Update (5:25 pm Eastern): TMZ reports that Weiland’s bandmate Tommy Black has been arrested and charged with fifth degree felony possession of drugs. Authorities found cocaine in the bedroom where Weiland was found as well as “another small amount of the same substance in an area of the bus occupied by Black.”
Update (2:30 pm Eastern): Tributes are pouring in from fellow musicians via social media (see below).
Scott Weiland, the former frontman for Stone Temple Pilots and later with Velvet Revolver, has died at 48. Though the cause of death was not immediately known, Weiland had struggled with drug addiction for years.
A brief note on the singer’s Facebook page read simply:
“Scott Weiland, best known as the lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts. At this time we ask that the privacy of Scott’s family be respected.”
After the news broke overnight, the Los Angeles Times contacted his wife, Jamie Weiland, who confirmed his death: “I can’t deal with this right now,” she said, sobbing. “It’s true.”
TMZ reported Weiland’s body was discovered on his tour bus near the Medina Ballroom where the band was scheduled to perform on Thursday night.
The Wildabouts current U.S. tour was to continue through December 22nd. Their Thursday night performance scheduled for Minnesota was obviously canceled.
In late July, the band abruptly canceled a U.K. tour scheduled for September and October. They released an album, Blaster, on March 31st, the day after the band’s lead guitarist, Jeremy Brown, died. Reports indicate the cause of death was multiple drug intoxication.
Tributes:
Joe Perry via Twitter (@JoePerry): “Extremely saddened to have read Scott Weiland passed. Such a gifted performer. My thoughts are with your loved ones, friends & fans.”
Nirvana bassist/co-founder Krist Novoselić via Twitter (@KristNovoselic): “Really sorry to hear about Scott Weiland.”
Alice Cooper via Twitter (@RealAliceCooper): “Deeply saddened by the passing of singer #ScottWeiland. What a voice we’ve lost. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Slash via Twitter & Instagram (@Slash): “Sad day. RIP Scott Weiland.”
Dave Navarro via Twitter (@DaveNavarro): “Its not my loss, its our loss. Send your thoughts toward the family!”
Billy Idol via Twitter (@BillyIdol): “Scott Weiland was a great guy super talented..I played on shows with STP & Velvet Revolver & he owned the stage! RIP”
Tommy Lee via Twitter (@MrTommyLand): “Scott Weiland was just found dead on his tour bus :(. Very sad.”
Heart via Twitter (@officialheart) & Instagram (@heartofficial): “We have been running in Scott’s circles off and on for many years. It’s so very sad to us that such a crazy talented artist may have lost to the insidious demon addiction. His battles were numerous with a few victories along the way. Such a crushing waste that he could not reach his 50 th year victorious and alive making more music. #RIPScottWeiland”
Tony Kanal via Twitter (@TonyKanal): “A band is a family. My heart goes out to Robert, Eric and Dean tonight #StoneTemplePilots”
Queensrÿche via Twitter (@queensryche): “Just learned that Scott Weiland has died. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family. RIP Scott. #diedtoosoon #RIP”
Nikki Sixx via Twitter (@NikkiSixx): “Sad to hear about Scott’s passing. I hope it wasn’t drugs. The saddest part of the story is his kids and family being left behind. RIP”
Foghat via Twitter (@FOGHAT) & Facebook: “We are sad to hear about the passing of Scott Weiland. Our thoughts are with his family & friends today.”
Duff McKagan via Twitter (@DuffMcKagan) & Instagram (@officialduffmckagan): “We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our old friend and bandmate, Scott Weiland. We experienced a good chunk of life with Scott, and even in his darkest times, we all had hope and love for him. His artistry will live on, of that, there is no doubt…It’s just so sad and brutal from any perspective.”
Bryan Adams via Twitter (@BryanAdams): “RIP Scott Weiland. The world needs more great rockers, not less. #ScottWeiland”
Best Classic Bands will update the story throughout the day.
