Biography by
Johnny Loftus
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.Content provided All Music Guide. Copyright 2008
All Media Guide, LLC.
