Scott Weiland was arguably one of the most dynamic frontmen of the 1990s.
From the megaphone-wielding power of Stone Temple Pilots (STP) to the supergroup energy of Velvet Revolver, Weiland defined a generation of rock. However, behind the multi-platinum albums and Grammy awards lay a complex battle with health issues and addiction that eventually altered the trajectory of his career.
For fans and music historians, understanding Weiland’s final years requires looking beyond the headlines and examining the intersection of mental health, physical decline, and the pressures of the music industry.
The Battle with Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Throughout his career, Weiland’s struggles with substance abuse were well-documented. However, framing this solely as an addiction issue overlooks the medical reality. Weiland was open about being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
In the context of his career, this “dual diagnosis”—the combination of mental health struggles and self-medication—created a volatile environment. By his later years, the issue wasn’t just illicit substances; it was a complex mix of prescription medications and alcohol used to manage his condition. This took a severe toll on his cognitive function and professional reliability, leading to strained relationships with bandmates in both STP and Velvet Revolver.
The Professional Impact: Leaving the Giants
The narrative that Weiland simply “walked away” from his biggest projects is often misunderstood. In reality, his inability to maintain the rigors of touring due to his health led to his dismissal from Stone Temple Pilots in 2013.
Left without the infrastructure of a major arena band, Weiland formed The Wildabouts. While this allowed him to keep performing, it removed the support system provided by his longtime collaborators, the DeLeo brothers. Touring in smaller venues with fewer resources exposed Weiland’s declining health to the public eye in a way that was previously managed behind the scenes.
2015: The Signs of Health Decline
By 2015, Weiland’s physical deterioration was becoming evident to audiences and critics alike. Video footage from this era, specifically a performance in Corpus Christi, Texas, went viral for the wrong reasons. While many speculated about immediate intoxication, later medical reports indicated that Weiland was suffering from significant physical ailments, including Hepatitis C, asthma, and cardiovascular disease.
The “zombie-like” performances were often a result of the cumulative effect of years of health struggles, rather than just immediate substance use. His vocal range had narrowed, and his stage presence—once electric—had become noticeably subdued.
The Medical Reality of His Passing
On December 3, 2015, Scott Weiland was found unresponsive on his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be an accidental overdose involving a combination of substances.
However, the autopsy also revealed significant underlying health conditions, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The tragedy of Scott Weiland is not just one of addiction, but of a body worn down by years of stress and untreated health issues.
Scott Weiland remains a legend of the grunge era. While his end was tragic, his contributions to rock music are permanent. His story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support and the physical toll of the rock and roll lifestyle.
This video is relevant because it documents one of Scott Weiland’s final in-depth conversations just weeks before his death, offering a rare and unedited glimpse into his physical and mental state during the specific “Wildabouts” era discussed in the article.