VELVET REVOLVER BREAKING UP? SCOTT WEILAND SEEMS TO THINK SO:

March 24, 2008

During Velvet Revolver's show on Thursday night in Glasgow, Scotland, frontman Scott Weiland -- who finished another stint in rehab just before the start of the band's European tour -- made a rather peculiar and unexpected announcement, one that stirred considerable debate among VR fans all weekend.

According to several media and fan accounts, Weiland told the sold-out crowd that they were "watching something special ... the last tour by Velvet Revolver." At least one account of the evening's proceedings suggests Weiland's revelation was news to the rest of the band; the tour concludes on April 1 in the Netherlands.

"[Guitarist] Slash, [bassist] Duff [McKagan], [drummer] Matt [Sorum] and [guitarist] Dave [Kushner] all looked at each other. ...They sang 'Fall to Pieces,' [and] then Scott goes over to the side of the stage and argues with the sound guy," one eyewitness reported on a forum devoted to the group. "After a couple of songs, he threw his [microphone] down and walked off. After a long wait, Duff came out with the band and sang the start of 'It's So Easy.' Scott shows up about half way through, sang really half-assed, then [was] gone again."

At press time, the band's rep had not responded to MTV News' request for comment, and there's no official word on the VR site (which was last updated on Thursday), but Sorum -- who, along with Slash and McKagan, is a former member of Guns N' Roses -- took to his blog to comment on Weiland's announcement.

"[We] had a little band turmoil on stage, as you probably all could tell," he wrote. "Being in a band is a lot like being in a relationship. Sometimes, you just don't get along. I guess there has been more turmoil lately, with the cancellations and all. It has been frustrating; I am not going to lie. My career and life in rock and roll has come with its ups and downs. Unfortunately, some people in this business don't realize how great of a life they have. Touring the world, meeting great people, and fans all over the world -- and just playing music for a living. I feel truly blessed. But sometimes the road can be draining for some.

"Being away from home and family does grind on you sometimes," Sorum continued. "Personally, I love this sh-- and sometimes can't believe I am so lucky to still be doing what I do for a living. Everybody could see who was unhappy [at the Glasgow show], but all I can say is let's keep the rock alive, people. In this life, you just pick up and keep moving. And don't ever let anybody stand in your way."

Perhaps it wasn't the clarification Velvet Revolver fans were hoping for, but Sorum's blog post did inspire Weiland to issue his own, slightly vicious statement on the matter.

"The state of my family affairs is really none of [Sorum's] business, since he is too immature to have a real relationship, let alone children," Weiland said, in a statement issued to Blabbermouth.net. "So don't attempt to stand in a man's shoes when you haven't walked his path. I've made many attempts to remain cordial with the members of VR, but mainly, the likes of you. Funny though -- this is your first band, as opposed to being a hired gun. I've been making records (now, on my ninth), which have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have maintained a level of professionalism regardless of how many drugs I've ingested into my system. I have only cancelled one tour during the entire course of my 16-year run and that was the 'make-up' Australia tour. Now, shall I open that can of worms, Matthew? Release the Kraken? Serve ... volley! You cancelled the Aussie tour in the fall because you went to rehab, but I won't say why."

Again, Weiland didn't exactly come right out and say "Velvet Revolver are no more" in his statement, but he did stop short of that admission. "I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you," he continued, directing his words to the band's fans. "[I] will continue to do so until the end of this tour. However, you deserve to hear Velvet Revolver playing ... not certain individuals singing along to get a muddied-up sound. It's a shame ... we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone. I wish the best and plan to annihilate the stage in the last few shows."

Weiland, who will be reuniting with the Stone Temple Pilots this summer for a string of dates and possibly a full U.S. tour, then went on to express the excitement he's been experiencing over the revival of STP.

"We did an STP photo shoot before this tour and it was fun, inspiring and it gave me that thrill -- that feeling that got my rocks off from the get-go," he said.

oh no.

These guys really offer some of the best lines and phrases since hair metal bands stopped feuding.

at the show in Glasgow, the one mentioned in the article, scott told the crowd,. rock n roll speaks the truth, you pay your money, you pay the man.. you buy your ticket and we're gonna give you that truth!!!!

hahhaa

this band sucks. bring back STP for a tour and maybe an album...

yah i knew about that...excited to see a show if he doesnt end up in rehab...

I put this in the Libertad thread.
I got Slash's setlist and guitar pick at the second Dublin show

one can only hope

and fuck the stone temple pilots reunion too.


all these guys are a joke, and need to realize that

kind of how i feel. but the pilots used to be awesome, so i can't hate on them too much. a reunion would kind of jokey.

I hope no one gets me wrong. I enjoy STP, but let's face it, the were on an extreme slope downhill for their last two albums, and judging by Velvet Revolver, Weiland is just going to continue making shitty music. Some people just dont know when they've gone hill, and it Weiland is an example of this. People who think an STP reunion will be a good thing are out of their minds, they are only going to be disappointed. I mean, just look at Zeitgeist

truth.

Smartest guy in the room right there.

Pessimists are never disappointed.

The Pumpkins made a shit reunion album, so every other band that reforms will too? That's ridiculous. STP are booked for some summer US festivals. There's been no statements made about them recording anything.

Oh my god....u did not just compare Smashing Pumpkins with Stp? Two totally different bands and Zeitgeist was made with only TWO members of SP. STP is back is full force this summer. How was No.4 downhill? And for the record. Sorum and Weiland have NEVER seen eye to eye. This is not something new.