Veteran music journalist Greg Prato has once again aimed his estimable
literary skills at unraveling the enigma and ultimate tragedy of former
Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland. The singer was
truly one of the most gifted vocalists and lyricists in rock, and the haunted
tracks he created both with STP and later with Slash's Velvet Revolver stand
to this day as examples of how hard rock can be both melodic and passionate.
To flesh out Weiland's portrait, author Prato digs deep into the memories of
over 30 musicians and assorted individuals who played key roles in the
singer's life. Interviewed here is everyone from members of Blind Melon,
Meat Puppets, and Megadeth to people like journalist David Ritz, video
directors Kevin Kerslake and Josh Taft, producer/engineer Chris Goss, as
well as friends and supporters including Richard Patrick, Bob Forrest, Matt
Pinfield, and Eddie Trunk.
This excellently-researched book covers Weiland's entire legacy including
his classic work with Stone Temple Pilots and such landmark releases as
Core, Purple and Tiny Music...Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop, which
accounted for millions of albums sold and spawned such memorable songs as
"Sex Type Thing," "Interstate Love Song," "Plush," Creep," "Vasoline," and
many more.
No book on the singer would be complete or true without looking into
Weiland's dark side, which included a struggle with drugs that would ultimately
claim his life at age 48 in 2015. Prato lifts back the bloody bandages on those
particular demons and sheds new light on Weiland's
addiction and longtime battle.
This is a must-read book for anyone interested in Weiland, STP, or Velvet
Revolver. Prato has a unique way of connecting the dots in this oral history
narrative, and you would be well-advised to check this one out.