Velvet Revolver Guitarist Discusses Reuniting with Scott Weiland

2012-01-13

Story by Anne Erickson

Velvet Revolver reunited with frontman Scott Weiland at a recent Hollywood gig

For the first time in nearly four years, Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland and Guns N’ Roses members performed together last night (Jan. 12) as the supergroup Velvet Revolver. Watch a clip from the performance, below.

The one-off performance was for a benefit concert, “Love You Madly: A Concert For John O’Brien,” at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California. Velvet Revolver rocked a four-song set, including a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” The charity event was in honor of musician and composer John O’Brien, who was discovered dead in a Chicago hotel room in August of 2011.

Weiland first left Velvet Revolver on no-so-good terms, but over the years, the guys have patched things up. Regarding whether this one-off gig means the original incarnation of Velvet Revolver will permanently get back together, including Weiland, Velvet Revolver guitarist Dave Kushner says the rock band are playing things by ear. “We haven’t played together in four years, and so we’re really just like, ‘Let’s see how this goes,’” he told Rolling Stone. “I know everyone’s got other commitments, but I think everyone’s like, ‘Let’s get this thing done and get through this and then we’ll see.’” It’s no secret Velvet Revolver have been searching for a new vocalist for a while, so going back with their original singer might prove the best fit, so long as it doesn’t get conflict with Stone Temple Pilots’ 2012 touring plans.

Kushner also explained that he deeply wanted the band to reunite to honor O’Brien, who was his good friend. “I found out he passed away on August 20, and it was like out of nowhere,” Kushner said. “Next day I was in shock and my wife said to me, ‘You gotta have a benefit concert for his wife and you have to get Velvet Revolver back together.’ That’s how it started.”

Watch a Clip of Velvet Revolver Performing Last Night (Jan. 12) in Hollywood:

Follow @AudioInkRadio

Author
Recent Posts

Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.