📖 Overview
Not Dead & Not for Sale is the memoir of Scott Weiland, lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, written with author Daniel Paisner. The book chronicles Weiland's rise in the music industry during the 1990s grunge era through his various career phases.
The narrative moves between Weiland's childhood in Ohio and California, his emergence as a rock frontman, and his struggles with substance abuse and legal troubles. Through intimate reflections and behind-the-scenes accounts, Weiland discusses the creation of hit songs, life on tour, and his complex relationships with bandmates.
Weiland shares his perspectives on fame, creativity, and the music business while addressing the personal demons that impacted his life and career. The book includes details about his marriages, his experiences in rehabilitation facilities, and his ongoing attempts to maintain sobriety.
The memoir stands as both a cautionary tale about the pressures of stardom and an exploration of artistic identity in the face of personal chaos. Its raw honesty provides insight into the intersection of creativity and addiction in the rock music world.
👀 Reviews
Readers found this memoir offers raw insights into Scott Weiland's struggles but lacks the depth many hoped for. Several note it feels rushed and disjointed.
Readers appreciated:
- Candid discussion of Weiland's childhood trauma
- Behind-the-scenes details about STP and Velvet Revolver
- The writing style captures Weiland's voice
- Photos included throughout
Common criticisms:
- Too brief at 208 pages
- Skims over major life events
- Jumps between time periods confusingly
- Lacks detail about music creation process
- Some readers felt Weiland deflected responsibility
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings)
"The book reads like scattered journal entries rather than a cohesive story," noted one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads reviews described it as "superficial" compared to other rock memoirs. Several readers mentioned wanting more about the music itself rather than focusing primarily on personal struggles.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🎸 Scott Weiland, the book's subject and former Stone Temple Pilots frontman, wrote much of the memoir while in rehab, providing raw insights into his struggles with addiction.
📝 Co-author Daniel Paisner has collaborated on over 60 books, including works with Whoopi Goldberg, Denzel Washington, and Serena Williams.
🎤 The book's title comes from lyrics in "Dead & Bloated," a song from Stone Temple Pilots' debut album Core (1992).
💊 Weiland reveals in the memoir that his first experience with heroin occurred while touring with Stone Temple Pilots in 1993, marking the beginning of a 13-year battle with the drug.
🎼 The book describes how Weiland's signature vocal style was inspired by Jim Morrison and David Bowie, whom he studied obsessively in his early years as a musician.