Idolator: weiland

The Hidden Meanings Of Scott Weiland's Rainwear-Happy Album Title

Maura Johnston — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Scott Weiland hasn't had all that great of a year, but what better way to turn things around than with a solo album—especially one that allows the names "Sheryl Crow" and "Steve Albini" to appear in the same sentence of a press release? Which is why he's releasing Happy In Galoshes, which hits stores Nov. 18. Wait a second. Happy In Galoshes? Is he really that into protecting himself from the elements? Does he eschew slippers for a nice pair of Totes in his off hours? Or is there another meaning lurking inside those letters? We asked the automated oracle known as the Internet Anagram Server for its interpretation of Weiland's album title, and it gave us a few clues as to his post-Velvet Revolver artistic direction.

Analog Hype Ships
Well, this explains his collaborations with Albini.

Sylphs Hope Again
This one's easy: When he's feeling down, the faeries are there to prop up his mind, if not his falls into drum risers.

Papal Nosey Highs
Some day, Weiland will realize his Holy Grail of getting fucked up with the Pope. Some day.

Hippy-Ho, Lasagnes
Maybe he's going the Jimmy Buffett route and entering the frozen-dinner world.

Shiny Hogs' Appeal
Ah! That must be it! He's going into motorcycling! Right? No? Ah, forget it. Seriously, I'm out.

Anagrams for happy in galoshes [Internet Anagram Server]
Scott Weiland [Official site]

Stone Temple Pilots Tour Going About As Well As You Expected

Maura Johnston — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

It's been a while since we heard of any disasters on the Stone Temple Pilots reunion tour, but last week's concert in Phoenix brought Scott Weiland and his bandmates back on the trainwreck path. It got off to an unfortunate start, as you can see from the above video, with Weiland mumbling an introduction to "Big Empty" before being propelled backwards and into the drum kit of Eric Kretz, no doubt because of the power of his inebriated yarl. (The fall comes at around the 1:23 mark, although the intro really helps contextualize things.) And the mishap must have jumbled things up in his brain even more, because he then went on to forget and alter the lyrics to the track. A description from an Arizona Republic writer who saw the whole thing go down in non-pixellated form follows:

The lengthy set opened with Big Empty from The Crow soundtrack. Dressed in a grey suit Weiland stumbled around the stage and fell into drummer Eric Kretz's drum kit which confirmed he is now officially the Amy Winehouse of rock 'n' roll. When he did sing he often forgot words or changed them. "Conversations Kill" quickly became "Masturbation Kill."

The singer's incoherent rants in between songs were cut off by his band members starting the next song to stop the bleeding. Guitarist Dean DeLeo and his brother bassist Robert DeLeo looked humiliated as they ripped through classics like Wicked Garden, Big Bang Baby and Vasoline.

"Masturbation kill"? Something must be wrong. Anyway, at this point, I'm less surprised by this all going down than I am by the fact that the following bit is not on YouTube yet:

The crowd was really thrown for a loop when the singer busted out an a cappella cover of Bob Marley's Redemption Song which felt like it went on for an hour because it was hard to understand anything he was saying.

Well, that's what happens when you emancipate yourself from mental slavery!

Weiland disappoints at Dodge [Arizona Republic]
SCOTT WEILAND Falls Into ERIC KRETZ's Drum Kit During STP's Phoenix Concert; Video Available [Blabbermouth]

Weiland Launches Giant Loogie At Interviewer's Audacity

Anthony Miccio — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EDT

The Los Angeles Times' Chris Lee has provided a little bit of gross context for his Stone Temple Pilots profile on the paper's blog. At the same time Weiland was giving the writer quotes like "I live my life the way I live my life. I don't have to make any apologies," he was also launching "huge green" loogies at the wall behind the DeLeo brothers, who did not seem ruffled by the sudden appearance of expectorate. While I admire Weiland's indignation ("hey, how does it feel to be going to jail for six hours?" is indeed a douche move), Lou Reed knows that while loogies may not be forgotten by those who witness their deployment, retorts along the lines of "What are you, a fucking asshole?" read better in print.

Where's your head at right now just before going to jail?

All these questions are ..., man. Who do you interview? To what level?

A lot of famous musicians. Not Michael Jackson-famous, though.

Do you interview Keith Richards? David Bowie? Do you interview people who over a 20-year career who aren't ... born-again Christians? Who aren't part of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?

Um, yes. A lot of those guys. I interviewed Bowie but not Keith.

Then you should know. Our contribution is music, you know? This is the problem with the press. Are you part of the paparazzi?

I write for the Los Angeles Times.

Is there a difference anymore?

Well, the paparazzi don't write. They take pictures.

I'm not so sure, man. Rolling Stone is borderline these days.

If I've said something that put your nose out of joint, I apologize.

My nose isn't out of joint. I live my life the way I live my life. I don't have to make any apologies. I just find it a little hilarious that you'd ask such a question.

Cccchh-www-thhsptttt [Weiland spits on the wall].

And now, dancing.

Hey Weiland — Say It Don't Spray It! [LA Times]
Scott Weiland Dances [YouTube]

Half Of Stone Temple Pilots Sued By Atlantic Records

Anthony Miccio — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EDT

Oh, those canny DeLeo brothers. When Atlantic released them from Stone Temple Pilots' recording contract, the label probably thought they were just getting out of having to promote whatever Talk Show/Army Of Anyone crap these guys were going to come up with next. A Stone Temple Pilots reunion? How likely was that? Weiland would either stick with a good (for him) thing like Velvet Revolver, or die. But now that the unthinkable (or at least un-particularly thought about) reunion has occurred, the remaining members on the contract (Weiland and Eric Kretz) are claiming the old deal's invalid. (and I'm guessing the reason is more "LiveNation" than "Radiohead.") Not only does Atlantic want the court to state that Stone Temple Pilots still has one to three records left to make for the label, they want the band to pay their label fees. But when the bands sees the fans yelling "do 'Plush!'" it's all worth it.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, claims lead singer Scott Weiland and drummer Eric Kretz have threatened to stop performing under their contract and have indicated they would like to end the agreement unless Atlantic makes significant changes.

The record company said in the suit that while Stone Temple Pilots has already delivered six albums, it wants the group to record a seventh album and deliver up to two more if Atlantic decides it wants them.

...Atlantic said in the lawsuit that the group — Weiland, Kretz and the DeLeos — was now touring successfully and had indicated its intention to record together again. The record company said its contract with Stone Temple Pilots was written under New York laws and that the musicians are trying to use California laws to terminate it.

Atlantic said claims by Kretz and Weiland that they have a right to terminate the contract "have given rise to a definite, real and substantial controversy between the parties that threatens to harm Atlantic's business."

Atlantic is seeking a court declaration of its rights under the recording contract, the costs of its legal fees and any other relief the court decides is appropriate.

A spokesperson for Stone Temple Pilots had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.

Man, not only do these guys have to make it through three more months of touring in uncomfortable silence, they may be forced by law to record another album for Atlantic. Moral of the story: if you currently do not have to work with Weiland...keep it that way.

Schlock-shock radio hosts Opie and Anthony ...

Anthony Miccio — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:30:50 EDT

Schlock-shock radio hosts Opie and Anthony have come forward with some details about the hour-plus delay before Stone Temple Pilots' show this weekend. The duo claim bassist Robert "Apology Accepted, Brother" DeLeo was screaming "come on out, Axl!" at Weiland's bus, which a large bodyguard kept him from entering. DeLeo then called Weiland's female assistant a variety of hateful words, demanding she be taken off the tour, before addressing the finally-accounted-for Weiland with an angry "can you even do the show?" before the band finally sauntered onto the stage. Only three more months of touring left, guys! [FoundryMusic]

Weiland Already Delaying Gigs, Apologizing For Himself On STP Tour?

Anthony Miccio — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:45:00 EDT

Coming out an hour late, forgetting lyrics, slurring apologetic introductions that get cut off by visibly annoyed band members—sounds like Weiland is back and better than ever! When Slash wakes up in a couple of hours and grabs The New York Times before enjoying his bagel (but after putting on on slippers, a bath towel, and a snake), the description of Stone Temple Pilots' New York show will undoubtedly inspire a smirk.

Scott Weiland, the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, had just a few words for the crowd at the PNC Bank Arts Center on Saturday night, and that was probably a good thing. Two weeks into this post-grunge band's reunion tour, he seemed bedraggled and bushed, like a scarecrow. His first comments were barely coherent, and what came next was dispiriting. "Sometimes you make crazy choices," he said, in a distinctly undefiant tone.

Mr. Weiland noted that this was a hometown show for half of the band, the brothers Robert and Dean DeLeo, who play bass and guitar. "I apologize for ..." he started to add.

"Apology accepted, brother," Robert DeLeo said quickly, changing the subject and hustling on with the show.

... the feeling imparted by these performances was desultory and joyless. The band never rose above a sort of grim competence.

It was the same with Mr. Weiland. While he expertly struck the image of a rock star — strutting and preening, and shedding his white jacket and T-shirt to reveal a sinewy torso — his voice sounded less flexible than usual, and he sometimes seemed nearly out of breath. He forgot some lyrics and flubbed others, and often used a megaphone as a prop, or perhaps a crutch.

There's already footage of Weiland's attempt at apologizing for — I dunno, everything? — on YouTube.

Want more mumbling? Watch Weiland cling to the mic, before eventually sitting down, during "Creep."

Can Weiland make it till Aug. 31, when the tour finally comes to a close at Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival? Can I resist noting that Stone Temple Pilots is planning to wrap up its tour in Seattle, which is kind of a "hometown show" for the band's success?

Lead Singer Back in the Fold, Not Back From the Edge [NYT]
Stone Temple Pilots - Lady Picture Show @ PNC Bank Arts [YouTube via Blabbermouth]
Creep [YouTube]

Weiland Dyes...His Hair Before First Big STP Show

Anthony Miccio — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Yes, the former not-Vedder turned former not-Axl revealed a new look when he, the DeLeo brothers and that scrawny drummer dude performed their tiny music at the Rock On The Range Festival in Columbus, Ohio. The 17-song set actually featured a track from Shangri-La Dee Da, "Coma," along with the hit singles and Core album tracks. Hey, what about "Art School Girl?"

The setlist:

01. Big Empty
02. Wicked Garden
03. Big Bang Baby
04. Vasoline
05. Lady Picture Show
06. Lounge Fly
07. Crackerman
08. Sour Girl
09. Creep
10. Plush
11. Interstate Love Song
12. Coma
13. Down
14. All In The Suit That You Wear
15. Sex Type Thing
16. Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart
17. Dead and Bloated

Bassist Robert DeLeo told The Pulse of Radio that he wasn't nervous about the band making its comeback in front of such a huge audience. "No, I just feel like there's a lot of myself feeling comfortable with what I do onstage and, you know, sometimes you get in the way of yourself," he said. "And I think we all have those issues once in a while, and I think just keeping an open attitude and just trying to have a positive attitude and enjoy this would be great."
Joining STONE TEMPLE PILOTS on Saturday were FINGER ELEVEN, SHINEDOWN, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SERJ TANKIAN, STAIND, DISTURBED, ASHES DIVIDE, AIRBOURNE, RED, 10 YEARS, THEORY OF A DEADMAN and FILTER.

Hope somebody remembered to yell "Army Of Anyone reunion!" during Filter's set. Here is a completely fucking ridiculous clip of STP playing "Coma" live in 2000, so we can see what we've been surviving without all these years.

I forgot that Weiland was rocking a Night Porter shtick before Velvet Revolver! Ugh.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS Kicks Off Reunion Tour At ROCK ON THE RANGE [Blabbermouth]

Van Nuys Got 14 Minutes To Save The Weil

Anthony Miccio — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:15:00 EDT

Shut up, that pun is awesome. You will not be able to get it out of your head. And it refers to the 14 minutes that Weiland spent considering the errors of his ways in a jail cell in Van Nuys, Calif. What do you think he thought about as he marked away the minutes on the wall? Was he filled with gratitude at the forgiving nature of the DeLeo brothers? Did he resent the way Slash must be chortling at his predicament? Was he thinking about whether this would be the time he finally cleaned up and got his life together? Did he wish the cops would take more time with his wounded hand, because it likes to heal, he likes to steal? TMZ, please get your hands on the security tape.

Weiland served just 10 of [his sentenced] 192 hours. Of those 10 hours, according to his prison records, he spent a total of 14 minutes in a prison cell. Weiland, who has struggled with substance abuse off-and-on for years, had until May 28th to serve out his sentence; Stone Temple Pilots' reunion tour kicks off May 17th in Columbus, Ohio.

On November 21st, Weiland, who recently split with Velvet Revolver on very sour terms, was involved in a non-injury collision on an LA highway. The cops who were investigating the scene reported that he "exhibited signs of impairment," and he was arrested. This was his second DUI arrest.

In addition to jail time, Weiland was also ordered to complete an 18-month alcohol program and pay almost $2,000 in fines. He has also been put on a four-year summary probation period.

He's half the man he used to be. This I feel as as the dawn, it fades to gray.

Scott Weiland released from prison after serving 14 minutes [MTV]

Slash Gives Eddie Trunk The Final Word (We Hope)

Anthony Miccio — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:30:00 EDT

The MSG Network^* has released an interview with Slash hosted by Matt Pinfield, who really needs to give up the cheaply toupee'd "Eddie Trunk" persona he's created. Nobody's fooled. Mr. "Trunk" (yeah, right) explains that he's been so busy lately that he's only been able to read 85% of Slash's book, and even that's just because he's had some cross-country flights. Despite this riveting look into the life of a radio personality (what, doesn't he read on the toilet?), Slash is somehow able to go on with explaining just what happened with Weiland, and he hints at why we should give up on the Axl dream.

The closest moment to bitchiness is Slash's obvious disbelief that all will be well with Weiland once STP is back in action. Slash's references to seeking a great unknown singer with a "regular blue collar-type guy...with a decent work ethic" rather than a "pop-star mentality" does seem like a set up for an eventual reality show.

Eddie Trunk Interviews Slash of Velvet Revolver [YouTube via Blabbermouth]

^* Wait, Michael Schenker has a network now?

California Court Puts A Crimp In Weiland's Busy Schedule

Maura Johnston — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EDT

Scott Weiland has been sentenced to eight days in the pokey, four years probation, and 18 months in an alcohol awareness program after pleading no contest to a DUI charge he received back in November and receiving his second lifetime DUI conviction. The excommunicated Velvet Revolver frontman has to serve his jail time before May 28, which is sort of a good news/bad news thing because while this means he has to get it out of the way before Stone Temple Pilots' tour kicks off on May 17, it also means that he has to somehow squeeze in eight days' worth of jail time into his next three-ish weeks fo rehearsals, jean fittings, and all those other things that frontmen do before embarking on big reunion tours. On the bright side, though, this forced absence from the DeLeo brothers should at least push the band's first big public fight back by at least a week or so. [AP]

Scott Weiland and Steve Albini, Together At Last

Anthony Miccio — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:05:00 EDT

Yes, I know Steve Albini worked with Bush, but Bush was trying very, very hard to be cool at the time. All that "oh, I love Jesus Lizard" stuff Gavin said, I believe it was genuine. And yes, Albini worked with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, but come on, that was Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Scott Weiland, though? A Scott Weiland that in Velvet Revolver at the time this must have been planned? A Scott Weiland that was being too obnoxious for Slash to stomach? A Scott Weiland bringing along the drummer from No Doubt? I'm not saying "dude, Albini sold out." I'm saying, "man, I hope they paid his mortgage and studio equipment bills forty times over in exchange for putting a mic in front of that choad."

According to The Pulse of Radio, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and former VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland told satellite shock jock Howard Stern on Wednesday morning (April 23) that he is currently working on his second solo album with producer Steve Albini for a November release. Weiland was joined on the call by NO DOUBT drummer Adrian Young, who is also playing on the record. A release date and title have yet to be revealed. Weiland's first solo effort, "12 Bar Blues", was issued in 1998.

Has it really been a decade? It seems like it was just yesterday that I wasn't hearing "Barbarella" on the radio. Weiland announced last year that "the dream" was to record three songs at Albini's studio, but there was no promise that Albini was going to be there. Oh, to be a greedy fly on the wall.

Throw a little of Albini's patented The Weirdness grime on there, and bam. Rock is back.

SCOTT WEILAND Working On Second Solo Album [Blabbermouth]
Scott Weiland - Barbarella [Youtube]

Stone Temple Pilots' Big Banging Reunion Plans Seem Just A Bit Premature

Maura Johnston — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Weiland and the DeLeo brothers haven't even played the first show on their 2008 comeback tour yet, but that hasn't stopped bassist Robert DeLeo from mouthing off to Billboard about the band heading back into the studio to ~~milk their current detente for all it's worth~~ record another album. "I think new material will come probably after this tour. I think the whole thing now is kind of getting back and re-acclimating ourselves to the songs that we know. I think that's gonna make for a better atmosphere and better performances ... instead of doing a new record." Well, who knows, maybe all their problems back in the day stemmed from being cooped up in a studio together for too long. (See? Positive thinking!) I shouldn't rain on their honeymoon-after-the-second-marriage parade—instead, I should just hope that they don't get inspired by the retro atmosphere of the tour to write new songs like "Plush," but that they do get re-inspired by "Big Bang Baby," because that song is still awesome:

Stone Temple Pilots - Big Bang Baby [YouTube]
Stone Temple Pilots Hope To Hit Studio Post-Tour [Billboard]

Slash Getting Rather Catty About Weiland's Dismissal

Anthony Miccio — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EDT

"We gave him the cold shoulder in the UK like nobody's business. There were a couple of arguments around the stage, but other than that, nobody spoke to him. I imagine he was quite uncomfortable. No wonder he didn't have a good time. Then he told everyone in Glasgow that the whole band was over. We were like, 'Oh, well, I guess we've got a surprise coming for you, Scott.'" Oh, snap! Hey, making fun of Weiland is our job, Slash. You don't see me shirtless, wearing a top hat and playing the theme from The Godfather in front of Matt Sorum's drum kit. Yet. The new issue of Kerrang! features even more bon mots from the toxic hairball about Weiland's "extradition" from Velvet Revolver.

[Scott] didn't know that we were already planning on extraditing him. When we started touring the second record, it just felt like we were losing Scott as far as our connection went. During the tour with Alice In Chains [in August 2007], he was just out to lunch. When he came back, he was supposed to go to rehab, so we postponed our Austrailian tour but he didn't really go to rehab. That was the final blow. We had a lot of commitments, like the tour in the UK, which we didn't want to go back on, so we wanted to finish those before telling him.

...No, I never called him ["Junior Axl"]. There were a few similarities though. What became really irritating was that I had the same problem with Scott as I had when I toured with Axl. I just couldn't get the guy onstage on time. That I can't accept. I will not do it again. I will not be in a situation where a guy is making the audience wait half an hour or an hour or more. It's criminal. I don't know who someone thinks he is when tries to get away with that sort of thing.

Ultimate proof that Slash is still an utter fucking rock star? "We flew to Dubai together, I think, when we played recently. Well, I think I remember him being on the plane, anyway."

I'm totally stealing that.

SLASH On Last Tour With SCOTT WEILAND: 'We Gave Him The Cold Shoulder Like Nobody's Business' [Blabbermouth]

Slash May Have Known Weiland Had To Go For A While

Anthony Miccio — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Has there been another case where the firing of a singer led to such excitement? Ok, maybe the end of Van Hagar, but that was a "welcome back" thing, and the reaction was nothing like the way Weiland's departure from Velvet Revolver seems to have loosened the world's sphincter a tad. Or at least Slash's. "Everybody's just very relieved," says Slash. "I know everybody is tying the STP [reunion tour] thing to it, but it started way before that. We just had a lot of commitments to fulfill, so we just had to drag this thing out until the obligations were finished." But our nightmare is over! So what about his replacement?

"There's some people, but it's really premature to start naming names. We actually worked with a guy, I won't mention his name, before we left to go to the U.K. and there just wasn't enough to break him in, so we're gonna work with him again some more, and maybe some other guys as well."

It's won't be Sebastian Bach, though. "I thought [Weiland] could be a little bit more imaginative. I'm not sure if that was meant to be a pot shot or what. Whatever, it's not worth any real drama." Yes it is, Slash! Kick his Big Bang Baby ass! We came for blood.

New Music From Guns'n'Roses [Planet Gossip]
Exclusive: Velvet Revolver's Slash Talks Weiland Split, Search for New Singer [Rolling Stone]

Matt Sorum To Weiland: "Oh Yeah, We'll Miss You Too I Guess"

Maura Johnston — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Matt Sorum's European tour-ending blog post unwittingly reveals just where Scott Weiland ranked in the grand scheme of things: "Want to give a very special thanks to our amazing crew, These are the guys and girl that work there asses off bouncing around on a tour bus then getting up after no sleep to set up all the gear, get the dressing rooms ready, food for the crew and band etc etc. Hard working dedicated people who love the traveling rock n roll show. They are the foundation of Velvet Revolver. Love U guys!!!! .... As for Scott I wish him well." Not even a "thank you," Matt? Look for Weiland to have a 250-word rebuttal to not getting top billing over the people who put out the deli trays by around noon or so. [Matt Sorum's Blog]

Weiland To Velvet Revolver: Whatevs

Jess Harvell — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:45:00 EDT

A day after the not-entirely-unexpected bomb dropped that Velvet Revolver had finally banded together to relieve "erratic" frontman Scott Weiland of his duties, comments boxes and drive-time rock DJs are still reeling over the better-late-than-never news. An unemployed Weiland, on the other hand, is doing his best to remain unfazed, soldiering on with his recently reconciled bros in STP and offering a terse, bitchy dismissal of VR's accusation that he was the weakest link in a chain of shady reprobates. He's also graciously offered his former bandmates his considered opinion on which classic metal shrieker should get his old gig, provided Slash and Co. can woo this possible replacement away from a lucrative gig opening for Poison.

"Personally speaking, I choose to look forward to the future and performing with a group of friends I have known my entire life, people who have always had my back," Weiland continued. "This also speaks to my commitment to my music and my fellow bandmates in [Stone Temple Pilots] and to the fans who I feel would much rather watch a group of musicians who enjoy being together as opposed to a handful of discontents who at one time used to call themselves a gang."

In conclusion, Weiland warned fans not to be "fooled by veiled trickery," and even wished Velvet Revolver his best. "Good hunting, lads — I think Sebastian Bach would be a fantastic choice."

C'mon, Scott, there's no way they're going to court such an ardent Axl-supporter, even though a Velvet Revolver album of Broadway standards would be...something.

Scott Weiland Fires Back At Velvet Revolver [MTV]

SO NOT A JOKE: Weiland Ejected From Velvet Revolver

Anthony Miccio — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EDT

It's official! We even called to verify! WEILAND IS NO LONGER IN VELVET REVOLVER. Ding-dong, the witch is dead. Which old witch? The wicked witch! Ding-dong, the wicked witch is dead.

Velvet Revolver founding members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner announced today that they are parting ways with singer Scott Weiland. "This band is all about its fans and its music and Scott Weiland isn't 100% committed to either," said Slash. "Among other things, his increasingly erratic on-stage behavior and personal problems have forced us to move on."

Apply now, aging long hairs!

Velvet Revolver to Part Ways With Singer [Business Wire]
[Photo: AP]

Slash Finally Realizes Weiland Is Velvet Revolver's Weakest Link

Anthony Miccio — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Slash promises that Velvet Revolver will record a third album, with or (please please please) without Weiland. "We don't know how or when but the core four guys will continue," he was quoted as saying. It's a heartwarming response to the bitchfits his estranged compatriot has been issuing to the world, as there's no reason The Band Formerly Known As Guns N' Roses should back a grating, obnoxious hack who can't get his pipes around anything on Appetite For Destruction except "It's So Easy," making him more of a rock dodo than a rock dinosaur. But now that The Big Empty might be out of the picture, which grating, obnoxious hack (with more vocal range) should replace him?

1. Axl Rose
Just saying.

2. Any pop-metal singer that can still shriek
Sebastian Bach. Tom Kiefer. Taime Downe. Steve Whiteman. Ian Astbury. Vince Neil. Ronnie James Dio. Jack Russell. Melissa Etheridge. Just not that dude from Tesla. Did you see that Station Family Fund benefit? That voice is gone. Ouch. I'm talking "DuckTales, ooh-ooh."

3. Rod Stewart
Velvet Revolver needs somebody who can sing. Rod Stewart needs someone who can get him off the "Great Clive Davis Songbook" train and back on a Faces trip. I used to say Rod The Mod should lead Audioslave (DID I BLOW YOUR MIND? GOOD.), but it looks like that band has got its Rage on again, so seize the opportunity to work with a legend, Slash. Duff. Matt. The guy with the skullcap.

4. Courtney Love
Think of the publicity!

5. Kelly Clarkson

Failing this, they could always call up Amanda Overmeyer. Doubt she's busy.

Slash: 'Velvet Revolver might continue without Scott Weiland' [NME
[Photo: WENN]

So Much For Velvet Revolver Opening Up For Led Zeppelin

Maura Johnston — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:30:49 EDT

While his bassist, Duff McKagan, was jawing about maybe being the support act for that Led Zeppelin tour that probably isn't happening anyway, Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland was seething inside, angry that the reunion of his first band was being pushed to the side by the press and the dudes who were supposed to be his bandmates, at least until said reunion took off. He finally began the popping-off process last week, telling a Glasgow audience that they were witnessing the band's final tour. VR drummer Matt Sorum posted an apology for Weiland's actions on his blog, saying that being in a band was "a lot like being in a relationship" and indirectly implying that Weiland was behaving like the crazy one—a theory that gained a little bit of traction when the skinny frontman fired off a statement to Blabbermouth.net:

"Responding to our drummer's [Matt Sorum] rant about why the band is in a state of flux:

"Well, first of all, the state of my family affairs is really none of his business, since he is too immature to have a real relationship, let alone children. So don't attempt to stand in a man's shoes when you haven't walked his path. Secondly, 'keeping rock 'n' roll alive?' I've made many attempts to remain cordial with the members of VR, but mainly, the likes of you. Funny though — this is your FIRST band, as opposed to being a hired gun. I've been making records (now on my ninth), which have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have maintained a level of professionalism regardless of how many drugs I've ingested into my system. I have only cancelled one tour during the entire course of my 16-year run and that was the 'make-up' Australia tour. Now, shall I open that can of worms, Matthew? Release the Kraken? Serve... Volley! You cancelled the Aussie tour in the fall because you went to rehab, but I won't say why... we'll just let Blabbermouth find out for themselves.

"As for our fans — I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you. And will continue to do so until the end of this tour. However, you deserve to hear VELVET REVOLVER playing... not certain individuals singing along to get a muddied up sound. God forbid — could one imagine if I grabbed a guitar and started soloing along with Slash? That would never happen because I know my place. It's a shame... we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone. I wish the best and plan to annihilate the stage in the last few shows.

"On a separate note, we did an STP [STONE TEMPLE PILOTS] photo shoot before this tour and it was fun, inspiring and it gave me that thrill — that feeling that got my rocks off from the get-go."

And how did Slash, Duff, and Matt respond? By leaking photos of them hanging out with Robert Plant sans Weiland. Somehow I don't think that photos of STP chilling backstage with 3 Doors Down will have as much of the same punch.

Glasgow gig [MattSorum.tv]
SCOTT WEILAND Fires Back At MATT SORUM: 'Ego And Jealousy Can Get The Better Of Anyone' [Blabbermouth]
VELVET REVOLVER Hanging Backstage With ROBERT PLANT; Photo Available [Blabbermouth]

Scott Weiland is Still Not Dead, at least ...

Jess Harvell — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:15:00 EDT

Scott Weiland is Still Not Dead, at least as far as Velvet Revolver bandmate Duff McKagan knows, but U.K. fans probably shouldn't get their hopes up that he won't disappear halfway through the group's upcoming tour. Did the other members of VR ever think about one of those kid-leashes? He's probably skinny enough to wriggle out of one, though. [Blabbermouth]

The location of the missing Weiland revealed: ...

Jess Harvell — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:45:08 EST

The location of the missing Weiland revealed: "The pilot wouldn't fly from Miami to the Salt Lake City Airport because of extremely poor visibility and a potential poor weather system that made it dangerous for the plane to fly to Salt Lake City. Two hours into the flight, it was diverted to the Van Nuys Airport (in Los Angeles). " Sorry, I won't believe it 100 percent until I see him walking around not encased in carbonite in Jabba The Hutt's palace. [Blabbermouth]

Scott Weiland Is Missing And Only You Can Find Him

Jess Harvell — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:55:35 EST

So Scott Weiland missed a Velvet Revolver concert at the Sundance Film Fest on Sunday and no one has a reasonable explanation as to his whereabouts. "Dead or in jail," I hear you saying, while the official word is that "speculation from inside the band's camp said the singer had missed his flight to Sundance for the performance." But is it really so innocent? What if he was kidnapped? What if he managed to escape from his housebreaking crate in Slash's basement before the Weiland-sitter could find him? And even if he just missed his flight, where could he be? Well, we had some thoughts on the matter after the jump.

Paris Beats at Tao [pagesix.com via Blabbermouth]

Thanks to that DUI charge, Velvet Revolver ...

jharv — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:30:37 EST

Thanks to that DUI charge, Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland now faces a "maximum penalty of one year county jail and a $1000 fine, and a minimum penalty eight days in jail (because of the prior conviction and the refusal to take a drug test). His car could also be impounded for up to 30 days." Upside? L.A. drivers might get a reprieve from Weiland being behind the wheel. [Blabbermouth]

So apparently Scott Weiland was arrested ...

jharv — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:30:09 EST

So apparently Scott Weiland was arrested back in November for "crashing his car and failing sobriety tests" and nobody bothered reporting it until today? Because sometimes even celebrity law enforcement stories slip through the gossip cracks? Or because no one can keep up with Weiland-related DUI's anymore? (Side note: which of these photos is "sexier," People's or MTV's?) [MTV]

Steven Adler's Dream Of Getting Back Together With The Guys Still Burns Bright

mjohnston — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:40:08 EDT

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler sat down for a chat with the Latin American online radio station Rockum Radio recently, and during his long, slurry monologue he talked about how American people are pretty much bitter jerks (OK, I get that), his upcoming judging gig for the Cannabis Cup, how Matt Sorum pretty much took over his life (guess Americans are bitter!), and how he still holds the belief that the original Appetite-era lineup of Guns N' Roses will, someday, get together. Perhaps when Chinese Democracy comes out.

"It's been wonderful because I've been talking to them a lot lately. They feel the same way I do — it's just a matter of Axl wanting to, [being] ready to do it. But all four of us wanna do this — have a nice, good reunion and play for everybody. Finish what we started doing. That's what we wanna do. And Slash and Izzy and Duff — even Axl, but I Axl wants to put his record out. I don't know... I can't say."

(Transcription via Blabbermouth.) You get the feeling that everyone just really wants to be nice to Steve from all of these interviews he's doing, right? And that no one has the heart to take him aside and say, "Look, this just isn't going to happen, dude." Maybe they have about as much faith in Chinese Democracy ever coming out as I do, so they figure that "Axl wanting to put his record out" is the ultimate excuse, and they're probably hoping against hope that the guy never gets his shit together.

In all fairness to Adler, though, out of everything he does say, there's one thing (aside from his repeated assertions that he loves to smoke up) that doesn't seem completely borne from his head. And that's the fact that Weiland may be kind of a dick:

"Yeah, it was great. Matt Sorum and that other guy, that singer, that Scott Weiland guy [of VELVET REVOLVER] — that's why Slash didn't come up and play, because they kept calling him and being all upset, like, 'What are you doing here?' Like little babies, little kids. I was like, 'What the fuck? Just go have him play a couple of songs.' They were like, 'Oh, we don't want you to.' It was crazy."

See, I can believe that! So maybe he's not wrong about the Guns N' Roses thing ... right? Oh, come on, I'm just trying to be nice.

Steven Adler interview [MP3; rockumweb.com, via Blabbermouth]
[Photo via MySpace]