Weiland released three studio albums, including a Christmas album, and an album with his solo band the Wildabouts.
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots initially formed under the name Mighty Joe Young in San Diego, California in 1989. The band consisting of Weiland on lead vocals, brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo on guitar and bass respectively, and Eric Kretz on drums.
They found much success in the grunge-filled 1990’s with the release of their debut album Core. The band would release five more studio albums with Weiland at the helm, selling close to 50 million albums worldwide.
Weiland’s personal life proved to be too much for the rest of the band. In February of 2013, Stone Temple Pilots dismissed him.
Stone Temple Pilots were on a bit of a hiatus from 2003 to 2008. At that time Weiland joined the rock supergroup Velvet Revolver. Former members of Guns N’ Roses were working on a project that needed a vocalist.
Other Scott Weiland Music
After many auditions with other notable singers, Velvet Revolver picked Scott Weiland as their frontman. The band was together for six years, releasing two studio albums.
Towards the tail end of his tenue with Stone Temple Pilots, Weiland began working on another project. He teamed up with Ron “Bumblefoot’ Thal (formerly of Guns N’ Roses), John Moyer (Disturbed), and brothers Vince and Jon Votta. They called themselves Art of Anarchy.
Thal recorded parts for their eventual debut album in between touring with Guns N’ Roses. Weiland wrote and recorded the vocals after sharing the song files back and forth with one another. It led to the eventual release of their self-titled debut album.
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The members of Art of Anarchy had a falling out with Weiland, leading to him being replaced by another Scott…Scott Stapp, of Creed.
Weiland released a couple of solo albums: 12 Bar Blues (1998), “Happy” in Galoshes (2008), a Christmas album, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2011). He also released Blaster in 2015 with his band the Wildabouts.
I was fortunate to see Weiland on a couple of his solo tours over the years. He would always feature some really cool covers, like “The Jean Jeanie” from David Bowie, “Roadhouse Blues” from the Doors, among others.
Throughout his entire career, fans knew Weiland for his flamboyant and chaotic onstage persona, his consistently changing appearance, and vocal style. His career was plagued by substance abuse issues. On December 3, 2015, he passed away from an accidental drug overdose on his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota. He was only 48 years old.
The Legend Lives On
His legend and legacy will live on forever through the wonderful music he has contributed to over the years with Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Art of Anarchy and of course, his solo career.
I will leave you with a handful of my favorite songs of his with all of the aforementioned bands he’s touched with his one-of-a-kind voice over the years.
