With the awful news that former Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver vocalist Scott Weiland has passed away, I feel it’s necessary to recognize the impact that Stone Temple Pilots had with Scott fronting the band, and just how much I grew up listening and experiencing his voice at various points in my life.
I just turned 26 years old last month, and while the passage of time sometimes fades my childhood memories, one thing that does not erode is the memories I have listening to my favorite bands, and discovering new music for the first time. I can thank my dad for introducing me to the hair metal, classic rock/metal, and grunge bands that I still jam frequently to this day.
Sure, I still love Alice In Chains more than any of the “grunge” bands. Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Mudhoney follow close behind. But the swagger that I felt and saw when Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland would get on stage and slay the place? Priceless. As a shy, reserved young teen, I felt truly alive when I heard “Slither” for the first time, and even more so with Stone Temple Pilots. Core and Purple were two albums that resonated with me in middle school and high school, and I’m not sure I’ll ever listen to tracks like “Wicked Garden” the same way again. Core, in particular, was a solid debut that honestly never gets old to this day. Hearing Scott’s iconic voice will always be a reminder to me, to live your life to the fullest, make a mark on the world, and attempt to be the best at what you do.
Thank you, Scott, for all the years that you spent in my headphones and in my stereo. Your voice still rings out everywhere. Your fans loved you, you were a true icon in every sense of the word, and I speak for everyone when I say we only wish your time on Earth was longer.
I hope you’re jamming with Layne Staley, Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain in heaven.
