Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver Issue Statements on Scott Weiland’s Death
Following Scott Weiland's death of a cardiac arrest last night at the age of 48, his former bandmates in both Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver have issued separate statements. Weiland fronted STP from 1989-2002 and Velvet Revolver from 2003-08.
"Dear Scott," Stone Temple Pilots wrote on Facebook. "Let us start by saying thank you for sharing your life with us. Together we crafted a legacy of music that has given so many people happiness and great memories. The memories are many, and they run deep for us. We know amidst the good and the bad you struggled, time and time again. It’s what made you who you were. You were gifted beyond words, Scott. Part of that gift was part of your curse. With deep sorrow for you and your family, we are saddened to see you go. All of our love and respect. We will miss you brother, Robert, Eric, Dean"
After STP broke up, Weiland formed Velvet Revolver in 2003 with three former members of Guns N' Roses, Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum and guitarist Dave Kushner. Their 2004 debut, Contraband, entered the Billboard album chart at No. 1 and spawned three rock and alternative hits: "Slither," "Fall to Pieces" and "Dirty Little Thing." The second effort, Libertad, was less successful, but "She Builds Quick Machines" still reached No. 2 at Mainstream Rock.
After a turbulent world tour in support of Libertad, Weiland was fired on April 1, 2008. Slash cited Weiland's "increasingly erratic onstage behavior and personal problems" as the reason for his dismissal. Since then, the other members have entered a low-priority search for a new singer as they tackle other projects.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our old friend and bandmate, Scott Weiland," they wrote on McKagan's Facebook page. "We experienced a good chunk of life with Scott, and even in his darkest times, we all had hope and love for him. His artistry will live on, of that, there is no doubt.
"Deepest condolences and sadness are for his children, Noah and Lucy. We all traveled around this world together on tour; our band, wives, and kids ... and we grew to a big family that still remains to this day. It’s just so sad and brutal from any perspective. Rest In Peace, Scott."
Meanwhile, video footage of Weiland's last concert with the Wildabouts -- which took place Tuesday night at Toronto's Adelaide Hall -- has surfaced. You can watch "Vasoline," one of his biggest hits with Stone Temple Pilots, above. Other songs -- including another STP hit, "Big Bang Baby" -- are below.
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