Scott Weiland + Nici + Simon LeBon = 1027

Unlike many girls who grow up dreaming of their wedding plans, my fantasies were much different, leaning more towards music-oriented dreams. In an instant, with the start of any beloved tune, I could envision myself playing or singing along with any of my favorite musicians. On stage, of course. So, it wasn’t out of reach, for my brain anyway, to formulate a plan, a creative idea for a new band called 1027. Scott Weiland, Simon LeBon, and I all share the same birthdays, October 27 (10/27, hence the name 1027). Different years, same days. The concept seemed logical and inventive enough to me, that the three of us could or should most likely form a trio.

There was a fit. All three of us share a birthday, unique creativity, and the ability to write. Simon has drafted lyrics singing about “careless memories” and “who do you love, when you come undone.” Scott has written and sung “waitin’ on a Sunday afternoon for what I’ve read between the lines… your lies” and about “flies in the Vasoline.” I’ve written blogs and articles, but I could write songs. I know I could. Scott and Simon would sing beautifully, my voice would stream through a sound machine (for audience listening purposes; I was okay with that). The band would work.

During lulls at cocktail parties or to tell a tale amongst friends, I would share my dreams of the 1027 band, and it was either a perfectly timed conversation ender, or a brilliant conversation starter with like-minded zany party people. Unfortunately, today this dream has come to an end, as Scott Weiland has sadly passed away. The band is no longer, unless Simon and I form a misplaced duo.

In all seriousness, I truly believe that Scott was one of the most fantastic performers, song writers, and brilliant, creative lyricists of our time. In the same realm as Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Scott could change the sound of his voice, sounding profoundly different from one song to the next (compare Big Empty to Dead and Bloated to Sour Girl). Not only will he be missed, but any of his possible, future exceptional tunes will remain unwritten and unsung.

I saw Stone Temple Pilots perform in the mid-90s in Cleveland Ohio’s Flats District, opening for The Flaming Lips and The Butthole Surfers. I was only present to see STP, as, at the time, I had never heard of the other two bands. The show was fantastic and still is an amazing, easily retrievable memory. Not to mention there was a wild night on the town afterward. I don’t readily remember much of those hours, but that is neither here nor there. Seeing Scott again was on my ever-growing list of artists to see in concert. Regrettably, it is not meant to be.

Rest in peace, Scott.