Velvet Revolver
Formed: 2002
From:
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Velvet Revolver News
Below is our complete Velvet Revolver news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
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Velvet Revolver Post Video Updates
A VELVET REVOLVER video blog, featuring footage of the band writing and rehearsing in the studio for their upcoming sophomore album, has been posted online at this location (Part 1 - photo shoot), (Part 2 - In the studio).
VELVET REVOLVER is currently recording its sophomore album, tentatively entitled "Libertad", with producer Brendan O'Brien (INCUBUS, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) for a spring 2007 release.
VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland recently told MTV.com that the new album "is completely colorful in a new way, but it is definitely not a concept album." The band wrote more than 18 tracks for the disc, including "Pills, Demons, Etc.", "Just 16", "Get Out The Door", and "Queen For A Day", and started tracking December 4.
Scott Weiland Discusses Solo Effort
Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland answered several questions from fans on his blog at Myspace on Saturday (December 30). Asked what people can expect from his solo album, Weiland responded, "In some ways it will be similiar in that it is not a typical Rock album. It's always more of an art project. It begins with an inspiration and I follow that path wherever it leads me, never worrying about singles, radio formats or MTV. It will definitely have the same 'All-over-the-map' feel. However, it will be a lot more focused, due to the fact that the album is a lot more alive and not struggling to climb from under the covers of a narcotic blanket."
Read the full article at MySpace.com.
Velvet Revolver Working On New Album With O'Brien
Velvet Revolver posted the following message to fans on the band's Myspace page on Sunday (December 3): "We've been writing songs for a few months now, and we've been in pre-production with the great Brendan O'Brien hashing out the tunes for the past few weeks. We'll be going into the recording studio next Monday the 11th to start recording the new album, with Brendan producing. As you may know, Brendan has done a lot of amazing records, including ALL of the [Stone Temple Pilots] albums, so expect nothing short of fantabulous. The new songs are sweet and we can't wait for ya'll to hear 'em."
Read the full article at Velvet Revolver's MySpace.
The Beatles Go Metal?
On October 24, 2006, Restless Records will release "Butchering The Beatles" — featuring the biggest, the baddest, the heaviest all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever — THE BEATLES. All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer/guitarist Bob Kulick and ace engineer Brett Chassen, "Butchering The Beatles" features 12 new, ass-kicking versions of THE BEATLES' chart-topping hits, including "Hey Jude", "I Feel Fine" and "Day Tripper", plus the more esoteric "Hey Bulldog", barked out by the legendary Alice Cooper and "Tomorrow Never Knows", uniquely interpreted by the iconic Billy Idol, alongside classic concept songs like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Magical Mystery Tour".
When asked by Guitar Player magazine what possessed him to go all metal on THE BEATLES, Bob Kulick stated that, "BEATLES songs are the Holy Grail. They're the best rock songs ever written. These new recordings are totally faithful, yet completely different. Billy Gibbons singing 'Revolution' or (MOTÖRHEAD frontman) Lemmy singing 'Back In The USSR' are not exactly Paul McCartney or John Lennon. And of course, the guitar solo sections were lengthened to accommodate all the artists' solo styles."
"Butchering The Beatles" track listing: More...
Rubin Rumored To Produce Velvet Revolver Album
Although nothing has been confirmed, Rick Rubin is now the strong favourite to produce the second album from Velvet Revolver. To be titled 'Libertad', expect a release early in 2007.
As previously reported, Velvet Revolver are to break from recording to play a couple of shows in Kelseyville, California on July 29 and Paso Robles, California on July 30. The band had been preparing songs since coming off the road last year and were to have entered the studio on April 10 to begin working on their sophomore effort.
Velvet Revolver To Take A Break From Recording
Velvet Revolver, who continue to work on their forthcoming second album, will take a break from the studio in late July for a pair of live appearances. Look for the band to play Kelseyville, California on July 29 and Paso Robles, California on July 30.
The band had been preparing songs since coming off the road last year and were to have entered the studio on April 10 to begin working on their sophomore effort.
Duff Mckagan To Tour With Alice In Chains?
According to Rolling Stone magazine, VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan might go on tour this summer with the reunited ALICE IN CHAINS as the band's second guitarist.
McKagan performed with ALICE IN CHAINS last month in New Jersey at a taping of the VH1 Classic series "Decades Rock Live!".
ALICE IN CHAINS wil kick off their first tour in a decade on May 18 in Los Angeles and continue with a series of surprise U.S. club shows before the band head over to Europe.
"Everybody has disappointments in life, and we certainly had ours," said guitarist Jerry Cantrell, now reunited with bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney. "I just want to continue living life. We're having a great time."
ALICE IN CHAINS have confirmed that COMES WITH THE FALL vocalist/guitarist William DuVall will sing lead vocals for the group on their upcoming run, along with a few "special guests."
DuVall performed two songs with ALICE IN CHAINS at the "Decades Rock Live!" taping and he has also sung ALICE IN CHAINS material as part of guitarist Jerry Cantrell's solo touring band.
No Guns N' Roses Reunion With Slash, Duff
A representative for GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose has shot down persistent rumors that former GNR members Slash, Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan are in talks with Rose about taking part in a "reunion" tour this summer. The rumors gained strength a couple of days ago when unconfirmed reports surfaced that Slash had picked up his gear from VELVET REVOLVER's rehearsal studios after allegedly announcing that he was leaving the band.
Rumors of trouble in the VELVET REVOLVER camp have been swirling around the group for the past few months, with several reports suggesting that much of the strife between Slash and the rest of the camp stems from Slash's wife Perla's alleged involvement in the band's business affairs. The situation allegedly came to a head last week after an attempt was made by attorneys to mediate in matters related to the lawsuits filed by Slash, Duff and Axl over the rights to the old GNR songs.
Slash and Duff, who left GNR in the 1990s and are joined in VELVET REVOLVER by ex-GNR drummer Matt Sorum and former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland, had filed suits in 2004 and 2005 seeking the rights to the early GNR material, accusing Rose of killing deals that would have put their songs in a half-dozen movies, including "Old School" and "Black Hawk Down". Rose filed a counterclaim last month asking a Federal Court to confirm his ownership of his "creative works" and defending his decision to choose when to license the music and to whom.
At press time, there has been no official comment from the VELVET REVOLVER camp regarding any of the rumors currently making the rounds. It is also not presently clear if VELVET REVOLVER will go ahead with their previously announced plans to enter the studio on April 10 to begin recording the follow-up to their double-platinum 2004 debut, "Contraband".
Velvet Revolver Collaborating With Pharrell
Jonathan Cohen and Susan Butler report for Billboard.com: Despite rumors that Velvet Revolver members Slash and Duff McKagan will rejoin Guns N' Roses for a summer tour, the group is actually at work on its sophomore RCA album with an unlikely collaborator: uber hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams.
Williams is also working with Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland on a song titled "Happy," which will likely appear on Weiland's second solo album. Williams confirmed the projects with Billboard.com but did not reveal additional details.
"With the first record, it was kind of a feeling out process on a technical level," Weiland told Billboard.com in December. "We were sort of bonded by blood in a sense, because we'd gone through very similar circumstances. On this record, I have a real concept in mind. Because of that, it will be a very album-oriented record instead of a singles-driven record."
Velvet Revolver Drummer Talks About New Songs
VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum (ex-GUNS N' ROSES) has posted the following message on his official web site regarding the songwriting process for the band's second album:
"Had a great day in Drac Studios [Matt's studio] today [Friday, March 17] working with Duff [McKagan, VELVET REVOLVER bassist] on some songs. We are coming up with some breakthrough stuff. I'm getting excited. One song sounds like a cross between ZEPPELIN and PRINCE. Duff loves PRINCE. Great riff for Slash. Today we did one that is very heavy with a sick groove. With some synth keyboard part. A la a band called REFUSED. Who we all dig."
Duff McKagan told Launch Radio Networks on March 10 that the band will enter the studio on April 10 to begin recording their sophomore album. The group have been preparing songs since coming off the road last year and McKagan says the material is nearly ready to go. "It's real close, you know," he said. "The thing is, we always have way too much material, so it's probably more a matter of just like picking the right ones. It's a quality problem. This second record will be just an exploration, as opposed to like, 'Let's crush it and put it out,' it's gonna be exploration and I think people will really dig it."
VELVET REVOLVER's new effort will follow up their 2004 debut, "Contraband", which has sold nearly two million copies.
The band was formed in 2003 when former GUNS N' ROSES members McKagan, Slash and Sorum joined forces with guitarist Dave Kushner and ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland.
Camp Freddy Confirms Weiland As Core Member
Former THE CULT touring bassist and current CAMP FREDDY guitarist Billy Morrison has confirmed in an online posting that VELVET REVOLVER/ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland has joined the Los Angeles-based "jam" group CAMP FREDDY as a "core member." "The band operates with a huge rotating guest line up, but we have always had a core group of five people — the current incarnation being myself, Donovan [Leitch, vocals; the son of 1960s U.K. folk-rock icon Donovan], Dave [Navarro, guitar; ex-JANE'S ADDICTION/RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS], Matt [Sorum, drums; VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES], and Chris [Chaney, bass; ex-JANE's ADDICTION]," Morrison writes. "And now Scott has joined that team. He will be at all the shows possible, and is part of our decision making process, sharing his ideas with us, and ours with him. Scott completely understands the fun, no stress angle of our shows, the possibilities that are out there for CAMP FREDDY, and is a welcome addition to the FREDDY family. As with all of us, it does NOT mean anything for VELVET REVOLVER. We all carry on with our day jobs outside of FREDDY. All it means is that when CAMP FREDDY do anything, Scott will now be involved if his schedule permits."
CAMP FREDDY have been in and out of the recording studio over the past couple of years recording what is expected to eventually be released as the band's debut album. Among the cuts that are set to appear on the effort are a version of Marc Bolan's "20th Century Boy" (featuring CAMP FREDDY's own Donovan Leitch on vocals, and Steve Jones from THE SEX PISTOLS on lead guitar) and THIN LIZZY's "Jailbreak" (featuring ex-ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell on vocals and Billy Duffy [ex-THE CULT] on lead guitar). Other guest musicians include RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith and singer Macy Gray.
Scott Weiland Slams Axl Rose
VELVET REVOLVER/ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman Scott Weiland has slammed GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose for his comments in a recent press release where he claimed that in October of 2005, VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash visited Axl's house at 5:30 one morning and said he wanted to "end the war" with Rose. Rose alleged that Slash tore into his current bandmates in VELVET REVOLVER, calling singer Weiland a "fraud," saying that he "hates" drummer Matt Sorum and describing bassist Duff McKagan as "spineless."
The press release stated, "It would have been Axl's preference to resolve disputes with Slash and Duff in private...However, Axl could no longer sit quietly and allow the continuing dissemination of falsehoods and half-truths by his former bandmates."
Responding to Axl's comments, Weiland wrote in an open letter, "Get in the ring. Go to the gym, motherfucker, or if you prefer, get a new wig, motherfucker. I think I'll resist the urge to 'stoop' to your level. Oh shit, here it comes, you fat, botox-faced, wig-wearin' fuck! O.K., I feel better now.
"Don’t think for a second we don't know where those words came from. Your unoriginal, uncreative little mind — the same mind that had to rely on its bandmates to write melodies and lyrics. Who's the fraud now, bitch?
"Damn, I couldn't imagine people writing for me. How many albums have you put out, man, and how long did it take the current configuration of this so-called 'band' to make this album? How long? And without the only guys that validated the name.
"How dare you! Shame on you! How dare you call our bass player 'spineless?' We toured our album over a year and a half. How many shows have you played over the last ten years? Oh, that's right — you bailed out on your long-awaited comeback tour, leaving your remaining fans feeling, shall we say, a trifle miffed?! I won't even list what I've accomplished because I don't need to. What we're talking about here is a frightened little man who once thought he was king, but unfortunately this king without his court is nothing but a memory of the asshole he once was."
Velvet Revolver Reveal Working Title For New Album
Al Mancini of ABC Radio's ePrep is reporting that VELVET REVOLVER have set "Libertad" — the Spanish word for freedom — as the working title for their new CD.
Speaking to ABC Radio's ePrep entertainment reporter on the red carpet at the Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Monday (Dec. 19), VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland explained "the title that I'm sort of kicking around is … 'Libertad'," before adding "that can mean a lot of things."
Confirming recent statements by other members of his band, Weiland explained that he wants the band's second CD to be a concept record.
"The great rock and roll records were albums," he told ABC Radio's ePrep. "It wasn't about ten to twelve songs just thrown together so it can support three singles, which is sort of what records are about today."
The singer said that he's hoping to emulate "the great records of yesteryear" like THE ROLLING STONES' "Exile On Main Street" and PINK FLOYD's "Dark Side of the Moon".
"This band and the bands that we come from, we've had a lot of hits, and we can prove that we can write hits," Weiland explained. "So on this album, I've set the bar really high. I have an idea in mind."
VELVET REVOLVER's debut album, "Contraband", has sold 1.84 million copies in the United States since its June 2004 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Velvet Revolver Plan Concept Album
MTV.com reports that Velvet Revolver are writing a concept album for their second full-length release. Weiland refused to reveal any details about the concept but said he and his fellow VR members have been writing for months.
"It's something I've been wanting to do since the last STP album, since the Shangri-La Dee Da album [in 2001], and it never was completely realized," singer Scott Weiland (formerly of Stone Temple Pilots) said. "You never know until you really completely get there, but it's going in that direction right now."
"This album really has to make a statement," bassist Duff McKagan added. "We've toured for 18 months. Now we have a brand name. Now we know each other as a band. The first album was just us together at home, a spontaneous product. Now it's time to make that record."
Along with the follow-up to 2004's Contraband, Weiland is also working on the follow-up to his 1998 solo album, 12 Bar Blues, for which he has 25 songs written. Weiland intended to release the solo album a few years ago but joined Slash, McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner in Velvet Revolver instead.
"I think I was looking really for a way out of doing drugs," Weiland recalled. "Then I kept on thinking the music [they were sending me] was getting better and better and finally I was just like, 'I think that there really might be a real contribution waiting to happen for rock and roll here. And I think if I join this I can really add something to this and make a real contribution.' "
There's no title or release date yet for either album, but McKagan said to expect a spring release for VR.
In the meantime, the band is performing a New Year's Eve show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. "It's a tiny little club where people can hang from the rafters." McKagan said. "It's gonna be hot and sweaty and ferocious, but that's rock and roll."
Ozzy And Slash Perform For The Queen
(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) -- Following a personal invitation from Buckingham Palace, Ozzy Osbourne performed for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Family’s annual “Royal Variety Performance” on November November 21 at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, England. Osbourne was joined by special guest Slash on guitar for a performance of the Beatles’ classic “In My Life,” the first single from Osbourne’s newly released Under Cover album. Following the event, Osbourne and wife Sharon Osbourne—the evening’s co-host—met with the Queen. --Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Read the full article at Ozzy And Slash Perform For The Queen.
Ozzy, Black Sabbath 'Supergroup' To Perform In UK
According to Ozzy.com, OZZY OSBOURNE and the BLACK SABBATH "supergroup," including Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) will be performing at the the second annual UK Music Hall Of Fame ceremony, which is being held November 16 at the Alexandra Palace in North London. Both Ozzy as a solo artist and Ozzy with SABBATH are being inducted, as are PINK FLOYD, John Peel, BOB DYLAN and JIMI HENDRIX. Other acts scheduled to perform include ALANIS MORISSETTE, THE PRETENDERS, JAMIE CULLUM, NEW ORDER and THE EURYTHMICS. Tickets to the event are being sold to the public and are available at See Tickets.com.
For the first time ever in the U.S., VH1 will broadcast "The Second Annual UK Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony" with the entire two-hour ceremony airing exclusively on VH1 Classic right after the premiere on VH1. The UK Music Hall of Fame is produced by Initial (part of Endemol) and distributed by Channel 4 International.
The second annual "UK Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony" will premiere on VH1 as a two-hour live extravaganza on Saturday, November 26 9:00 p.m. The ceremony will be staged in front of a 3,000 strong audience and reveal up to ten legendary artists and one music industry figure to be inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. For the first time, viewers in America will be able to witness this totally unique and utterly unmissable evening packed with amazing live performances from top international artists, exclusive video packages and tribute speeches from some of the leading celebrities of our time.
VH1 Classic will air the entire, unexpurgated ceremony on Sunday, November 27 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT and again at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. VH1 Classic viewers will witness the complete show, brimming with amazing performances and tributes to huge to be missed.
On November 11, 2004 music history was made with the inaugural ceremony of The UK Music Hall of Fame. THE BEATLES, MICHAEL JACKSON, MADONNA, BOB MARLEY, ELVIS PRESLEY, QUEEN, CLIFF RICHARD & THE SHADOWS, THE ROLLING STONES, U2 and ROBBIE WILLIAMS were the first artists to enter the UK Music Hall of Fame and Chris Blackwell (the founder of Island Records) was given the Honorary Membership for services to the music industry. Inductees are chosen by a highly select group of entertainment industry professionals.
Report
Ozzfest 2005 Comes To an End in West Palm Beach
Well it was one hell of a tour, the 10th annual Ozzfest Summer Amphitheatre Tour came to an end once again in West Palm Beach, FL and I had a chance to be there. For 6 years now I have been planning on going to Ozzfest but for some reason something has always came up and I couldn't go. Last year I had everything lined up to go, and a damn hurricane hit the place. This year I finally lucked out and went to my first Ozzfest. Let me tell you "I have waited for this for a very long time." I loaded up the Tahoe with a couple friends and my wife and we left about 2:00am Saturday morning and drove about 9 1/2 hours from Charleston to West Palm Beach, FL. That was a long drive, I probably should have gone to the one in Charlotte, NC the night before but......."The best one is the last one" that's what I have always been told. More...
Velvet Revolver To Use Studio Drummer For Ozzfest
Velvet Revolver will enlist the services of studio session drummer Mark Schulman who has played with Cher, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Foriegner, and Billy Idol.
The drummer will fill in for Velvet Revolver and drummer Matt Sorum who fractured his hand in a recent boating accident. His injury forced the band to cancel an appearance on the ABC late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Schulman will take over the drumming duties for the band starting with the Aug. 20 show at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Ex-Atheist Singer: Reponse to Reissue Is Bananas
Former NEUROTICA/ATHEIST and current BIG MACHINE frontman has issued the following update:
"Response to the ATHEIST catalog being reissued is bananas!!! I wish to thank everyone for all the great letters and support on these. Relapse has done an incredible job on this package, it must be seen to be appreciated. The sound's been remastered on all of the records, new liner notes from numerous industry folk. It's just amazing. It hits the streets in September. Visit www.relapse.com to pre-order the limited-edition vinyl box set. There are only 1,000 they are going fast at 35 bucks! The three-disc set will be available individually as well through Relapse in September.
"I will be producing the upcoming recording session with Steve Flynn's [ex-ATHEIST drummer] new band GNOSTIC for my company, Starrfactory Records. This will mark the return of one of metal's sickest players. Steve Flynn has not recorded since his work on the now legendary 1991 'Unquestionable Presence' album from ATHEIST (being reissued September 13). Steve is in top form and this demo is gonna set the bar that much higher in the drumming world at minimum. The other players are strong and I think people will be really suprised by what they hear. We plan on shopping the demo. Interested parties contact starrfactory@verizon.net for info on the band etc.
"Also I have gone live with www.kellyshaefer.com. It is still developing, but right now it has info and music from all my bands — ATHEIST, NEUROTICA, UNHEARD, BIG MACHINE — plus you can check out the tunes I did with VELVET REVOLVER, and my DROWNING POOL auditions as well. Artwork, lyrics, press, pics, a blog and my complete Ozzfest diary from the NEUROTICA tour in 2002!
"And I am proud to report that I am gonna be a papa!! Me and my fiancee Jesika are expecting a girl our first! Skye Lilly Shaefer will debut live at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on November 26th.
"What a difference a year makes.
"And one last thing: In about two weeks, the brand new official ATHEIST website will be launching www.officialatheist.com and it will be chock-full of goodies for all you ATHEIST fans."
In other news, BIG MACHINE will be making their New York City live debut on August 3 at CBGB. Also appearing will be New Jersey's RANA.
BIG MACHINE recently spent time tracking new material at Florida's Southern Sound Studios with former ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND engineer Bud Snyder. Doug Kaye is producing. The songs that were recorded are: "Love Erosion", "Falling", "Shadow on the Wall" and "I Heard the Thunder". All tracks were written by AC/DC's Brian Johnson and BIG MACHINE guitarist Doug Kaye.
BIG MACHINE is:
Kelly Shaefer (ATHEIST, NEUROTICA) - Vocals
Doug Kaye - Guitar
Donny Jaurols (E3, SERAPHINE, UNHEARD) - Guitar
Joe Scibilia (LAST GREAT HOPE) - Bass
Jeff Klosterman (JULLIET) – Drums
Velvet Revolver Frontman Sprains Ankle
According to a posting on Duff McKagan's Raw Power official fan club web site, bassist Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) has checked in from Europe with the following update:
"Last night in Denmark [at Roskilde festival] we had one of the best shows of this tour...amazing. Unfortunately, Scott [Weiland, vocals] sprained his ankle VERY bad (we thought it was broken) during the last note of the last song ('Slither'). Scott, being the trooper that he is, will play [Friday night, July 1] in Brussels and Saturday [July 2] at Live 8.
"What a bummer. We've been touring for 14-15 months and we are finally going to get a break and Scott will be bed-ridden for at least a couple of weeks.
"Please send good thoughts Scott's way!"
Check out pictures of VELVET REVOLVER performing at the Roskilde Festival at Wire Image.
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