Scott Weiland’s guitarist bites the hand that feeds
January 8th, 2009 by Joel Weiss in News
Doug Grean is ready for his moment in the sun – and after putting up with the unpredictable antics of a songwriting partner like Scott Weiland, I can’t really blame him. The Los Angeles producer/musician and the erratic Stone Temple Pilots frontman began collaborating back in 1998, and sixteen of their co-written songs appear on Weiland’s latest solo album Happy In Galoshes. He wears the ridiculous (self-imposed?) title of “musical director” in Weiland’s band. I have no problem admitting I’ve never heard of the guy, and I’m betting you haven’t either. But Grean’s blog post recapping Weiland’s recent solo tour irritates me as a music fan
Read it after the jump.
“People having been yelling for us to play STP songs at every show and this is understandable. But you guys have to understand a few things. To begin with, there is a another band called STP that is actually out there touring and if you want to hear a whole set of STP tunes, you can pretty easily go see them; they were just on tour for five months and they are doing a few shows next week. So it’s not like they are broken up and you can’t ever see them anymore. That’s not the case. So that’s one reason not to sit there screaming STP at a Scott solo show. Also, Scott WANTS to play his solo stuff, that’s what this ’solo’ touring stuff is all about. He wants to establish an identity for himself that separate from STP and [Velvet Revolver]. So if you buy a ticket to a Scott Weiland solo tour concert, you should be prepared to hear mostly Scott Weiland solo songs.”
“So if you want to come and yell STP at the shows, that’s cool. We don’t get mad or anything. And every one has the ‘freedom of speech,’ whatever they want. You could even yell ‘Doug Grean is a fat sloppy live guitar player’ and you’d be within your rights. But what I guess I’m asking you for is to be patient and understanding and let Scott do what he wants to do for now.”
Where, oh where do I start? I have so many questions! Like, “How stupid does he think we are?” and the immortal “Who the fuck does he think he is!?” Seriously. Who is he?
Doug’s right about a couple things. There is a band called STP, and they did tour in 2008. But as several thousand wet concertgoers at the Ford Amphitheatre last August can attest, seeing STP live isn’t exactly as simple as buying a ticket and showing up at the venue. But, Doug, just because you’re technically right about something doesn’t justify talking to your fans like they’re children.
And then there are established musicians like Weiland who branch out for a variety of reasons. There’s nothing wrong with side-projects or solo careers. But the moment your music affects the life of one other person – and this goes for all musicians – the music you create will be demanded, and not necessarily when it’s convenient for you. We’re not talking about the jokers who shout “Slayer!” at a metal show or “Free Bird” well, anywhere (btw, check comment #8 under the original post). We’re talking about, in this example, STP fans (and possibly the few Velvet Revolver fans) who give enough of a shit about Scott Weiland to check out his solo material.
I don’t know why Grean posted this rant. Maybe Weiland complained to Grean on tour. Who knows. But Scott Weiland has been at this rock game long enough to know what music fans are like. We’re rebellious. If you tell us how to enjoy your music (like this guy who fronts a different huge, recently-reunited 90’s alt-rock band), we’re gonna tell you how to go fuck yourself. I’m guessing Weiland knew enough not to bring it up outside of private conversation. He fronted Velvet Revolver – a “supergroup” formed of members from two of the biggest rock bands in recent memory. If anyone should be used to his audience shouting other bands’ songs, it’s him. It’s cute that Doug stuck up for him – but he protests too much on someone else’s behalf. I have no doubt Weiland wants to play his solo songs on his solo tour. There’s a certain “no duh” factor at play. As far as the concertgoers are concerned, you’re just along for the ride. So appreciate Scott’s fans, Doug. They most likely came to the show because of STP, and they will most likely continue to shout the names of STP songs - even louder now that you’ve complained about it! But they will also buy t-shirts and drinks, making sure you have enough gas to make the next gig.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Agreed. One acoustic rendition/encore of Plush or Big Empty would be enough to satiate some people, not to mention generate a little fan buzz (”you gotta stick around, he plays Big Empty at the very end”).
January 9th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Well put. These people heard about him through his work in other bands. After buying tickets to his show and giving him a chance at a solo career and these fans have the audacity to request songs he used to sing in a band he used to be in. Gosh, these crazy fans and there absurd requests. But maybe Grean was right these people should just not go to his shows and go to a STP concert. I’m sure they would rather that.
January 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
would you yell “Beatles” at a Paul McCartney concert??
C’mon. Grean was right on to “politely” communicate to Scotts wonderful fans that Scott is trying to build up his solo thing, and while at a Scott Weiland show, to yell “STP” is kind of off topic. But still flattering I’m sure :)
Thanks Doug for being so cool. We love you!
January 12th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
You really just compared Scott Weiland to Paul McCartney? I’m not even gonna pretend to be a Beatles fan, but that’s a mighty leap.
And last I checked, Sir Paul is fairly generous with the Beatles’ tunes at his gigs.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:34 am
I think it’s pretty rude to yell “STP” after EACH and EVERY song, which is what some blockheads at the Atlanta show were doing. That’s flat-out disrespectful.