Who was in Velvet Revolver?
Velvet Revolver was an American rock band formed in 2002 by former Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, along with Scott Weiland, the lead vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots, and Dave Kushner, a guitarist. The band was known for their high-energy live performances and their blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and punk influences.
The Original Lineup
The original lineup of Velvet Revolver consisted of:
- Slash (guitar): A legendary guitarist and founding member of Guns N’ Roses, Slash is known for his unique playing style and iconic riffs.
- Duff McKagan (bass): A founding member of Guns N’ Roses, Duff is a highly respected bassist and songwriter.
- Matt Sorum (drums): A drummer and percussionist, Matt was the drummer for Guns N’ Roses during the Use Your Illusion era.
- Scott Weiland (vocals): The lead vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots, Scott was known for his powerful and distinctive voice.
- Dave Kushner (guitar): A guitarist and songwriter, Dave was a member of the punk rock band Wasted Youth.
Early Years and Debut Album
Velvet Revolver was formed in 2002, and the band quickly began working on their debut album. The album, titled "Contraband", was released in 2004 and was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Slither", "Fall to Pieces", and "Dirty Little Thing".
Success and Critical Acclaim
Velvet Revolver’s debut album received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the band’s energetic live performances and their ability to blend different musical styles. The album was certified platinum in the US and earned the band several Grammy nominations.
Lineup Changes and Hiatus
In 2008, Scott Weiland left the band due to personal and professional differences. He was replaced by Myles Kennedy, the lead vocalist of the rock band Alter Bridge. The band released their second album, "Libertad", in 2007, but it did not achieve the same level of success as their debut.
Velvet Revolver went on hiatus in 2008, during which time the individual members pursued other projects. Slash released his debut solo album, "Slash", in 2010, while Duff McKagan released his debut solo album, "Be Advised", in 2015.
Reunion and Recent Activities
In 2015, Velvet Revolver announced that they would be reuniting with their original lineup, including Scott Weiland. However, Weiland tragically passed away in December 2015, just days before the band was set to begin their reunion tour.
The band has since continued to tour and record music with Myles Kennedy on vocals. In 2019, they released their third album, "Superhuman", which marked their first new music in over a decade.
Discography
- "Contraband" (2004)
- "Libertad" (2007)
- "Superhuman" (2019)
Awards and Nominations
- Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Rock Album for "Contraband" (2005)
- MTV Video Music Awards: Nominated for Best Rock Video for "Slither" (2005)
- Billboard Music Awards: Won Top Rock Album for "Contraband" (2005)
Trivia
- Velvet Revolver’s name was inspired by a quote from the 1978 film "The Deer Hunter", in which a character says, "The velvet revolver is the symbol of the American Dream."
- The band’s debut album "Contraband" was originally intended to be a solo project for Slash, but the other members of the band convinced him to turn it into a full-fledged band project.
- Velvet Revolver has been praised for their high-energy live performances, which often feature elaborate stage sets and pyrotechnics.
Conclusion
Velvet Revolver was a rock band that was known for their high-energy live performances and their blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and punk influences. The band’s original lineup consisted of Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Scott Weiland, and Dave Kushner, and they released three albums before going on hiatus. The band has since reformed with Myles Kennedy on vocals and has released new music.
