The singer, who tried reinventing himself with a new solo album and tour, 12 Bar Blues, was nabbed Monday afternoon, forcing the cancellation of his sold-out Big Apple concert Monday night.
He's now free on his own recognizance after being arraigned on drug possession and trespassing charges--both misdemeanors. He is next due in court on July 31.
Police say they stumbled on Weiland, 30, during a narcotics sweep of a Lower East Side housing project. One of the cops reportedly recognized the singer and asked him what he was doing there.
"I just bought some drugs," the rocker replied, according to police sources quoted in today's New York Post.
A search of Weiland turned up 10 "decks"--or $100's worth--of heroin, according to Officer Timothy Brown of the NYPD.
Relapse rumors have been dogging the singer for months.
In May, he canceled the first batch of dates on his solo tour. Promoters said Weiland was back in rehab; his spokesperson called the report unfounded.
In 1995, while still fronting the Stone Temple Pilots, Weiland was arrested in Los Angeles for possession of cocaine and heroin. That scrape with the law was settled with a stint in rehab.
Following an aborted STP tour and a second rehab stay, Weiland's bandmates walked, forming their own band, Talk Show.
Left a solo act, Weiland vowed anew to stay sober. This year he released 12 Bar Blues. Critics generally praised the disc, an experimental amalgam of pop and psychedelia. But sales have been lackluster.
(ORIGINALLY POSTED at 2:45 p.m. on 6/1/98)