Art of Anarchy
American rock supergroup with three vocalists across three albums.
Art of Anarchy is an American rock supergroup formed in 2011, currently consisting of brothers Jon and Vince Votta on guitar and drums, Tony Dickinson on bass, Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal on guitar and production, and Jeff Scott Soto on lead vocals. The band has released three studio albums, each featuring a different lead vocalist: the late Scott Weiland on their self-titled debut (2015), Scott Stapp on The Madness (2017), and Jeff Scott Soto on Let There Be Anarchy (2024). The band has been involved in legal battles with both Weiland and Stapp over their refusal to promote the band's music.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Genre
- Hard rock / alternative metal / post-grunge
- Years Active
- 2011–present
- Label
- Another Century / Pavement
- Current Members
- Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal / Jon Votta / Vince Votta / Jeff Scott Soto / Tony Dickinson
- Past Members
- Scott Weiland / John Moyer / Scott Stapp
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The band originated from a friendship between Bumblefoot and the Votta brothers. Jon Votta and Bumblefoot discussed forming a band, which was completed when Tony Dickinson joined. The name was created by Vince Votta. Bumblefoot recorded parts for the debut album between touring with Guns N' Roses, while Scott Weiland wrote and recorded vocals from 2012 to 2013 after sharing song files. Weiland participated in promotional photo shoots and music videos in October 2014. The self-titled debut album was released in June 2015, with Bumblefoot as producer and engineer. Weiland later distanced himself, calling the project a 'scam,' though Thal countered that Weiland was the singer per written agreement. Weiland did not tour with the band. In July 2015, Vince Votta sued Weiland for refusing to promote the album, seeking to recover a $230,000 upfront payment and $20 million in damages. Weiland counter-sued over use of his name and image. After Weiland's death on December 3, 2015, the band made the album available free online and legal matters were dropped.
Reader's Guide
Art of Anarchy's significance lies in its revolving-door vocalist history, each era marked by legal disputes. The band's debut album with Scott Weiland generated controversy when Weiland publicly disavowed the project, leading to a lawsuit and countersuit that ended only after his death. The second album, The Madness, with Scott Stapp, similarly resulted in a $1.2 million lawsuit in 2018, with the Votta brothers alleging Stapp failed to promote the album and performed only 18 shows with the band versus 80 solo shows. The band's third album, Let There Be Anarchy (2024), features Jeff Scott Soto, who joined in 2020. The band's legacy is tied to these conflicts and the high-profile vocalists who briefly participated. Despite the turmoil, the band has continued to release music and tour, with Bumblefoot and the Votta brothers as constants.
Did You Know?
- The band's name was created by Vince Votta.
- Scott Weiland was paid $230,000 upfront for his work on the debut album.
- The band's second album, The Madness, was released on March 24, 2017.
- Jeff Scott Soto replaced Scott Stapp as lead vocalist in 2023.
More in American alternative metal musical groups 1-24
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