Myles Kennedy Talks Velvet Revolver Singer Offer, Slash Solo Album

Interview: Myles Kennedy talks Alter Bridge, Slash and Led Zeppelin

Joe Bosso, Tue 30 Nov 2010

Touring-wise, Alter Bridge aren't booked for that many dates in the States. Does the band plan to concentrate mainly on Europe, or can the US expect to see more of you guys soon?

[laughs] "That's what a lot of people are asking me. I guess it's good to be wanted. The schedule has been hectic, but yes, we are going to be playing in the States. Basically, we're playing in Europe for a few more dates, then we head to the US where we'll be playing until the 20th, I think. Actually, there will be some shows in early January.

"In mid-January, however, I pick back up with Slash, and we're going to be opening for Ozzy. That's going to be a pretty exciting situation, I have to say. To be on stage with one legend and opening for another - somebody pinch me. Sometimes I can't believe how fortunate I am."

By the way, what was the story when Slash appeared with Alter Bridge in Sweden? He was playing a Paul Reed Smith guitar.

"That was pretty amazing, wasn't it? He just showed up. I think he got off the plane, and he just dashed off to our gig. He asked us if he could do a number with us, and of course we said yes, but he didn't have a guitar. So he borrowed one of ours."

People were wondering, Is Slash switching from Les Pauls to Paul Reed Smiths?

[laughs] "No, no, nothing like that. That was just a one-off situation, that night. Yeah, I can imagine the folks at Gibson going crazy at the thought of him switching from Les Pauls. It was a fun show, though. Slash was fantastic, as always."

From what I've heard, Slash wants you to be the sole vocalist on his next solo album.

"That's the plan. I know he's working on some ideas now. I love playing with Slash, and the chemistry I have with the rest of the guys in his band is fantastic. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he comes up with for the next record."

I'm curious, however - from what I've read, he offered you the gig as the lead singer in Velvet Revolver. Now, if the other guys in Alter Bridge are going to do Creed at some point, why wouldn't you want to join another band, as well?

"There was talk of that, but no, I was never officially given that offer. I think it was floated around, it was mentioned, and it would be a huge honor because I think the guys in Velvet Revolver are tremendous. But I'm very happy with what I'm doing in Alter Bridge and Slash.

"The whole thing is pretty interesting, though: They had reached out to me in 2002 when they were just getting together. They had sent me a demo tape, and I kind of sat on it for a month, and I didn't?I didn't really follow up on it."

You didn't? Why not?

"You know, I was going through a very strange time in my life back then. I had grown very disillusioned with music and the music business and everything. My mind just wasn't in the right place. I had been in a band called The Mayfield Four - we put out a couple of records and didn't have a lot of success. So we broke up, and I kind of stepped away from music. I went back to teaching guitar for a while. All in all, I think things worked out for the best. The two records they made with Scott Weiland were great.

"It's not that singing for Velvet Revolver wouldn't be enticing, but I've kind of made my plans now and my plate is pretty full. Like I said, I have a fantastic time with Slash and everybody in his band. Between that and Alter Bridge, I've got enough going on."

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