Velvet Revolver began in the spring of 2002. It all started with a jam session that reunited ex-Guns N' Roses bandmates Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Matt Sorum (drums). When they discovered that their chemistry was still strong, they began pushing new music and holding auditions for singers, for what it became known as "The Project." With some entries including ex-Buckcherry vocalist Josh Todd, and Neurotica\'s Kelly Shaefer; both became acquainted with the cutting room floor. By early 2003, "The Project's existence - and its quest for a singer - was some common knowledge, so much that VH1 sent cameras to document the search. Dave Kushner (who was a guitarist for Wasted Youth; and Dave Navarro's solo band), also came to the band. Then former STP vocalist Scott Weiland came on board next. The band and him clicked immediately, and they recorded a song for the Hulk soundtrack. The song is called "Set Me Free." By June, the band (known as the project), changed their band name to Velvet Revolver (and Weiland was made the official lead singer). Although, he still had some drug charges against him resulting back in May. They signed a deal with RCA, and then spent the rest of 2003 fitting gigs and recording sessions around Weiland's court-ordered rehab. RCA, then, announced a date for the album release (it was originally gonna be April of '04). But it got pushed to May, and then, June. During the spring of '04, Weiland went through court dates and recovery as Slash and Duff did advance press for Contraband, and fan anticipation for the album grew. VR then released the single "Slither," it was a rabid, ambitious rocker guided by Slash's guitar sound. They've released other singles since Slither came out (like Fall To Pieces and Dirty Little Thing). The single (Slither), was number one on the rock charts. And then, when Contraband finally hit, it was a major mix between the sounds of STP and G N R signatures. The album has done very well. Hopefully VR will be around for a long time.
Bio written by: riff_master |
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