The surviving members of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS have paid tribute to former singer Scott Weiland with a video where they spotlight one of Weiland's most powerful, resounding vocal performances. "Recently the three of us sat down together to share our memories of Scott and take a moment to reflect on the amazing times we shared," guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz said in a statement to Rolling Stone. "We put the master up of a song called 'Atlanta' from the 'No. 4' record that we feel really highlights the true brilliance of Scott. We would like to share it with you." "Together let's honor Scott. ... 'Memories of Candles and Incense.' Having the opportunity to listen to these tracks individually reveal the beauty of Scott's lyrical and melodic gift. This is one of the many musical moments we shared together. It is in this way we would like to remember Scott." Toxicology tests revealed on Friday (December 18) that Weiland died from a combination of drugs and alcohol. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner in Minneapolis said that the former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman overdosed on cocaine, MDA — which is chemically related to ecstasy — and ethanol. The report also indicated that heart disease and asthma were "significant" conditions and that Weiland's "multi-substance dependence" was also a factor. Weiland was found dead on his tour bus on December 3 at the age of 48. A small amount of cocaine was found on the bus, with Tommy Black, bassist for Weiland's band THE WILDABOUTS, arrested for possession. He was later released without being charged. Weiland's wife, photographer Jamie Weiland, told TMZ at the time of her husband's death that he was drug free for years, adding, "He was the best he has ever been." But Scott's former wife, Mary Forsberg Weiland, published a brutally candid letter online a few days after he ex's death, saying, "[Scott's children] lost their father years ago." Weiland had a history of drug abuse. He was arrested in 1995 for attempting to buy crack cocaine before being arrested again two years later for heroin possession. In 1999, the singer was ordered to spend a year in a county-jail recovery center due to a probation violation. He entered rehab following a DUI arrest in November 2007. STP fired Weiland in February 2013 for his erratic behavior after reuniting with him in 2010 for a series of tours and one self-titled album. The band had previously been on hiatus since 2002, primarily due to the singer's struggles with drugs and alcohol.
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