2010.09.16 - Artisan News - Velvet Revolver Holding Singer Auditions, Says Slash

Voice-over: Grammy award-winning rock supergroup Velvet Revolver, who have been on an indefinite hiatus since 2008, are gearing up to head back into the studio in October of 2010. The band will not only work on new material but will also audition potential new lead vocalists. Velvet Revolver achieved tremendous commercial success with their debut album 2004’s Contraband, which garnered a Grammy award for best hard rock performance for their hit single Slither. With former lead vocalist Scott Weiland abruptly leaving the band to reform Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver was left wondering who would replace him. With many rumors circulating, the band went through a series of informal auditions with a few well-known and not so well-known vocalists, but, so far, they haven't been able to find a fit. Then, with the release of Slash’s self-titled solo album topping the charts and bassist Duff McKagan briefly joining Jane's Addiction, it appeared Velvet Revolver’s hiatus would continue longer than the band had hoped. Many fans are wondering just who could fit into the sound of Velvet Revolver and rumors continue to circulate that Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge, who is also lead vocalist for Slash’s solo band, would be given a chance to audition. Artisan News recently caught up with Slash during the Sunset Strip music festival to get his thoughts on Velvet Revolver heading back into the studio and whether he feels Myles Kennedy will get a shot.

Slash: You know, Myles is in Alter Bridge, so he's just working with me on the side. But for Velvet Revolver we're going to get together in October and see if… we're going to try out some singers and see what happens.

Voice-over: Velvet Revolver will look to first find a vocalist and then book some studio time to begin recording what will be their follow-up album to 2007’s sophomore release, Libertad. That album debuted at number 5 upon its release. Look for them to hopefully make a vocalist announcement in 2011. Slash has already hinted that the new songs he's written for Velvet Revolver are heavier than anything and has done in the past.