Live Review: Scott Weiland at Viper Room (Plus! Book Signing at Book Soup)

Jena Ardell

Inside Scott Weiland's sold-out show at the Viper Room.

Scott Weiland signed copies of his new memoir Not Dead & Not For Sale at Book Soup in West Hollywood last night before heading across the street to the Viper Room, where he performed a sold-out show.

Jena Ardell

Scott Weiland signed copies of his memoir "Not Dead & Not For Sale" at Book Soup last night.

A line of fans formed a perimeter around Book Soup on Sunset Blvd., patiently waiting to meet the infamous Stone Temple Pilots and ex-Velvet Revolver frontman. Weiland can now add "author" to his list of titles and achievements, which also includes being a designer for the clothing line English Laundry.

When we arrived, co-author David Ritz was by Weiland's side. Weiland seemed mesmerized by the painterly portrait on the cover and explained to us how he had to sit perfectly still for three minutes in order for a giant, vintage camera to take the exposure.

"Some people say it looks like Van Gogh," Weiland said of the portrait, as if it weren't an image of himself.

We agreed with the famous comparison and were surprised we hadn't made the correlation sooner. Upon closer inspection, we also can see a bit of Bob Dylan in that photograph of Weiland as well.

In Not Dead & Not For Sale, Weiland discusses his battle with drug addiction, which started at age 14; his strained relationships with his family; the recording of Core; the monetary motivation to front Velvet Revolver; his undying admiration for ex-wife Mary Forsberg Weiland; and sexual abuse he encountered at age 12 from a high school senior. There are plenty of lyrics, photographs and torn half-pages (that act as dividers) as well.

Jena Ardell

Some serious introspection is happening here.

Jena Ardell

A descendent of Van Gogh?

To not mention the opening bands would be a musical travesty, since many people who attended last night's show are feverishly googling the opening acts right now.

Jena Ardell

Opening act Max and the Marginalized.

Max and the Marginalized emerged first, delivering fast-paced, politically-charged punk songs. The band writes and records a new song every week and all songs are available for download via "the honor system" on their blog.

Their goal is to release their songs immediately in order to spark conversation about world issues and ignite change. It's a little difficult to catch this message at a live show (especially if you are unfamiliar with their music) but, on paper, their lyrics pack a hard punch.

We thoroughly enjoyed the lead singer's Kool-Aid red hair, X-Ray Spex shirt and burgundy Doc Martens! Further proof that grunge is making a comeback.