Scott Weiland’s Friends & Bandmates Honor Him On 2-Year Anniversary Of Death

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Photo credit: Corey Hickok

Late Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland died two years ago today. Below are tribute quotes and stories Alternative Nation exclusively gathered from December 2015 – December 2016. Also make sure to read Corey Hickok’s extensive High School to Core retrospective.

Steve Stewart (Stone Temple Pilots manager):

I’ve known Scott since the mid-80s, when my band and his band played gigs together in Orange County, CA. As we grew up, his path took him to further iterations of the band, from Soi Disant to Might Joe Young, while I went to school, and went on to work in the business side of music. Our paths crossed again in 1990, when he and Robert DeLeo asked me to lunch, and asked me if I could help get them a record deal. I was working for Ice T’s manager, and had made some contacts in the industry. Almost two years later, we had a deal from Atlantic Records on the table. I worked with Scott and the band through their next four records, and had a ringside seat for what became one of the most unique stories in modern rock, and the end of an era in the music industry.

What always struck me most about Scott was how alone he really was. For all the people and things he had around, I always felt he was somehow separated from people. Sometimes, all he wanted was someone to sit with him – I remember one late night a long time ago, when we were facing a long night on a bus, after a gig. The bus was filled with maybe 12 people, all of them asleep after working all night. Scott was in the front lounge, behind the driver, and I was sitting up front, watching the road. As I got up and started toward my bunk to grab some sleep, he looked up from the video game he was playing and said, “Will you stay with me? I don’t want to be here alone.” I thought that was an odd thing to say, as there were a dozen souls within 15 feet of him. This has always stayed with me, and I saw other examples of this through the years of how much he needed someone to share the journey with. Even though no one could ever really satisfy that need, I think it was something that he always yearned for, and maybe, never found.

I could always see the little boy in him, looking for his dad’s approval. Though the years and the trappings of fame often obscured it, every once in a while, I’d catch a glimpse of it through that momentary little smile he’d shoot me after he nailed something. Those were the instants when he was truly proud of himself, and that was the Scott I’ll always remember.

I thought he’d always beat his demons, and maybe in the end, he finally did. My prayers are with his family and children.

Corey Hickok (original Mighty Joe Young guitarist):

I’m truly blessed to have had a part in Scott’s musical journey, and will hold it close to my heart for the rest of my life. Scott was a slice of the rock and roll revolutionary pie. He is a prominent voice for more than a generation, and his music has become the soundtrack of many of his fans lives. His ability to constantly reinvent himself and his voice inflections catapulted him to a level few have reached in rock and roll. How many musicians can you think of off the top your head that have been making music and remained relevant after 25 years? Scott will always be remembered as the “miraculous melody maker,” with his ability to write songs that stand the test of time.

Figuratively speaking, it was as if Scott was able to tap into a sacred realm of music, and it was the fans who got to reap the rewards of his rare findings. In time, I believe more of Scott’s contributions to music will be recognized as a major footprint for this generation. As a great friend, I’m terribly saddened he’s gone, but rest assured, he’s up in Heaven and playing among the best of them in peace. As his loyal fans pay their respects, I know Scott is looking down and proud of all of you for your heartfelt sentiments. On behalf of his close friends, we thank you for the love and support of a one of a kind, beautiful soul who will forever be remembered.

Nick Maybury (Wildabouts guitarist):

Much love brother Scotty – Miss you man- thank you so much for the amazing experiences and the music we shared. until we meet again rest in eternal love and peace.

Tommy Black (Wildabouts bassist):

I remember standing side by side speaking at Jeremy Brown’s funeral… two friends died in the Wildabouts in only one year in an 8 month period. A horrible nightmare of a year.

But we also had some of the most amazing positive experiences in the last 10 years we played/spent time together.

I got to create so much beautiful music with him and was blown away even that he wanted write. It was a blessing to create music with him. I have so many good stories I can’t even begin…

Not a day has gone by that I have not thought about Scott.

Today Scott would be want everyone to be happy and listen to music.

I miss you my friend…