Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland Paints A Pretty Picture In Audio Message

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Stone Temple Pilot singer Scott Weiland and his family are doing quite well, thank-you very much, despite his November domestic violence arrest and subsequent conviction last month in Las Vegas.

Well, at least that's the point he makes quite clear in his latest audio posting to STP's official Web site (www.stonetemplepilots.com) on Friday (Jan. 4).

"Hello to all the true STP fans," he begins, speaking in hushed and very deliberate tones. "I hope you all had a happy holiday season, and wish you the best in the New Year," he says. He also thanks those who attended the two STP shows in December (including New Year's Eve in Orlando), which he describes as having gone "famously."

Then, the recording (which was apparently made via telephone) enters what could be termed the "image repair" phase, wherein Weiland goes to lengths to assure listeners that he and his wife, Mary, have gone beyond the situation that led to his most recent brush with the law. Still referring to Orlando, he says, "We all had an exceptionally good time, especially at Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios, where Mary and I and [son] Noah and Mary's sister Julie went. We had a great time. Noah especially liked the Barney show."

Weiland does end the 90-second message with some band news, including info on the next STP single. "We will be, I believe, doing a video for 'Wonderful' and putting that out as a single. I think that's the plan for our new management, The Firm, which so far we are incredibly happy with."

Weiland pleaded guilty to spousal abuse in Las Vegas Township Justice Court on Dec. 19, concluding the case stemming from his November arrest, as long as he remains out of trouble for six months and attends counseling sessions. He was arrested at the Hard Rock Hotel after an argument with his wife involving prescription drugs.