The rock and roll world mourns the loss of a legend as former Stone Temple Pilots lead vocalist Scott Weiland has passed away. Weiland (48) was discovered in his bedroom of his tour bus dead due to cardiac arrest, just before he was scheduled to perform with his current band, The Wildabouts.
While the details of his death — and the circumstances surrounding it — are still being revealed, it is important to celebrate his successes life, rather than dwell on its end. Weiland was a man who was frequently characterized by his personal demons, but that doesn’t take away from his legacy as one of the most unique and influential vocalists since the 90s.
Scott Weiland and the Grunge Era
Initially gaining notoriety as the frontman of Stone Temple Pilots (STP) during the grunge era, Weiland continued to remain relevant in rock music for over two decades. While fronting STP, his distinct voice and stage presence made him stand out from the crowd and allowed the band to stay in the public eye long after the grunge scene faded away.
Following the end of his first stint with STP in 2002, Weiland joined another iconic band. This time by joining with former Guns & Roses bandmates Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum as the lead singer of Velvet Revolver. Despite only being a part of the band for five years, the band’s musical style left a lasting impression on the music industry.
After parting ways with Velvet Revolver, Weiland reunited with Stone Temple Pilots in 2008, eventually releasing a self-titled studio album — their first in about nine years. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard album charts. The reunion would be shortlived however, and he was replaced by Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington in 2013.
Though it is true that his drug use and perceived volatile personality had continually marred his legacy and professional relationships throughout his career, that shouldn’t discount the fact that the megaphone wielding 90s rocker was a superb musician. In the end, Scott Weiland’s talent was undeniable and he will not soon be forgotten.
Last Updated on November 27, 2018.
