The rock n’ roll mess that is Scott Weiland is still sending mixed messages to the music world. On Wednesday, a press release was issued celebrating the formation of Art of Anarchy, a new supergroup featuring Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, brothers Jon and Vince Votta, and the former Stone Temple Pilots frontman on vocals. But according to Weiland, that’s not really a band, and he has more important projects fans should focus on.
Weiland made clear in a Facebook post Wednesday night that Art of Anarchy have overhyped the “mega-group” angle, as his own involvement in the project was limited to studio work.
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“I just saw some press about a side project called Art of Anarchy that I worked on last year,” Weiland wrote. “I wrote and put my vocals down for these guys and had fun doing a couple of videos too; we had a lot of fun.” And while Scott promised that “2015 will be a big year for Art of Anarchy,” it appears he won’t be a part of the action.
“When they find their front man to hit the road and play some dates, check them out,” he wrote. “In the meantime, if you want to check out where I’m at RIGHT NOW, check out my band, SCOTT WEILAND AND THE WILDABOUTS.”
After sampling of the sound, no thanks, we’d rather not.
Writing to Rolling Stone, Thal wrote that the group is not intended to be competition for Weiland’s other band. “Art of Anarchy is not competition or a threat or interference to what any of us are doing – it’s a complement, an addition, one I’m proud of creatively,” Thal said in an e-mail. “No need to minimize or undermine or devalue a project we all worked on together over the course of two years. I enjoyed working with Scott. And I’m looking forward to the Wildabouts album release, the Bumblefoot album release, and the Art of Anarchy album release. The more music the better, it’s what we do, right? 🙂 Artists do collaborations and a month later, their own album comes out. This is normal stuff. All good. :)”
Thal didn’t contest Weiland’s prediction that he would not be performing with the group on any live dates, sharing that the guys don’t know if they’ll even tour. “The five of us made an album together. Scott is currently the singer of the band. It’s in writing; no confusion,” added Thal. “But yes, Scott’s solo album and tour are his priority and we’re all on the same page about getting another vocalist if Art of Anarchy hits the road. But we don’t need to cross that bridge just yet. Taking everything as it comes, one step at a time, letting it evolve organically. Where it goes from here (and with who!) is yet to be seen.”
