I'm looking for opinions regarding a personal dilemma.

Stone Temple Pilots just announced a reunion tour and it's coming to my city on August 30th.

I'm a long time STP fan who's never had a chance to see them live. However, there are two problems.

The first is money. I know the ticket will be expensive, and may compromise my BR Malkin Bowl budget. It may also wreck the budget for any possible Led Zep tour this fall. Should Led Zep actually tour, I really want to have the money on hand in case I win the inevitable ticket lottery. If Led Zep doesn't tour, the cost of the STP ticket will still wreck any budget for seeing almost other any artist this fall. There are many smaller artists that I would like to see.

The second problem is that I'm wondering if I should "reward" a guy like Scott Weiland. I think he may be one of the greatest rock frontmen out there, but he's also one of rock's biggest jerks. Given the way he handled his split with Velvet Revolver (wrecking tours, screwing up performances and sniping in the press) and his history of doing damage to everyone in his life...Yech. Since he's also back in the rehab/court cycle for an unresolved DUI, I have to wonder if he'll finish the tour. He's wrecked STP tours before.

Part of me just does not want to fatten this guy. On the other, it's STP.

Opinions, anyone? 

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borderline useless from hanging around

It's touch to seperate the musician from the person some times. Sure he's a jerk and he's had his demons and probably still does. But at least he's not a murderer or wife-beater (is he?)

But really, it sounds like all the other factors (money) and concerns (will he show up on tour) make this a no brainer to me. Why take the chance?

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Where my designer B*tches at?

MAGNETS....COWS....HERD....it all makes sense now?

There's nothing worse than driving in a snowstorm with a GPS that's on the rag

Do you take PAYPAL?

He's not a murderer or convicted wife-beater. However, there is a lot said about his marriage and his impact on the lives of those closest to him that, while it probably couldn't be challenged, perhaps should not be repeated here.

I think he can hold it together long enough for the tour -- his fresh starts have typically lasted about three years.

Normally, his "artistic greatness" would overrule all other considerations. However, this time is different for some reason.

I just started thinking about his behavior, and this little pressure started building up behind my eyeballs. I think about Luke Doucet for whom an artistically important $2000 guitar is a long time ambition. Then I think about a ticket price that would let me support four Doucets. 

Prior to joining this board, I didn't listen  to many artists that actually needed my support. It's been thought-provoking. 

There may actually be a point where I make a purchasing decision that doesn't separate the man from the musician.

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borderline useless from hanging around