I preface this by saying I have never been friends with Scott Weiland, nor have I ever even met him. His music has been a friend/companion through my entire life. So in that sense, he was to me a friend. I have been deeply affected and saddened since I learned of his passing the other day. He was the charismatic leader and creative force of The Stone Temple Pilots. His music was always there, a part of my life. I would turn on the radio, watch a video and it would be Interstate Love Song, Plush, Big Empty, Big Bang Baby, Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart, Sour Girl and so many more. They were not only great songs, they were a comfort to me, like a good friend. Knowing those songs, hearing them, enjoying them, always gave me a good feeling. Now the man who sang and wrote them is dead. Of course the songs will always live on but the voice who sang and the man who wrote them is gone. There is some solace that the songs will always be there but never again will they be brought to life, performed live for people to enjoy by the incredible force that was Scott Weiland.
There is no doubt Scott had problems over the years with substance abuse. Many cases of in and out of rehab and relapses. I had always rooted for him to beat the demons of drugs and alcohol. I wanted him to make it not only because of his incredible talent, but also because of those who didn't make it. We lost his peers Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley to the scourge of addiction. Now 3 of the greats of that era have been taken way too early. I remember reading an interview with Scott and I thought this was prophetic. He said he always had trouble handling the fact the same people who beat the hell out of him when he was in High School, were the same people who were now dancing and loving his music in the mosh pit of his shows. He had trouble reconciling his fame, as did Cobain and Staley. I wish someone could have helped Scott to avoid this tragedy but sometimes it is a situation that can't be changed because he had to change. I cannot begin to know or understand what happens to cause addiction. I also will never know or understand the talent and creativity of a Scott Weiland. How do the two (addiction/drugs and talent/creativity) relate and how do they intertwine?
*** I had to add this small addendum. I read an interview with Scott, where he said was molested by an older guy when he was twelve. He said this had severely bothered him his entire life and caused some of his substance abuse problems. I unfortunately can relate to him, as the same thing happened to me at age 13. I know the toll this can have on your soul. He did a cover of The Smiths "Reel Around The Fountain" on his "Happy" Galoshes album. Many interpret this song as having implications of an older man molesting a young boy.
It's time the tale were told
of how you took a child
and you made him old
Reel Around The Fountain
Kurt Cobain
Layne Staley
Scott Weiland
Interstate Love Song
Plush
Trippin On A Hole In A Paper Heart
Vasoline
Scott Weiland will always be remembered for his exceptional talent, creativity, energy and spirit. The music will live on, even though he is gone. His spirit will always be there because great music never dies. I love you Scott, always will, I'll never forget you.
A Song For Sleeping
Rest in peace Scott
