9 Infamous Crimes These 90s Rock Artists Committed
via Kiedis Envy / YouTube
When we think of the 1990s, certain rock stars come to mind, famously known for their rebellious anthems and larger-than-life personas. However, beyond the stage and the roaring music, some of these artists have been entangled in serious legal issues. The indulgent and often turbulent lifestyles of rock musicians have, at times, led to notable legal incidents. Here, we delve into the darker side of the ’90s rock scene by examining nine rock artists whose actions led to criminal charges.
Liam Gallagher (Oasis) – Assault
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The Gallagher brothers of Oasis fame were no strangers to controversy, with their feuds becoming as legendary as their music. But it wasn’t just internal band strife that attracted attention. Liam Gallagher’s aggressive temper became apparent during an incident in Australia in 1998 when he reportedly head-butted a fan attempting to snap a photo. This altercation resulted in a broken nose for the fan and could have landed Gallagher in prison for up to ten years. However, the situation was resolved out of court, helping Liam avoid hefty legal consequences.
Courtney Love (Hole) – Substance Possession and Assault
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Courtney Love, with her band Hole, became a poster child for the grunge movement, making music that grappled with raw, personal issues. Tragically, her life has been marked by addiction struggles, which began to surface legally after an overdose incident in 1994. Within a day, her partner Kurt Cobain would be found deceased. As Courtney’s troubles with substances continued, her legal woes only grew to include charges ranging from assault to endangerment.
Jimmy Chamberlin (The Smashing Pumpkins) – Drug Possession
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The Smashing Pumpkins were emblematic of the ’90s alternative rock scene, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was a key element of their distinct sound. In 1996, the band was shaken to its core when keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin died from an overdose, with Chamberlin present at the scene. Chamberlin, found to possess the substances, was charged but struck a plea bargain, narrowly escaping what could have been a significant legal fallout from that tragic event.
Tripp Eisen (Static-X) – Sexual Offenses with a Minor
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Tripp Eisen, the former guitarist of metal band Static-X, became infamous for crimes that were undeniably grim. His offenses involved inappropriate relations with underage individuals leading to his dismissal from the band. Subsequent legal action saw Eisen imprisoned, illustrating a stark downfall from his place on the music scene.
Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) – Drug Purchase and Domestic Violence
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On stage, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots dazzled with his unique vocal style and charismatic presence, but off stage, his life was marred by substance-related run-ins with the law. Arrested in 1995 for drug purchase, he later faced domestic violence and DUI charges. Despite these issues, Weiland’s musical contributions with the Stone Temple Pilots persist, even though his career was punctuated by repeated legal and personal struggles until his untimely passing in 2015.
Scott Stapp (Creed) – Threatening the President
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Creed’s music, often filled with spiritual undertones, seemed at odds with a bizarre incident involving frontman Scott Stapp, who was investigated for threatening to assassinate President Barack Obama. Stapp’s erratic behavior during this episode hinted at a mental health crisis rather than a bona fide threat. This was a dark departure from his public image as the voice behind uplifting anthems.
Marilyn Manson – Sexual Assault
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Known for his provocative music and persona, Marilyn Manson became wrapped in legal turmoil following a series of allegations of abuse from several individuals, including actress Evan Rachel Wood. Earlier in his career, Manson was charged with a sexual misconduct incident in 2001, although the case was later dismissed. However, his reputation has been severely tarnished by recent lawsuits, resulting in a career in disarray after being dropped by his record label and talent agency.
Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) – Assault and Reckless Driving
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Fred Durst, the frontman of the nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, has been a controversial figure over the years, not just for his music but also for his unruly behavior. His role in the chaotic Woodstock ’99 music festival is well-documented, thanks to a pair of documentary series released in 2021 that revisited the events of the festival. During the event, Durst’s encouragement for the audience to “break stuff” seemed to ignite an already volatile crowd, contributing to the ensuing riot. Though Durst faced heavy criticism, he was not held legally responsible, as the overall disorganization of the festival was also to blame.
Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) – Sexual Relationship with a Minor
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The dynamic music scene of the 1990s and exuberant live performances spring to mind when we think of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their classics, such as “Californication,” became the anthems of a generation and helped define an era. The band’s leader Anthony Kiedis’s disclosure, however, stood in sharp contrast to the eternal spirit that their music reflected. Kiedis published a memoir in the early 2000s that, astonishingly, detailed his experience having intercourse with someone he later discovered was underage. The fan base and the general public were shaken by this statement, which caused the idolization of musicians to be reevaluated.
