Scott “Wino” Weinrich Releases Official Statement Regarding His Arrest and Deportation from Norway
As everyone and their mother already knows by now, last week Saint Vitus’ Scott “Wino” Weinrich was arrested in, and subsequently deported from, Norway for possession of enough meth to kill a large animal. Troubling news, to put it mildly.
Now our pals at Decibel have gotten the first official statement from Weinrich since the news broke. That statement is as follows:
“At this time, I feel it is necessary to release an official statement of the facts in regard to my recent deportation from the country of Norway. First, I want to apologize to all Saint Vitus fans, and to my band members and crew for my lapse in judgment that ultimately resulted in me missing the last six shows on our Born Too Late 35th anniversary European tour. On November 9th before noon just over the Norwegian border, I was arrested for possession of an illegal substance. I take full responsibility for the consequences of my actions. The other members and crew were unaware of my substance use. I was truthful with the authorities, and initially sentenced to 16 days in jail, minus the three initial days immediately following my arrest. On those days, I was in solitary confinement, with no reading or writing material and fed solely bread [and] water. Despite these conditions, I was treated respectfully and cordially by all Norwegian authorities. Initially, I believed I would be fined, allowed to continue the tour, and upon its end, I agreed to return to Norway to finish my sentence. I was disheartened to realize that I was to be deported straightaway back to the U.S., and not allowed to finish the tour. I sincerely regret the inconvenience and loss incurred by everyone involved with these gigs, the inspiring co-headlining Orange Goblin, our booking agent, promo folks and the venues, and of course, fans and ticketholders. I want to salute the members of Saint Vitus for carrying on with these shows without me, and proving admirably the class of true road warriors they are. Again, my deepest apologies to all. After several productive years of sobriety, the rigors of almost nonstop touring and life’s circumstances led me to develop a dependency that has become detrimental to my health, and now, my freedom. As of now, I am currently off the road, and actively engaged in treatment.
“And THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES…
“I will continue my course of creating music and art. Early next year you will see the release of WINO AND CONNY OCHS’ new full-length recording, “FREEDOM CONSPIRACY” on Exile on Mainstream Records. Also on the near horizon: A full-length Wino solo acoustic recording, the launch of my art and music web store, and my no-holds-barred biography.
“Thanks to all who Believe!
“Wino, November 18th,2014”
It’s good to hear he’s seeking help. Like, it’s a bummer that he had to quit the tour, but it will be a far bigger bummer if he doesn’t get off that shit and has to pay a far higher price. It would be nice if he could do a Born Too Late 40th anniversary tour, wouldn’t it?
