This is a tough one to talk about so it's best that you watch it and draw your own conclusions. We shot Q101 Twisted Fest last week and were in the room with Scott Weiland as this went down. To say that the room became "uncomfortable" is kind. Despite all good natured attempts, any measures taken to attempt to edit this for use before his band's set fell flat. Fortunately, our friends Adam and Ryan at Q101 were in the Christmas Spirit and let us share this with you.
The bottom line is that no record label, no matter how greedy they are, should be forcing this man to perform on tour for the next six months. No ifs, ands or buts about it. There's almost a lack of social responsibility in unleashing this man in his current state on the fans who are paying hard earned money to see him. We all know Scott is a genius and one of the best front men of all time but this a startling look inside the tortured artist at his most "ethereal."
It was a strange show. The band was thrown into several situations they weren't ready for. The first was when they played "Interstate Love Song" for the FIRST time. They had never rehearsed it with Weiland and hastily put together an acceptable but nervous version of the classic.
Late into the set, Scott climbed up on the guitar rigs and amps to tear down the 30 foot Q101 banners that hung behind the stage. After looking like a drunk chimpanzee, he gave up and grabbed the mic and uttered some nonsense like "Never ever, ever ever say these things about me. Never ever, ever ever, especially in this town. Ever!!"
He threw down the mic and left a befuddled audience grasping for the meaning of his cryptic words and behavior. Eventually, he would be pushed back onstage to perform his encores. It wasn't until we were in the dressing room of his band after the show that we learned the answer to the riddle of the century.
Scott's handlers and tour manager came in to join us for the beers the band pillaged from Eagles of Death Metal's green room. It went down like this. Scott had gazed upon the the banners and thought that it read "Scott Deadman Weiland" for the billing. Understandably, in his current condition, this could be an unacceptable interpretation. But the real travesty here is that they put such a marginal band's name next to his- resulting in this astonishingly dangerous Tarzan showcase. Had the banner come crashing down, Weiland would have certainly been severely injured and maybe have gotten the rest he so desperately needs.
But then again, it is the Devil (Thank God!) that rules Rock and Roll, not Guardian Angels. Poor Scott Weiland. Get Well Soon Brother. Thanks to Jeremy, Tommy, and Dan for letting us in the inner circle.
