Not Dead and Not For Sale is the biography of Scott Weiland, best known for his work as the lead singer of the 90s rock group Stone Temple Pilot. Scott Weiland is known for his drug use and rehab attempts just as much as he is known for his work with STP. He spends equal amounts of time discussing this problem, including some factors in childhood that may have led him to escape with substances. His other musical contributions, such as with the Velvet Underwood are also discussed.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Weiland was originally born Scott Kline, to parents Sharon and David Kline. When his mother divorced his father and remarried, he took on her new husband's last name. Weiland was athletic in his youth and played high school football. But school was not all about glory and touchdowns. It was also a time of sexual abuse from a peer, which Weiland discusses in details. His school days were also where he found drugs. His father, Kent Weiland, committed him to a psychological unit in a hospital for three months during high school because he found cocaine and marijuana in his room. Weiland moved out and attended college before following his dreams of becoming a musician full time. He would later meet up with several men in Southern California to form the Stone Temple Pilots (STP).
STP's first album, Core, was released in 1992. Like many musical acts, STP did not receive much critical praise at first but still gained a following among those that mattered most – fans that buy the albums and concert tickets. Core did impress one very famous musician, however. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith invited the boys to open for them. They turned down this opportunity.
Weiland first entered rehab for drug addiction as an adult in 1994, well after his career with STP had taken off. This addiction soon turned criminal. He has been arrested several times for drugs and/or alcohol use throughout the years and has spent time in jail and undergone more rehab as part of agreements involving those cases. His problems with substances would continue for years until he would finally declare himself clean.
Weiland enjoyed two Grammys and having sold over 18 million records with STP, but he sought creative work with other groups and as a solo artist. Just after the release of their second album, Purple, Weiland had already begun exploring side bands. STP went through periods of hiatus while Scott worked on solo projects and other bands as well as battled his drug addictions. In 2003, Weiland took off with the band Velvet Revolver, which featured him and several former members of Guns N' Roses.
Weiland has experienced his share of relationship issues as well. He's had two marriages, both of which have ended. Weiland has two children, Noah and Lucy, from his second marriage to model Mary Forsberg.
Best part of story, including ending:
Weiland's descriptions of his addictions are frank, but tasteful. He gives a glimpse into his drug world and what it did for him while remaining tactful.
Best scene in story:
Weiland is open about where he currently stands with substances. He admits he is still a drinker but proudly declares the years he's been clean from cocaine and other illegal drugs.
Opinion about the main character:
Weiland enjoys staying busy. Even during periods of inactivity with STP, he has always sought some form of musical creativity.
