Scott Weiland’s ex-wife, Mary Forsberg Weiland, has published an open letter in Rolling Stone with the couple’s two teenage children following the December 3 death of the singer.
Weiland married his second wife, Forsberg, in 2000; a year later, the musician was arrested on domestic violence charges in Las Vegas, NV for allegedly shoving her, but charges were deferred after the couple agreed to counseling.
Forsberg, Noah (15) and Lucy (13) penned an emotional essay about the singer’s passing as a cautionary tale wrapped up in societal stereotypes.
“December 3rd, 2015 is not the day Scott Weiland died,” the three wrote. “It is the official day the public will use to mourn him, and it was the last day he could be propped up in front of a microphone for the financial benefit or enjoyment of others. The outpouring of condolences and prayers offered to our children, Noah and Lucy, has been overwhelming, appreciated and even comforting. But the truth is, like so many other kids, they lost their father years ago. What they truly lost on December 3rd was hope.
“We don't want to downplay Scott's amazing talent, presence or his ability to light up any stage with brilliant electricity. So many people have been gracious enough to praise his gift. The music is here to stay. But at some point, someone needs to step up and point out that yes, this will happen again – because as a society we almost encourage it. We read awful show reviews, watch videos of artists falling down, unable to recall their lyrics streaming on a teleprompter just a few feet away. And then we click ‘add to cart’ because what actually belongs in a hospital is now considered art.”
Forsberg goes on to detail some personal attempts to have Weiland participate in family events and how the children were shut out of the singer’s new life with third wife and photographer Jamie Wachtel, who he met in 2011 and married in 2013.
“Noah and Lucy never sought perfection from their dad,” sums up Forsberg. “They just kept hoping for a little effort. If you're a parent not giving your best effort, all anyone asks is that you try just a little harder and don't give up. Progress, not perfection, is what your children are praying for.
“Our hope for Scott has died, but there is still hope for others. Let's choose to make this the first time we don't glorify this tragedy with talk of rock and roll and the demons that, by the way, don't have to come with it. Skip the depressing T-shirt with 1967-2015 on it – use the money to take a kid to a ballgame or out for ice cream.”
Read Forsberg’s full letter at Rolling Stone.
The former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman was found dead on his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota while on the road with his band The Wildabouts.
Bloomington police found a small amount of cocaine in the bedroom where Weiland was found, and in the room used by bassist Tommy Black, who was booked pending charges for possession of a controlled substance.
You can now donate to music industry charity MusiCares in memory of Scott Weiland. When donating, for donation type select 'tribute.' On the second page, put In Memory of Scott Weiland. You then have the option to write a personal message. Notes and donor names will be shared with the Weiland family.
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
Weiland’s former bandmates in Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver are among those who have issued personal tributes to the late frontman.
See also:
Drugs found on tour bus where Scott Weiland died; bassist arrested
Velvet Revolver remember Scott Weiland
Stone Temple Pilots pay tribute to Scott Weiland
Scott Weiland dead at 48
Search Scott Weiland at hennemusic
