The song was written after the birth of his son in 2000
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of his passing on December 3, 2015, a previously unreleased Scott Weiland track, “If I Could Fly,” is being released worldwide via Primary Wave/Virgin in honor of this rock icon. This marks the first unveiling of original, unreleased material from the Scott Weiland archive since his passing. Written in 2000 after the birth of his son, the song captures Weiland at a deeply personal and inspired moment, showcasing the emotional depth that defined so much of his work.
The song is available digitally. It was recently set to be released as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single, alongside a live version of “Barbarella” recorded in Anaheim in 2009, for Record Store Day Black Friday 2025. However, a manufacturing delay pushed the release to December 19th through participating independent record stores.
Weiland began his career as the frontman of Stone Temple Pilots. Early hits like “Plush,” which earned a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance, helped solidify STP’s place as one of the defining bands of the era. They won the MTV Video Award for Best New Artist in 1993 and the AMA for Favorite New Pop/Rock Artist in 1994. Their 1992 album Core reached commercial success and peaked on the US Billboard 200 charts at No. 3.
After a hiatus, STP returned in 2010 with a self-titled album, which became the No. 1 rock album in the country. Weiland also formed Velvet Revolver with members of Guns N’ Roses. The band’s debut single, “Slither,” earned another Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. In addition to his legendary work with these bands, Weiland released four solo albums. He sold over 50 million albums with his various projects and collaborations.
Weiland was noted for his flamboyant and chaotic onstage persona, his consistently changing appearance, and his versatile vocal style. He also became known for his use of a megaphone for a unique vocal effect during concerts.
Energetic in spirit yet deeply sentimental at its core, “If I Could Fly” is a powerful reminder of Weiland’s lyrical talent and continued influence on modern rock. He wrote the track from the perspective of a new father, and 25 years later, this song bridges a generation of listeners who continue to be moved by his voice, songwriting, and creative spirit.
