Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland – Life, Music, and Legacy

Explore the extraordinary life of Scott Weiland (1967–2015): from frontman of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver to solo artist. Discover his struggles, artistry, and memorable insights.

Introduction

Scott Weiland was an American singer, songwriter, and performer known for his magnetic stage presence, vocal versatility, and troubled life. Born on October 27, 1967 and dying on December 3, 2015, he achieved fame as the lead vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, and also released solo work. Despite deep struggles with addiction and personal turmoil, his creative contributions and unique voice left an enduring impact on rock music.

Early Life and Background

Scott was born Scott Richard Kline in San Jose, California, to Sharon (née Williams) and Kent Kline. At about five years old, he was legally adopted by his stepfather, David Weiland, and took the surname “Weiland.”

He spent part of his childhood in Bainbridge Township, Ohio, where he attended Kenston High School. Later, he moved back to California and attended Edison High School in Huntington Beach and studied at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.

Weiland’s early years included hidden trauma and personal challenge. In his autobiography Not Dead & Not for Sale, he revealed that, as a child, he was sexually assaulted and that he repressed the memory until later in life.

Before fully embracing music, he worked odd jobs, such as working as a paste-up artist for a legal newspaper in Los Angeles.

Musical Career

Stone Temple Pilots (STP)

In 1989, Weiland joined forces with Robert DeLeo, Dean DeLeo, and Eric Kretz to form Stone Temple Pilots, which rose to major success in the 1990s.

Key albums and achievements:

• Core (1992): Breakthrough album featuring hits like “Plush,” “Creep,” and “Sex Type Thing.”

• Purple (1994): A more adventurous sonic direction, with songs like “Interstate Love Song” and “Vasoline.”

• Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996): Showed the band exploring glam rock, psychedelia, and pop influences.

During his time in STP, the band became one of the commercial pillars of 1990s rock, selling millions of albums and charting high with numerous singles.

However, Weiland’s substance abuse and erratic behavior caused tensions and periods of hiatus.

He rejoined STP in 2008 and remained until his dismissal in 2013.

Velvet Revolver

Following his initial departure from STP, Weiland joined the supergroup Velvet Revolver (featuring ex–Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, and guitarist Dave Kushner).

Highlights:

• Contraband (2004): Their debut album. “Slither” and “Fall to Pieces” were major singles.

• Libertad (2007): Their second album.

Weiland left Velvet Revolver in 2008 amid creative and personal conflicts.

Solo Work & The Wildabouts

Weiland also pursued solo projects:

• 12 Bar Blues (1998): His first solo album, which displayed stylistic diversity (glam, trip hop, psychedelia).

• “Happy” in Galoshes (2008): A solo album reflecting personal introspection and eclectic influences.

• The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2011): A holiday-themed album.

In his later years, he formed Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts, releasing Blaster in 2015.

He also briefly was associated with Art of Anarchy, providing vocals to their self-titled 2015 album, though he reportedly distanced himself from being a full member.

Style, Voice & Artistic Identity

Weiland was known for:

• Vocal versatility: He could shift from heavy, grunge-tinged tones to smoother, melodic lines.

• Stage persona and image changes: He frequently altered his hair, makeup, outfits, and stage theatrics—contributing to his identity as a somewhat mercurial rock frontman.

• Lyricism born of conflict: His songs often broach themes of inner struggle, desire, loss, addiction, and identity.

His artistic restlessness mirrored his personal restlessness—he seldom stayed in one musical mode or life pattern for long.

Personal Life & Struggles

Relationships & Family

Weiland was married multiple times:

• Janina Castaneda (1994–2000)

• Mary Forsberg (m. 2000; divorced 2007), with whom he had two children: Noah (b.2000) and Lucy (b.2002)

• Jamie Wachtel (married in 2013)

His personal life was plagued by substance addiction—crack cocaine, alcohol, prescription drugs—and legal troubles over the years.

He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001.

He also suffered from hepatitis C, and had other health complications exacerbated by drug use.

Legal & Health Challenges

• In 1995, he was convicted of buying crack cocaine and sentenced to probation.

• He had episodes of arrest, DUI charges, and stints in rehab over the years.

• His health deteriorated in his later years; in 2015, performances sometimes showed vocal instability and unsteady physical presence, drawing concerns from fans and critics.

Death

On December 3, 2015, Scott Weiland was found dead in his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota, while on tour with The Wildabouts.

Initially, small amounts of cocaine were found on the bus. Subsequent medical examination determined that his cause of death was an accidental overdose involving cocaine, MDA, and alcohol. Also, his preexisting conditions—such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and asthma—were noted as contributing factors.

A private funeral was held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on December 11, 2015.

Legacy & Influence

Scott Weiland’s legacy is complex but powerful:

• Commercial success & chart impact: Over his career, his bands and projects sold millions of albums worldwide.

• Influential frontman: His vocal style influenced later rock and alternative singers. Songwriters and musicians often cite his phrasing and expressiveness as distinctive.

• Cautionary tale: His life also serves as a stark example of how personal demons—addiction, mental health challenges—can accompany great talent.

• Posthumous tributes: Peers and fans have continued to honor his work. Bands have covered STP songs; memorial performances and media retrospectives reflect on his dual brilliance and fragility.

Some critics and retrospectives note that while his life ended tragically, his music still resonates—imperfections and struggles included.

Notable Quotes

Here are a few quotes attributed to Scott Weiland that reflect his outlook and persona:

• “Sing the song or keep it inside.”

• “Dead fish don’t swim around in jealous tides.”

• “Processed pig is white trash meat. Some people call it Spam.”

These lines show a mix of poetic metaphor, irreverence, and lyrical flair.

Lessons & Reflections

1. Creativity and torment often intertwine
   Weiland’s gifts were inseparable from his struggles. The beauty in his music is linked to his pain.

2. Artistic evolution matters
   He never settled into a fixed style; his shifts in voice, genre, and image reflected restless exploration.

3. Importance of health and support
   His story underscores how crucial mental health care, stability, and community can be—especially in high-pressure creative fields.

4. Legacy is nuanced
   Great art does not erase human flaws, but can coexist with them—Weiland’s life forces us to hold both admiration and sorrow.