ABOVE: Awwwwwwww.

I’ve always admired the work of other Scotts. In the art world they seem to be passionate people and do amazing work. Be in Scott Joplin, Scott Bakula or even Chachi himself – Scott Baio – the work of artsy Scotts cannot be denied. On May 8 a Scott I’ve been following since I was in middle school and rocking Girbauds is coming to the State Theatre: Scott Weiland. I’m not treading any ground that Behind the Music hasn’t trodden already when I say the meteoric rise of Stone Temple Pilots and Weiland not only formed two genres (alternative and grunge) but also was the stuff of legend. In the ’90s he was the rock star we needed: bad boy, broken and fighting addiction. Above any other star from that scene, Weiland was the man who paid his dues and worked his ass off to get beyond himself and become a better artist. These days his project is called Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts. His new album “Happy” in Galoshes was created by Weiland, Doug Grean (Crystal Method, Velvet Revolver), and Steve Albini (recording god). It’s a blend of blues and some of the distinctive grunge sound that we all expect from Weiland. It’s adult music. (Stone Temple Pilots fans should know that many STP songs made Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts setlists in the last year, too.) This is going to be an awesome show and makes me pretty excited for things to come in Eau Claire ... and about the great work Scotts do.

Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts • Thursday, May 8, 8pm • The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $39.50 for reserved seats • (715) 832-2787 • eauclairearts.com • scottweiland.com