As the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, the supergroup Velvet Revolver, and his newest ensemble, the Wildabouts, Scott Weiland has had a storied career. He’s produced hits like “Wicked Garden” and “Vasoline” and played with the remaining members of the Doors for their “Stoned Immaculate” tribute album.
With his worldwide fame and infamy, it’s worth pointing out that the dude got his start in the local Southern California music landscape. He also surfs.
“I surf occasionally in the summertime — not much as I used to,” Weiland said in an interview last week. “I have an 11’6” epoxy board.”
He grew up in the mid ‘80s, when the hardcore punk scene still had a major pulse in Southern California.
“I saw Black Flag and Circle Jerks a couple of times when I was younger,” Weiland said. “They were both amazing.”
Weiland met STP bassist Robert DeLeo at a Black Flag concert in Long Beach 1986. As they discussed which ladies they were after, they realized they were chasing the same chick. Thus began a friendship. They moved into together and over the years developed STP. Part of the bands’ upbringing included sharpening their chops in the local circuits, including the South Bay.
“I played several clubs there on my way up,” Weiland said, “including opening for Neil Young at the Long Beach arena.”
Weiland’s current band, the Wildabouts, are on touring playing smaller venues giving the audience a more intimate performance. The choice of venues fits the Wildabouts more organic and raw sound.
“It’s an eclectic mix of hard rock riffs with a garage sound to give it some durge,” Weiland said.”It’s a Wildabout experience!”
| Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts play Wednesday at Saint Rocker in Hermosa Beach with Los Angeles’ “freak out rock an’ roll group,” Icarus Line and and fellow Los Angelino Garrett Lee Robinson. Doors open at 6 p.m/, show starts at 8 p.m. See SaintRocke.com for tickets. |
