Scott Weiland is singing in the rain these days and finally seems to be happy — thanks to his galoshes. The former front man of the rock royalty group, Velvet Revolver, is back on top and out of his 12 Bar Blues intoxication with his sophomore solo album, Happy In Galoshes. The twist? He also has been helping other artists and taking them under his wing through his own independent record label, Softdrive Records. Yes, although I threw in the words “happy” and “helping,” we are still talking about Scott Weiland, I know, crazy right?
These days, even with a missing tooth and scarecrow hair, no one can deny his rock ‘n’ roll swagger on stage with a cigarette in one hand and his megaphone in the other. This man can’t be stopped and nor should he be since he continues to illuminate the music industry doing whatever he pleases. He is reluctant to conform and is driven solely by his own opinions — because, if you couldn’t tell by now, he really doesn’t care what you think (well, maybe a little) but we can pretend if it keeps him happy.
Despite his multiple arrests and going to rehab more times than the tattoo parlor, Weiland will be behind the microphone for another couple rounds. He will continue his tour, not only promoting his solo gigs, but also regrouping with Stone Temple Pilots for a summer tour, after a well-received STP reunion tour last year. According to reports, Weiland will be back in the studio with Stone Temple Pilots for the first time in nine years with an expectation of a 2010 album release.
Founded in 2006 by Mr. Weiland himself, Softdrive Records is Scott’s way of helping out the best he can through music. Currently, there are five artists, including Weiland, signed under Softdrive Records. They include: The Actual, The Color Turning, Tommy Joe Wilson and Something To Burn.
“… Everything starts with a dream. After everything that I have done on this side of the playing field, I feel like I want to make records now for other people and help facilitate their dreams,” said Weiland.
This is a positive start far away from the world of junkies and downward spirals (like his friend Courtney Love for instance). Yea sure he smokes, he might even still drink and he is skinnier than his own microphone stand, but he has to part with his demons eventually and helping fellow artists make their dreams come true is a constructive start.
The world of Weiland is spinning at a rapid pace and if you don’t keep up you’ll get a hangover. I recommend you grab your Ray-Bans and Advil, man, because Scott Weiland has found his crown again and using the stage as his throne and if he really likes you, he’ll make your dreams come true courtesy of Softdrive.
Photo: Scott Weiland appears backstage on Day 2 of KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Xmas at the Gibson Amphitheater on Dec. 14, 2008 in Universal City, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Lester Cohen/WireImage.)