Scott Weiland and Velvet Revolver part ways — with update
Sanctuary Artist Management announced today that "Velvet Revolver founding members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner ... are parting ways with singer Scott Weiland."
"This band is all about its fans and its music, and Scott Weiland isn't 100% committed to either,” said Slash. "Among other things, his increasingly erratic on-stage behavior and personal problems have forced us to move on."
A spokesperson from Sanctuary Management says the band has no comment at this time.
We know what you're thinking: This is an April Fool's joke designed to prey on our worst fears. But there's no joke here, unless you're counting the band itself, though that appears to have been started in all seriousness.
As far as plans, Weiland will be joining his old Stone Temple Pilot pals for a few reunion shows this summer. And Velvet Revolver will likely soldier on with plans to drop its third album.
All I've got to say is that no one in this fine mess has written a song as cool as "Mr. Brownstone." Well, at least not since Slash actually wrote "Mr. Brownstone." VR and STP, race to see who can write the next fresh junkie jam. That doesn't mean you have to use drugs to make it! No one wants that. But please, you can do better than this.
--Margaret Wappler
UPDATE: Scott Weiland speaks! Here is Weiland's entire statement released this morning by Press Here Publicity, with frustrating punctuation choices retained for authenticity:
"After reading the comment by Duff, Matt, Dave and the illustrious “GUITAR HERO,” Saul Hudson, a.k.a Slash, I find it humorous that the so called four “founding members” of Velvet Revolver, better known to themselves as “the Project” before I officially named the band, would decide to move on without me after I had already claimed the group dead in the water on March 20 in Glasgow. In response to Slash’s comment regarding my commitment, I have to say it is a blatant and tired excuse to cover up the truth. The truth of the matter is that the band had not gotten along on multiple levels for some time. On a musical level, there were moments of joy, inspiration, fun…at times, but let’s not forget the multiple trips to rehab every member of the band had taken (with the exception of one member, no need to mention his name). Personally speaking, I choose to look forward to the future and performing with a group of friends I have known my entire life, people who have always had my back. This also speaks to my commitment to my music and my fellow band mates in STP and to the fans who I feel would much rather watch a group of musicians who enjoy being together as opposed to a handful of discontents who at one time used to call themselves a gang.
p.s. don’t be fooled by veiled trickery
p.p.s good hunting lads, I think Sebastian Bach would be a fantastic choice."
Well, someone sounds bitter but is there not a hint of affection too? His statement reads like he's talking to a ex-girlfriend who scorned him but he's not going to rip into her all the way because boy, did they have chemistry in the sack.
At any rate, the remaining questions are: Will STP really resurrect now that Weiland is back in the fold? Does the world really need an "Interstate Love Song 2008"?
Photo of Scott Weiland by Matt Sayles / AP
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I don't understand why you have to bne 13 years old to read this blog when it seems like it's written by a 13 years old.
Posted by: Chip Sayers | April 01, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Hey, Scott did a pretty good job with VR but he can be replaced (any singer can that is not the center-piece for an outfit)...He was a bit feeble in the vocal realm at times and certainly overpowered by the rest of the "Mighty VR" but showed a range and gift of mellow that he did not show with STP (I was at times impressed). This band will rock without him, they just need to stick together and find a new vocalist, one who can stay with the rest of the band's volume/power, (e.g. Daltrey, Plant) establish a slightly different approach and move on. Scott Weiland's vocals got lost in the music since he now lacks the ability to be heard above the rest of the band....burn out??? Don't know. Find a guy who can compete with the rest of the band in power-delivery category, one who can write, sing and perform without the suicidal tendencies and this band will continue to make great rock.....by the way I am damn near 50 years old and VR music brings me back to the rock-n-roll basics. Rock on men.....there is precious little music out there to keep us hard-core rockers from flat-lining. Good luck.
Posted by: Eric Saderholm | April 01, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Heroin sucks. mereggie. com
Posted by: mike | April 01, 2008 at 10:27 PM
oh please. at the end of the day, does anyone, and i mean anyone, really care ?
Posted by: s j white | April 01, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I feel bad for Scottie and I hope he hits his bottom. (Hint: you hit bottom when you stop digging.) Maybe his next rehab will take.
Posted by: Marcos El Malo | April 02, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I saw them play last night in amsterdam their last concert it was freakin amazing what a show Scott's voice was really good and the band were in good shape no animosity at all amongst each other. Not many off these real rock and roll bands around. Between songs Scott said, before kicking in to "the last fight" that it was to bad that the song became reality
Posted by: Eddie | April 02, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Scott Weiland is rock's best frontman. Do you think Slash would've settled for anyone less when he started VR? Although, Scott's personal problems grab the headlines, all you need to do is watch this guy perform and you see the magic. Can't wait to see him back w/ STP. I hope Slash and the boys can find someone in the realm of Scott Weiland.
Posted by: Chris Pepper | April 02, 2008 at 06:06 AM
To stay slim and trim,and to maintain that "death warmed over ,hollow cheeked rock star look" nothing is more effective than good old smack, "It's the strongest thing you can get without a prescription."
Posted by: john | April 02, 2008 at 06:51 AM
who are these guys again? Hey, that singer looks like the rocker guy advertising the Bow-Flex machine I saw on TV last night!...How about that!
Posted by: I'm just saying | April 02, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Put the horse down man. Cold Turkey has got Scott on the run...
Or maybe he just likes heroin that much. I have seen him in interviews before and he is an addict plain and simple. I have no sympathy for him, but for the band Velvet Revolver...send me an email I will be your front man. Forget the junk. All that matters is whether or not your band can rock. Those other fellas rock. Replace him and don't give up rocking!
Posted by: Adam Stevens | April 02, 2008 at 07:18 AM
I could never get into VR. Could not get past that cigarette always hanging out of Slash's mouth. Disgusting.
Posted by: Mark Dodge | April 02, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Put him in Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew for a year. Or, for Dr. Drew's sake, maybe not. You would think for his beautiful children he'd keep trudging...
Posted by: beth | April 02, 2008 at 07:51 AM
maybe, just maybe they are too old to be playing rock and roll.
Posted by: joe | April 02, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I like the pontiac logo in the background. It makes me think I am watching musicians not lip syncing geeks paid by a motorvehicle manufacturer for ad time.
Posted by: Tb | April 02, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Maybe they can recruit Lukas from Rockstar Supernova. I hear he's looking for work, LOL.
Posted by: Jim | April 02, 2008 at 08:47 AM
what!!! man scott weiland needs to get his act together because he is pretty talented, and no i do think that velvet revolver needs scott weiland as the lead singer because thats how they were brought up STP and GNR two of the best bands together, that was their hype, with a new singer they would need a new band.. man im straight dissapointed.
Posted by: Josh b. | April 02, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Looks like another Rock Star VR TV show is in the making...blah......
Posted by: MR | April 02, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Scott is really being an immature little peck!! His unnecessary mouthing off about members of the band is really what started this.
I am glad, I never really cared for him, as well one step closer to GNR.
Posted by: Sandie | April 02, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Yes another horrible band bites the dust. Who cares what these 90s wash ups have to say. Really.
Posted by: The Man | April 02, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I was at the Glasgow concert where Weiland made his announcement. You can hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLKY4bFwGTc
Posted by: Sam | April 02, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I totally never saw this coming.
Posted by: Butchie | April 02, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Only saw them once at the Pond. Thank god the ticket was free. I have never seen such a boring show. It reminded me why I see The Stones multiple times a tour. Weiland could use a few pointers from Mick on how to work a stage. Weiland will not be missed.
Posted by: Scott M. | April 03, 2008 at 02:51 PM
put 3 hard working, serious musicians and 1 biopolar dude with a endless drug habit and you end up with a everyone asking each morning. "Who is Scott going to be today" working sisutation. I work in MH and I see the same thing at our hospital day after day. I don't know how it lasted that long with Weiland anyways. Good luck Matt .....m
Posted by: marty_green lake | April 25, 2008 at 02:00 AM
Looks like the search is over for Scott Weiland’s replacement. Jeffrey Light of Sanctuary Artist Management (Velvet Revolver’s high-power management team) announced earlier today that the lead singer of NYC based MEAN VENUS has already begun the process of taking over vocal duties. Known merely as “J”, Light says the MEAN VENUS front man has everything Weiland had and more. An accomplished songwriter in his own right, Velvet Revolver are excited to explore a somewhat new direction with the virtually unknown frontman.
Posted by: Priscilla | April 25, 2008 at 06:32 AM
It's a sad day in Rock and Roll for me. STP is not VR and likewise. VR was one of my favorite bands. It's too bad they weren't on the scene as long as GNR. Some good stuff came from VR, one of the best was fall to pieces. Slash is still awesome. Along with Duff. Sorum and Dave were less recognizable to me. Who is VR, was GNR without Slash. Who knows where these guys 'll go. Hopefully somewhere positive. I hope STP still rocks.
Posted by: Josh H | June 02, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Been seeing lots of discussion about this mean venus singer j being the new guy. was just on vr message board and saw this thread:
http://www.velvetrevolverforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=29816.0
hope it's true. guy seems like a perfect fit!
sherry
Posted by: sherry | June 09, 2008 at 07:13 AM
W.AXL ROOOOOOOOSE
Posted by: nuno arson | June 23, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I don't agree with your commentary, I didn't think he sounded bitter at all, if anything, kind of smug. Also, what's with the comment on interstate love song? It's a classic better than anything by VR.
Posted by: Martin | June 24, 2008 at 12:51 PM