Not to naysay or freak out or even downplay anything... but all this article says is Scott is getting with Dave and Duff to jam. And he says they'll do a "small tour". So basically all that's promised is a jam session and a few dates... which by the way Slash has denied. I don't think as STP fans we can make this any more or any less than it is. Obviously the guys have mostly patched things up and that doesn't bode that well for STP, maybe, but based on the article I wouldn't see that as the "band is reuniting" or "releasing a new album". All we know is 3 guys are jamming this weekend, and they may play a handful of shows late this year. That's it. It has potential but I don't think as STP fans we need to freak out over this news. Not yet, anyway.
I think a lot more of it is fueled by the fact that there has just ben so little communication from the STP camp other than the generic "maybe a Core tour, maybe an album after that, but right now we're resting" we've heard the past 6 months. With the public 'failure' of self-titled album and shrinking attendance in the past few tours (went from arenas to theatres) I think it's a pretty pivotal point for STP.
The rest + having a hopefully successful Core Anniversary tour might gain them some steam. I know Scott said what "the plan" is right now for 'VR', but the assumption would be if they make an album they'd tour the album. To me it'd just be a big bummer if the STP timeline was interrupted because VR is bigger than just a side-project.
Yeah, but you kind of just answered the question as to why Scott is considering VR, possibly. Let's face it, the STP comeback wasn't nearly as successful as anyone was hoping it would be, and I imagine that includes the band itself. If S/T had gone platinum, even gold, I bet this year would be extremely active for STP.
For us die hard fans, we look forward to anything STP does, but let's face it, most of the world moved on after the 90's ended. STP will be remembered as a 90's band. You throw in the fact that there seems to be be very little friendship involved with Scott and either band he works with, then I guess the only opportunities to consider are more based on money and notoriety, rather than comradery and friendship.
Don't be surprised, folks, if this is the way it is from here on out. A constant struggle to hold on to what legacy this man has left. No more big come backs. No more major time in the limelight. The best of Scott Weiland has already passed.