Scott Weiland’s Guitarist Bites the Hand That Feeds
January 8th, 2009 by Leilani Polk in Arts, Music, 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 3:51 am
I can’t believe it bothered you so much that you are blogging about somebody else blog. I think what Grean said was totally cool. Fans chanting “GNR” or “STP” at VR concerts happened, and it wasn’t cool to do there either. And I do believe that the band did address that at live shows and in a few interviews as well. VR had to repeatedly ask fans to not think of them as their former bands, but to take them on as Velvet Revolver. So what’s so different this time?? I don’t think that it’s fair to knock Grean down for communicating with SW fans on show courtesies.
January 9th, 2009 at 4:01 am
and one more thing… bite the hand that feeds? Like you as a fan should be praised and worshipped for buying a $10 CD? And how DARE an artist treat you like a human being? Treat you like the average joe you are?? AND who the fuck is he?? Doug Grean that’s who!! Scott Weiland that’s who!! Real people with real feelings with REAL TALENT. People like you sicken me. This is energy wasted you know that?? Go do something notable.
January 9th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Well, I have actually emailed Mr. Grean a few times, and he has always been nice, gracious, and given me proportional answers to my questions, sometimes going above and beyond. He seems like a stand-up guy. I have also been onstage, and I can only imagine what it would be like if you were playing a show, and people were demanding you play other stuff. Imagine if Cosby were onstage, and people kept yelling out “Do the dentist thing!” Or, if you were Carlin (RIP), and people kept shouting “Do the Seven Words!” This is how musicians feel.
Grean was nice enough to just explain why they aren’t playing more songs form STP, that they can still do it, they won’t get mad, but that it wasn’t going to happen, and they could save their breath if they want. I like that Doug communicates with fans. I hope he continues to do so.