Scott Weiland is known for having an impeccable voice and the charisma of Satan in a sexually-charged rock star body. When he’s not on drugs, that is. We’ll let you decide for yourself what frame of mind the former Stone Temple Pilots singer was in on Tuesday as he positively butchered his former band’s smash hit “Vasoline” with his new band The Wildabouts – but suffice to say from the slow-drawl intro and performance, something was definitely awry.
“This is a new song, we just worked it out today,” Weiland mumbled with deadpan disinterest before launching into the worst version of the song anyone has ever heard. Watch it below, from Brewster Street Icehouse in Texas, spliced with footage of what he used to be:
If anyone is still doubting STP’s decision to fire Weiland and replace him with Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, those doubts have now been laid to rest. If he was intentionally trolling his audience, the fans damn well deserve better. But anyone familiar with Weiland’s (very) long history of drug abuse shouldn’t see these antics as anomalies, especially given his atrocious behavior at a band meet & greet last month.
Poor Joey Castillo. The dude goes from drumming in the most badass rock band on the planet, to playing babysitter duty to this washed up asshole who can’t take his job seriously enough to respect his fans – or his band. Joey deserves better on his talent alone, not to mention the rest of the band.
Watch: Josh Homme & Reggie Watts Sing ‘Taxidermy Love’
However, it can all be explained away, apparently. According to TMZ, Scott Weiland’s “rep” says the performance was a “perfect storm” of a lack of sleep and a “couple of drinks before the show.” Weiland’s earpiece also apparently wasn’t working, but I think we all know that’s a horseshit excuse from a 22+ year industry veteran.
As for those with tickets to the rest of Weiland’s shows? Don’t worry, says his rep. “We’ve overnighted him a brand new pair of earbuds and they will be there for his show in Baton Rouge tonight.”
Phew.
