Velvet Revolver Bio
Velvet Revolver began with a spring 2002 jam session that
reunited ex-Guns N' Roses bandmates Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan
(bass), and Matt Sorum (drums) on-stage. With the discovery that their
chemistry was still going strong, the trio began pushing around some
new music and auditioning singers for what became known as "the
Project." Early entries included ex-Buckcherry shouter Josh Todd and
Neurotica's Kelly Shaefer; both became acquainted with the cutting room
floor. By early 2003, the existence of "the Project" -- and its quest
for a singer -- was common knowledge, so much so that VH1 sent cameras
to document the search. Dave Kushner (Wasted Youth, Dave Navarro) also
joined up as second guitarist. Troubled STP-er Scott Weiland came on
board next. He and the band clicked immediately and recorded a hyper
piece of glitter metal for the Hulk soundtrack called "Set Me Free." By
June, "the Project" had been renamed Velvet Revolver, and Weiland was
officially made its lead singer, though possession charges stemming
from a May bust were still outstanding. The band signed a deal with RCA
and spent the rest of 2003 fitting in gigs and recording sessions
around Weiland's court-ordered rehab. RCA next announced an April 2004
release for Contraband, Velvet Revolver's full-length debut; the date
was then pushed to May, and finally to June. That spring, Weiland
labored through court dates and recovery as Slash and Duff did advance
press for Contraband, and fan anticipation for the album grew. VR also
released the single "Slither," a rabid, ambitious rocker guided by
Slash's signature guitar sound. The single sidled steadily up the
active rock charts, and when Contraband finally dropped, it was to
general appreciation for its mix of STP and GNR signatures and its
surprising turn toward hedonistic maturity. Velvet Revolver's sophomore
effort, Libertad, followed in 2007. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
Written by Johnny Loftus
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