Exclusive: Velvet Revolver’s Slash Talks Weiland Split, Search for New Singer

4/3/08, 6:13 pm EST

Rolling Stone spoke exclusively with Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash today regarding the band’s decision to split with frontman Scott Weiland. “Everybody’s just very relieved,” Slash tells RS. “This is something that’s been coming down for a while. I know everybody is tying the STP [reunion tour] thing to it, but it started way before that. We just had a lot of commitments to fulfill, so we just had to drag this thing out until the obligations were finished. Basically, we’re just excited about finding someone else and moving on.”

As far as the search for a new frontman goes, Slash says, “There’s some people, but it’s really premature to start naming names. We actually worked with a guy, I won’t mention his name, before we left to go to the U.K. and there just wasn’t enough time to break him in, so we’re gonna work with him again some more, and maybe some other guys as well.” As for Weiland’s recommendation that the band hire former Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach, Slash is unamused. “I thought [Weiland] could be a little bit more imaginative. I’m not sure if that was meant to be a pot shot or what. Whatever, it’s not worth any real drama.”

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Comments

Skandium->Z | 5/9/2008, 10:38 pm EST

Jack Black!! I’m just kidding.

I really like Chris Cornell, and i think it’ll fit very well in V’R.

But i really, really.. REALLY think they should leave Velvet Revolver in the past. A nice supergroup that existed with Scott Weiland and then disbanded.

I hope GN’R make some reunion tour with the original alineation: Axl, Izzy, Duff, Slash, Steven (or Matt.. i like’m both).

I hope Axl kick all that gothic bullshit-asshole new members of Guns N Roses and apology to his former bandmates to start over.

Regards from the South Pole.

Jeremy | 5/7/2008, 9:36 am EST

Axl Rose
Izzy Stradlin
Zakk Wylde
Billy Idol
David Lee Roth
Sebastion Bach
Eric Dover
Sammy Hagar

kissfan | 5/3/2008, 11:48 am EST

An unknown is what you need check out Sok Monkee on myspace there’s your new singer.

Ganja | 5/2/2008, 9:15 am EST

I wonder what Phill Collins is doing these days?

Ganja | 5/2/2008, 9:15 am EST

I wonder what Phill Collins is doing these days?

Ganja | 5/2/2008, 9:15 am EST

I wonder what Phill Collins is doing these days?

priest4lyfe | 4/29/2008, 11:14 pm EST

ROB HALFORD

nick | 4/28/2008, 3:04 pm EST

does anybody remember Whit Crane from Ugly Kid Joe? how rad would he be?!?

shane murphy toronto | 4/21/2008, 1:53 pm EST

VR should all go home and retire and
start taking care of raising their children. Slash gotta pretty wife and
a great life. My daughter met slash in toronto….(Youtube.com under SLASH IS A DAD TOO!!) check it out.

I think she’s the perfect fit for VR if they continue.

Axl | 4/18/2008, 5:36 pm EST

Elton John! xD

Jeremy | 4/18/2008, 10:55 am EST

Axl
Izzy
Zakk Wylde
Billy Idol
Eric Dover
Sebastion Bach
David Lee Roth
Sammy Hagar

those of u who hates slash……fuck u

sourgirl | 4/16/2008, 9:56 pm EST

Axl ply frothing 2 the mouth to get in VR DON’T LET HIM IN! He ruined GnR, was responsible for their break-up, and can shove Chinese.. up his a$$, along with his fake corn-rows! Slash & guys would NEVER stoop so low as to do that anyways. Bach is a punk, and they all know it. Chris Cornell would be the ULTIMATE choice.

Jeremy | 4/15/2008, 10:03 am EST

ok plain and simple
1. Axl
2. Izzy
3. David Lee Roth
4. Billy Idol
5. Zakk Wylde
6. Sebastion Bach
7. Eric Dover

Anonymous | 4/15/2008, 3:10 am EST

People keep saying axl and your morons! Why would Axl join VR? Guns renuion yes, but Axl joining would be lame. They need a talnted vocalsit and song writer. Cornell would be cool but don’t see it happening, I think we should just sit back and wait and not get our hopes up, because you know whoever it is will be lame just like Weiland.

8 D | 4/14/2008, 6:07 pm EST

AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE AXL ROSE

GET OVER YOUR LITTLE BITCH FIT GUYS!

Roller Stone | 4/12/2008, 5:03 pm EST

Kevin Jones would be a great choice he’s an awesome singer and frontman - he is currently the singer of Rattleface !! I’ve heard rip GNR songs as well as VR

Roller Stone | 4/12/2008, 5:03 pm EST

Kevin Jones would be a great choice he’s an awesome singer and frontman - he is currently the singer of Rattleface !! I’ve heard rip GNR songs as well as VR

Roller Stone | 4/12/2008, 5:03 pm EST

Kevin Jones would be a great choice he’s an awesome singer and frontman - he is currently the singer of Rattleface !! I’ve heard rip GNR songs as well as VR

Frogger512 | 4/11/2008, 4:05 pm EST

Maybe George Micheals could be the new singer,,,he sings good

rockchild | 4/9/2008, 4:30 pm EST

Eric Dover would be amazing! Offer him whatever he wants, it’s worth it to save VR!

Jonesz | 4/9/2008, 4:08 pm EST

I will blow Scott and Axl Rose off the stage. Give Me The Freaking Gig !!! KEVIN JONES SINGER OF RATTLEFACE - MATT CALL ME BACK DUDE !!!

Jonesz | 4/9/2008, 4:08 pm EST

I will blow Scott and Axl Rose off the stage. Give Me The Freaking Gig !!! KEVIN JONES SINGER OF RATTLEFACE - MATT CALL ME BACK DUDE !!!

Rock with out the roll | 4/9/2008, 2:51 pm EST

Slash, This canadian rocker would jam with you any time. Weiland is over rated.

rjbcomeshome | 4/8/2008, 9:21 pm EST

i will pray every night that axl stops being a di*khead, apologizes to the O.GNR boys and they get back together and rock the entire world again 1987 style

Vee | 4/8/2008, 8:33 pm EST

Despite Weiland’s unhappy departure, he’s still a great vocalist, and I don’t think even the VR guys deny that, or they wouldn’t have picked him in the first place. And as for a new vocalist, we should sit back and be surprised by the talent chosen by the real professionals of VR.

dragoneyez | 4/8/2008, 2:02 pm EST

Axl rose needs to be the singer PERIOD, If we want rock back, that is the only way PERIOD, Nobody else could do it PERIOD

sticolesamson | 4/8/2008, 1:49 pm EST

Now is the time for us all to scream, that we want the orig.GNR, VR needs a singer, Axl needs a guitar, The time is now, They may never be a better time!! Quit talking about other singers please!

sticolesamson | 4/8/2008, 1:45 pm EST

Stop talking about other singers that would fit with VR, There is only one guy that would sound the best with slash and co. And that guy has done it before and he can do it again. Now is the time for all of us to rise up and scream that we want the old gnr line up, Now is the time!

Steven "Popcorn" Adler | 4/8/2008, 3:47 am EST

“The guy has the audacity to make fun of Sorum for not having kids.”

I agree. He should’ve made fun of Matt’s drumming.

soda | 4/8/2008, 1:40 am EST

If anyone is dying to be a hipster, it’s Scott. If he’s not aping Vedder, it’s Bowie, or Axl. He has no originality, a prodigious ego and drug problem that saps what little talent he has. No doubt he started this crap to get publicity for the STP reunion. I like how he says the Deleo’s always had his back. Too bad he showed his appreciation by screwing them over many a time for his beloved smack. If he hadn’t, maybe they would have made enough money back in the day so they wouldn’t have to put up with his sorry azz again. Oh well at least they have a choice to be around him, unlike his kids. The guy has the audacity to make fun of Sorum for not having kids. At least he’s honest with himself and doesn’t inflict his immaturity on innocent victims. The only reason Slash and co. chose him because he was a “name”. Maybe next time around they’ll pick someone who can help them write songs, because they sorely need it.

Dingleberry | 4/7/2008, 6:06 pm EST

How about scrap that band? The songs were just OK. Nothing that special. Get Guns back together.

HAmbone | 4/7/2008, 6:04 pm EST

No chris cornell. That would be rediculous. How about someone we have never heard of to make it “not cheesy”.

Patrick of J. | 4/7/2008, 4:48 pm EST

Hey, is Kurt Cobain busy?

Ralph Jones | 4/7/2008, 4:03 pm EST

They have to do whatever they can to keep it going or they’ll end up crawling back to Axl. Have they even had a hit? If so what was it?

I think Sebastian Bach is a good recommendation.

FOO-YA!!! | 4/7/2008, 2:41 pm EST

WhySoFaded:
You’re a moron. STP could not shine GnR’s shoes. Guess you were raised in the grunge era with you clear bias and lack of taste. “Aging hipsters?” So Slash is now a senior citizen or something? And he was never a “hipster”, idiot.

El Jefe | 4/7/2008, 2:01 pm EST

If the Cult’s not touring right now, see what Ian’s doing.

Candy West | 4/7/2008, 1:53 pm EST

Devlin Black should be considered.”He’s one of the best
unsigned frontmen in the Hollywood scene and would put them back to street-level again.”Old school GnR
style.

Jason Katz | 4/7/2008, 1:33 pm EST

It should be Chris Cornell…Audioslave was a raging success and his style would fit very well in to Velvet Revolvers rockin style

John 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald | 4/7/2008, 12:55 pm EST

As of now: It’s going to be Chris Daughtry.

Barneyh8er | 4/7/2008, 11:59 am EST

Robert Plant

Jim Beam | 4/7/2008, 10:48 am EST

What is Brett Scallions doing these days? He used to sing in Fuel.

Meatwad | 4/7/2008, 10:46 am EST

What about Brett Scallions from Fuel? What is he doing these days?

That guy can sing, seems like he’d fit in well with VR.

Weiland is going to f*ck up STP for what, the 5th or 6th time?

Osvaldo Paese | 4/7/2008, 9:52 am EST

If they want to really do something extreme, they should get Devandra Banhart. I think that’d be cool. He’s young and wild and creative, what more would they want?
If they want to sell records, they should get Garth Brooks. He’s not doing anything.
Robert Plant seems like a cheap choice. He’s got no reason to.
If they get Vince Neil, i’m gonna be pissed off.

The Intl | 4/7/2008, 1:06 am EST

Why don’t they just pick someone from American Idol? Or maybe go back to Gazzarris & find some faux-hair metal burnout? West coast shit bands, gotta love ‘em.

Anonymous | 4/6/2008, 8:28 pm EST

they should get dilana

John Holmes | 4/6/2008, 8:01 pm EST

There is only one man enough for this band - Ron Jeremy

billyrayvalentine | 4/6/2008, 7:46 pm EST

I think they should hire lenny Kravitz or Axl! There r no other interesting options!!

noone | 4/6/2008, 7:39 pm EST

how bout Chris Cornell

chris | 4/6/2008, 8:32 am EST

they should just get another chick to front this band. shake things up. hell, axl and scott are both c*nts anyway. whats the difference?

WhySoFaded | 4/6/2008, 4:25 am EST

Wow the comments on this topic are quite amuzing! Scott Weiland was the best part of that band but even with Scott that band was garbage. Down with the Hair Metal 80’s Butt Rockers trying to make a comeback with 90’s style wannabe grunge rock. STP was a FAR better band than GNR or VR will ever be! So many STP songs scream here me where as Axl Roses Vocals Scream Kill me before the Migraine does…Slash may know how to throw out some pretty narly solos but the last guitar hero he is not. Tom Morello makes Slash look like just another guitarist who can do a million hammer-ons and pull-offs. Really who can’t. Down with these aging hipsters DOWN!

new singer bulletin alert! | 4/5/2008, 11:48 pm EST

Just in! The new singer for Velvet Revolver will be Robert Plant. He is tired of folk and the LZ reunion is going nowhere, so this is a way for the old man to get back in the scene.

Johnny P | 4/5/2008, 10:59 pm EST

I NEVER thought Weiland was the proper choice for V.R. I’ve stayed away from V.R becuase of him. A bit narrow minded on my part but whatever. Weiland is one lucky SOB and a study in miracles. He’s made a career in music with limited talent.

Spiderlips | 4/5/2008, 10:07 pm EST

They should get Stephen Beck to sing lead. This guy rocks and would be perfect. He has a voice that is a cross between Robert Plant and Ozzy. What could be better?

André / Brazil | 4/5/2008, 8:41 pm EST

Weiland is a fraud. What an asshole. Doesn’t respect music and the people who attend to their concert. He couldn’t stand being in a band where he wasn’t the greatest star. He’s just an EGO person. Now with STP he can have it, with his friends that can’t do anything else without him, so they have to stand such asshole. The best of VR is still there. Maybe they can find someone to write better lyrix too. VR will be greater than it was.

c-note | 4/5/2008, 7:14 pm EST

i nominate chris robinson for the lead singer role

likroper.com | 4/5/2008, 4:07 pm EST

GNR = grand national rodeo

Chris | 4/5/2008, 2:15 pm EST

Slash is the only guitarist needed people..He is the the last true guitar hero so their is no need to share the stage with some ameican idol hack..American Idol sucks like all other reality tv show.. bring back regualar show like the A team or Knight rider….

poopsmith | 4/5/2008, 10:52 am EST

Gary Cherone! No, not really. Could you imagine?

Lynne | 4/5/2008, 10:15 am EST

I always thought the VR guys were taking a big risk on Mr. Weiland (Is this guy really that talented?). It would be a bigger risk to go with Axl - what a diva! For some reason, Chris Cornell was the first to come to mind. Don’t know if that’s really a fit, though. Hmmmm…

Fallsnative | 4/5/2008, 8:47 am EST

Weiland is a committed drug addict and will never change. And he’s a selfish sarcastic asshole.
Axl is just as big a nut-job. I dont doubt the next lead singer will rock.

Mike | 4/5/2008, 8:10 am EST

Get Axl, and maybe call it Guns N Roses. Hmmmm…

IZZY STRADLIN | 4/5/2008, 7:26 am EST

Get me and Steven back in the band first so we’ll make the music fly again.. Then let’s find a singer!

Jerry Koffman | 4/5/2008, 4:20 am EST

I’m just ready to gush thinking about how totally awesome Leonard Cohen would be fronting Velvet. Slash Pleeeeeze pick up the phone. If you can’t get through, try Lou Reed. I have his number if you need it. Barring that, how about Sonny Bono? No, wait, he’s dead. Tree got in the way, if I remember correctly.

Steph P. | 4/5/2008, 4:06 am EST

I think it would be really cool if Axl went in Velvet Revolver. But, it would never actually happen. I don’t think Sabastian Bach would be much good for Velvet Revolver because it would just sound like Skid Row.

fan | 4/5/2008, 3:02 am EST

I think it makes sense to fire Weiland. He has been out of it and for VR to flourish, he had to go. I would agree with Sammy Hagar if he was in his prime. But hes not so no.
I am leaning towards Phil Anselmo, Chris Cornell, David Cook, Tim Ripper Owens, David Cook, God, David Cook, and David Cook. David could be perfect for VR. Yeah I know, hes American Idol, but who cares? He sounds amazing! And he totally fits VR. He could totally rock it out. Imagine, a Three Guitarist VR, with Slash, Kushner, and Cook jamming on Les Pauls together. HECK YEAH!

Anonymous | 4/5/2008, 12:54 am EST

justin hawkins

jonny | 4/4/2008, 11:34 pm EST

I hear MARTA SANCHEZ is desperated to join this band!

dcm | 4/4/2008, 10:57 pm EST

eric dover was from slash’s Snakepit, (probably better than velvet, actually)

dm | 4/4/2008, 10:49 pm EST

whoever suggested eric dover is a genius he’s amazing

bettyco | 4/4/2008, 10:20 pm EST

get back on 2001 and the history repet to the project jaja will see what happening in the future, but will be hard, I hope see duff, slash, matt and dave on the road soon
VR!!!!!! fu#%@ng rock!!!!!!!!!

GunnerRose | 4/4/2008, 8:40 pm EST

Before they get a singer….have Izzy write some material.

wolfxxx | 4/4/2008, 7:50 pm EST

IZZY!!!!IZZY!!!IZZY!!!!

The Big M | 4/4/2008, 7:25 pm EST

I think Slash should hire Michael Jackson…

Douglas | 4/4/2008, 6:53 pm EST

They should just say crew it and try to get GNR back together. why not everyone still talking about them. I think it would help Axl promote Chinese Democracey.

nobody | 4/4/2008, 4:44 pm EST

i got a good idea for a replacement. AXL ROSE!!!!!!

the rooster | 4/4/2008, 3:10 pm EST

Someone call Dave Navarro and Brook Burke! its time for “Rock Star: Velvet Revolver”.

BMo | 4/4/2008, 2:40 pm EST

SamL: Great post on how Hal Ozsan should be the new lead singer. I’ve been saying the same on message boards for a week. He would be perfect! He’s cool,talented,a great songwriter, and he has a desire to make Rock great again. I just hope Slash knows who he is and that they’re looking into it…

CT | 4/4/2008, 1:59 pm EST

Very true Jaime, maybe Shooter can do both simultaneously. He’s a very talented guy and he’s way more “rock n’ roll” than Scott ever was. I see a good fit between Shooter and VR. He would add much credibility to VR.

César de Argentina | 4/4/2008, 1:40 pm EST

Scoot Weiland es una metira del Rock & Roll, Scott was dead until VR came for him, he’s such an asshole!

i think is time for GN´R, the old formation… i´m sure that´s will be Rock!!!

Jaime | 4/4/2008, 1:38 pm EST

The thing with Shooter is that he’s making such great country music and filling a big void that I’d hate to see him give it up. There’s no one else in his genre doing what he’s doing and I’d be sad to see him leave that behind.

Pete | 4/4/2008, 1:16 pm EST

Ozzy! just kidding. Me thinks they should put VR away and forget about it.

CT | 4/4/2008, 1:12 pm EST

Shooter Jennings or Donovan Leitch. That’s who VR should get.

Slash's Hat | 4/4/2008, 1:11 pm EST

-so much POTENTIAL and so little to show for it. Those 2 VelRev albums are the epitome of Boring.

C’mon People- really listen and then give the space to a really creative band rather than a “hey I did a few good things once” cartoon character.

No wonder people have stopped “buying”.

Jeff | 4/4/2008, 12:38 pm EST

Hmmmm…..lots of hate on VR goin on here. I think they were fine for what they did.

Good luck to Weiland and STP. Maybe one day he’ll be able to remove the stick from his ass and stop acting like such a douche.

He’s just mad that he didn’t get to be made into a character on Guitar Hero.

matt | 4/4/2008, 12:34 pm EST

Maybe Scott Stapp? Lol.

Just kidding. I actually thought VR was a fairly good band.

Jaime | 4/4/2008, 12:32 pm EST

Hell, I’ll sing for the band

NYC Nate | 4/4/2008, 12:25 pm EST

I’d say it’s a toss-up b/t Bob Seger, Stephen Pearcy from RATT or Kip Winger.

Jus’ sayin’…

Digital Needle | 4/4/2008, 11:52 am EST

Well somthing is definately going down i tell you, BBC radio 1 the main station in the uk played the whole of appetite for destruction last night, and did’nt speak in between tracks..i was utterly blown away and for the first time in a while surprised by a main corp radio station - it was totally pro.

Jungeland | 4/4/2008, 10:50 am EST

Jeff Scott Soto
Eric Dover

Both very good choices

or someone who is new, that worked for AIC

axl | 4/4/2008, 10:45 am EST

Eric Dover should be the one!

german | 4/4/2008, 9:26 am EST

bach is a joke & weiland a fucking tool.

John Hilton | 4/4/2008, 8:03 am EST

Don’t compare Slash to Axl. Not only are they a lead guitarist and vocalist but compare Slash to artists who have actually released music in the last decade.

I agree that VR wasnt revolutionary, but they were at least trying to be. One thing Slash is, is ambitious, and i think this decision is probably another sign of that.

I don’t care who the new vocalist is, as long as they can hold it together live.

deano | 4/4/2008, 5:36 am EST

Why would any successful singer leave their own gig to join this bunch of has-beens? I saw them last fall, and they really stunk. Alice in Chains, even with a new singer, blew them off the stage. Their last CD was a total commercial and critical stiff. Sebastian would be better off hanging with Axl and opening the next post-GNR tour.

bfsongstv | 4/4/2008, 5:14 am EST

Eric Dover!!!!!

bfsongstv | 4/4/2008, 5:08 am EST

Bruno Flores should be the next singer!!!

Fredward Cheddar | 4/4/2008, 2:54 am EST

Hi, can someone please give me a singer with multiple personalities? Oh, nevermind, this is the guy you guys are talking about.

tar heel | 4/4/2008, 1:27 am EST

Chris Cornell, maybe?

Benny | 4/3/2008, 11:57 pm EST

If the “old lineup” ever got back together, it’d be Axl guesting with Velvet Revolver.

Guns N’ Roses with Slash + Company died in 1994. Then Axl reinvented the band in 2001, again in 2002, and finally the “final” band in 2006.

Calling Axl, Slash, Duff, and Matt anything else than “Velvet Revolver w/ guest Axl Rose” would be a lie.

new singer | 4/3/2008, 11:41 pm EST

Maybe they should make a reality show to audition a new lead singer, not!

Jimmy Snuka | 4/3/2008, 10:11 pm EST

WEILAND IS A FRAUD!! I REPEAT, WEILAND IS A FRAUD!! At least the other 4 guys in VR are being humble and professional about the whole situation, showing nothing but class… Hopefully they hire someone who isn’t a selfish bidget/bastard like Weiland… they should hire Whitfield Crane from circa Ugly Kid Joe… the guy has great vocals and he isn’t doin anything right now but wasting talent.. and if they woulda hired him or Sebastian Bach right from the get-go, they wouldnt be in this god damn dilema….
Bach

Steel Dragon in Texas | 4/3/2008, 9:52 pm EST

Hire Jeff Scott Soto. Done, finished. The band would kill!!!

SamL | 4/3/2008, 9:40 pm EST

Hal Ozsan fmrly of Poets & Pornstars rocks!!!! Make him your new lead singer. PLEASE PLEASE. HAL OZSAN. HAL OZSAN rocks!!!

Jeff | 4/3/2008, 9:26 pm EST

VR = most disappointing half-assed rock band ever.

Same 80 minute show every night, same predictable easy cover tunes, they didn’t even play the STP tunes correctly. Seriously, you’re getting paid $100k a night, can’t you learn the correct chords to “Interstate Love Song” and “Sex Type Thing”?

Who hears a song like “She Mine” and thinks “Wow, this is groundbreaking, inspiring, edgy stuff!”?

Don’t hire a new singer unless said singer is Axl Rose and you play his material. Thanks.

podshowradio.com | 4/3/2008, 9:20 pm EST

VR was a very good band, I missed seeing them by a week in Dallas and three days in Tampa. When VR first formed the word was the band would not last a year do to drugs and big egos, they lasted five. I am very excited to see STP back on stage and hope VR finds a worthy replacement.

tom hamilton | 4/3/2008, 8:48 pm EST

ha ha, very funny “Bill Bailey”, but william “axl” bailey is better than that, chinese democracy will be better than appetite, he doesn’t need slash

Raz | 4/3/2008, 8:45 pm EST

The biggest loser in this whole Velvet Revolver debacle is Sebastian Bach. Not only is Scott Weiland bad mouthing him, but now Slash too.

tom hamilton | 4/3/2008, 8:43 pm EST

this kinda sucks, i thought velvet revolver was doing good for rock music, slash is an amazing and all but he’s had his run, now axl’s cd will come out and people will be saying slash who?
LONG LIVE DR. PEPPER!

Bill Bailey | 4/3/2008, 8:42 pm EST

I destroyed a decent band I was in once but I am in need of another….Please accept me. Thank you.

rockstar70 | 4/3/2008, 8:33 pm EST

Ride on Slash. Weiland is such a tool. I would love to see Josh Todd be in the group but the guys have already tried that and were not happy about the results. Maybe more or a Rockgod and less of an ego maniac!!

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