R.I.P. Scott Weiland

[Cinjin]

1967 - 2015

Always a shame when yet another rock mega star can't keep his nose out of the sauce.

They never seem to learn from their predecessors.  Such a waste.  I always thought he was a real talent.

[vorlon13]

A price willingly paid ??


Ships are safe in harbor, but that is not what ships are for . . . .

[rexbeccarox]

I've seen him live so many times, with a bunch of his different projects; I've also seen him in varying states of non-sobriety. The most uncomfortable and awkward I ever saw him was when he was sober.

I was telling my sister the other day that, as a chronic, major depressive who refuses to take meds because they sap my creativity, I totally understand Scott Weiland's opposite approach. I'd honestly rather be dead than have to live life without it; I imagine he felt the same.

[Thumpalumpacus]

One hell of a singer.

[Faith No More]

Yeah, that sucks, but it's not surprising in the least. I heard a rumor that he used to carry around a suitcase full of drugs, Hunter S. Thompson style.

He was definitely a talent, and Purple is certainly one of the great rock albums of all time.

[Cato]

Sad. I was really happy for him when he seemed to have set aside his demons and enjoyed the success of Velvet Revolver. I remember thinking when his alcohol and cocaine abuse resurfaced contributing to Velvet Revolver disbanding that this would be the inevitable end. A tortured soul.

My wife's brother has been battling addiction for the 21 years I've known him. Battling may be the wrong word, fully succumbed may be more appropriate. He will look in my eyes and say he doesn't want help which means there's not a damn thing any of us can do about it but wait and watch the decline. Despite the strain on family relationships caused by some of his 'episodes', many are naively still waiting for him to hit bottom thinking that he will then accept the help others are still willing to provide. His father and I, both still firmly in the 'here to help' camp, see it a bit differently.

He has hit bottom and reconciled himself to existing there until his days are over. He used to discuss his addiction with a certain energy in his eyes and an indestructible attitude. He's added 10 years to his appearance in the last two. Gone is the vigor. Now he repeats the 'not going to quit because I enjoy it' mantra with a melancholy acceptance typical in those diagnosed with a terminal illness. He still works hard, but has nothing to show for it. He lives with no thought for the morrow. He used to keep a vegetable garden that was the envy of the community, but hasn't planted in two years. He used to enjoy playing chess when I came to town (usually about twice a year). I got in the habit of travelling with an inexpensive set that I would leave behind, which was never there on the next trip. I've taken the same board for two years now, not having played a game in that time. When we part after each visit, he laments that we didn't play and always says 'next time'. I fear that we've played our last game.

For every Weiland and Winehouse there are millions more that struggle along with their family and friends. I will miss Weiland's music and am glad he was able to share his talent with those of us who enjoyed it. Based on my personal experience I have profound empathy for his family and friends assuming that they too have been helplessly waiting with the constant desire to provide loving help. In addition to Scott resting in peace, I hope that his family and friends too find peace despite the loss.

[Faith No More]

Sad. I was really happy for him when he seemed to have set aside his demons and enjoyed the success of Velvet Revolver. I remember thinking when his alcohol and cocaine abuse resurfaced contributing to Velvet Revolver disbanding that this would be the inevitable end. A tortured soul.

I wouldn't be surprised if his death wasn't a result from the latest issues between he and the rest of STP. Apparently, they let him go without discussing it with him first, and he found out about it when they announced it publicly or something like that. I'm sure that sent him into a downward spiral.

Addiction is a powerful and deadly game. I had a friend that couldn't cope with his depression without drugs. He wasn't much of a social butterfly, either, so when he moved to college, he couldn't get any illicit drugs. So, he turned to the most readily available drug there is, and drowned his sorrows in the bottle. It got so bad that his doctor put him on antibuse, but his need to cope with drugs was so powerful that he kept drinking anyway. He wrecked his body and started having seizures that landed him in the hospital, and eventually his body just gave out. But he didn't stop drinking on antibuse. He died sitting in front of his computer, and his ex-girlfriend/roomate found him there. Even when it meant certain death, he just couldn't help himself.