Scott's cleared to tour..giddyup.

[Falcon]

http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000484340



Weiland Cleared For Velvet Revolver Tour

Embattled vocalist Scott Weiland has been cleared by California authorities to tour with his bandmates in Velvet Revolver, Billboard.com can reveal. The former Stone Temple Pilots frontman has spent the past several months in a court-ordered drug rehabilitation center after pleading no contest last year to heroin possession. But Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash says Weiland will be on board when the band hits the road next month in North America.

"Scott actually just got cleared to tour today," the guitarist tells Billboard.com excitedly. "We've been planning dates this whole time." The plan for the band, which has played just one live show to date, is to drop in on "medium-sized places" leading up to the June 8 release of its RCA debut, "Contraband."

"The first thing we're going to go out and do is establish ourselves as our own band in our own environment," Slash says. "We're trying to keep it as personal as possible but at the same time, expose ourselves as much as possible. We want to do this on our own terms, as opposed to going out, jumping on the road and opening for somebody, or playing a festival bill, but that is coming."

As for what fans can expect from the band in a live setting, Slash promises a host of tracks from "Contraband" in addition to "a little bit more Guns [N' Roses] and STP than just one song a piece, and a couple of covers. [We'll do] whatever we can to make a really good, punchy set and express ourselves as openly and as uninhibitedly as possible."

The 13-track "Contraband" is led by the single "Slither," which will impact U.S. radio outlets on Monday (April 12) but can already be sampled on Velvet Revolver's official Web site. And after hedging its bets on Weiland's uncertain future, Velvet Revolver is finally primed to take its show on the road at full strength. "Everything is great," Slash beams. "It all seems to be happening for a reason."


-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.





 

[Jizzo]

It nice to hear slash confirm the 13 tracks that duff told me there were.

[Butch Français]

GREAT news!! and 13 tracks? AwEsOmE!

[Booker Floyd]

This is fucking great news...

Now let us all pray that Weiland doesnt fuck up and everything works out well  

[Cornell]

Yay!  This is the best news that I've heard in a long time!  

[Doc Emmett Brown]

Embattled vocalist Scott Weiland has been cleared by California authorities to tour with his bandmates in Velvet Revolver

So the DA who had a hard-on for Scott found someone else to lust after?

"Medium-sized places" sounds wonderful.  I wonder how much the ticket prices will be?  

[Top-Hatted One]

problably 20-30 bucks

[Nightrain_80]

i cant wait!

[jazjme]

http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000484340

Weiland Cleared For Velvet Revolver Tour



 
Embattled vocalist Scott Weiland has been cleared by California authorities to tour with his bandmates in Velvet Revolver, Billboard.com can reveal. The former Stone Temple Pilots frontman has spent the past several months in a court-ordered drug rehabilitation center after pleading no contest last year to heroin possession. But Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash says Weiland will be on board when the band hits the road next month in North America.

"Scott actually just got cleared to tour today," the guitarist tells Billboard.com excitedly. "We've been planning dates this whole time." The plan for the band, which has played just one live show to date, is to drop in on "medium-sized places" leading up to the June 8 release of its RCA debut, "Contraband."

"The first thing we're going to go out and do is establish ourselves as our own band in our own environment," Slash says. "We're trying to keep it as personal as possible but at the same time, expose ourselves as much as possible. We want to do this on our own terms, as opposed to going out, jumping on the road and opening for somebody, or playing a festival bill, but that is coming."

As for what fans can expect from the band in a live setting, Slash promises a host of tracks from "Contraband" in addition to "a little bit more Guns [N' Roses] and STP than just one song a piece, and a couple of covers. [We'll do] whatever we can to make a really good, punchy set and express ourselves as openly and as uninhibitedly as possible."

The 13-track "Contraband" is led by the single "Slither," which will impact U.S. radio outlets on Monday (April 12) but can already be sampled on Velvet Revolver's official Web site. And after hedging its bets on Weiland's uncertain future, Velvet Revolver is finally primed to take its show on the road at full strength. "Everything is great," Slash beams. "It all seems to be happening for a reason."


-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.



 

[jazjme]

such hostility Will   , anyway its not the kinda news I wanted but to see a couple of the origional guys play their songs again excites me .....however the volcalist dosent

[Falcon]

Now let us all pray that Weiland doesnt fuck up and everything works out well  

That's the wildcard for sure, putting an addict in a touring situation is a crapshoot at best.

I give Scott a 50/50 shot at completing the tour without relapse.

That said, if he does make it without falling off the wagon, they've got a great shot a becoming something special.

[jarmo]

They keep saying in interviews how they're a new band and don't really want to be associated with GN'R, but they'll play more than one GN'R song during their shows?  

If they really want to be taken as a new band, why not do what Audioslave did? Don't play any old material.....

I don't mind if they play only GN'R songs in their set, but it's a bit funny reading some comments and then this: "a little bit more Guns [N' Roses] and STP than just one song a piece".



/jarmo

[Cornell]

such hostility Will   , anyway its not the kinda news I wanted but to see a couple of the origional guys play their songs again excites me .....however the volcalist dosent

What did Will say?  

[jarmo]

such hostility Will   , anyway its not the kinda news I wanted but to see a couple of the origional guys play their songs again excites me .....however the volcalist dosent

What did Will say?  

I think he moved the thread from the GN'R section to the VR one...  



/jarmo

[Top-Hatted One]

I don't have any problem with them playing GN'R & STP songs. As long as they play all of their songs. It should be a breathe of fresh air

[jarmo]

I don't have any problem with them playing GN'R & STP songs. As long as they play all of their songs. It should be a breathe of fresh air

Well, as I said, that's not the problem.

Do you think people will see them as a new band or "that band featuring guys from GN'R and STP"?



/jarmo

[GNFNRS]

Any idea on when a tour schedule will be announced?  

[Rupean]

Just as long as they don't call themselves GN'R, don't play 15 GN'R covers and 3 new songs/show every 3 years and don't pretend they're GN'R that's fine with me  

It's not that bad if they play 3 or 4 GN'R songs, after all most of the band is made of ex-GN'R members. As long as they focous their setlist on their own material instead of being another GN'R cover band (under a different name...). At least these guys will have a album of their own to play! I think we've got nothing to worry.

[jarmo]

Just as long as they don't call themselves GN'R, don't play 15 GN'R covers and 3 new songs/show and don't pretend they're GN'R that's fine with me  

You want me to lock this right away so you don't have to whine about "it's not GN'R"?

It's not that bad if they play 3 or 4 GN'R songs, after all most of the band is made of ex-GN'R members who actually wrote the songs they'll probably cover, unlike Axl's band. As long as they focous their setlist on their own material instead of being another GN'R cover band (under a different name...) I think we've got nothing to worry.

Why don't you read what I said? I didn't say it was bad.

Compare them to Audioslave and what they did, then reply again:

VR: "We're a new band but we do play our old bands' material"

Audioslave "We're a new band, we play our own songs and some covers from other bands such as The White Stripes."

Maybe we can have "interesting" discussions about how VR didn't play the GN'R songs note for note and therefore their versions suck in a few weeks/months?  

IF you want your band to be taken as a new band, why play your old bands' songs? I understand that the fans want to hear them. But I gotta give credit for a band like Audioslave who didn't take the easy way by playing the Soundgraden and RATM hits.


/jarmo

[Falcon]

I don't have any problem with them playing GN'R & STP songs. As long as they play all of their songs. It should be a breathe of fresh air

Well, as I said, that's not the problem.

Do you think people will see them as a new band or "that band featuring guys from GN'R and STP"?



/jarmo

That's a great question.

Personally at this point in time.  I see them as the guys from GNR and STP.  They've got to string together some successful singles and complete a tour for me to think otherwise.  The playing of  "more than 1 GNR and STP" song in a live setting also gets in the way of the "new band" theory as well.  Not that I won't enjoy hearing those songs, I will.  I don't mind them recognizing their collective pasts, that's fine.  I just think Audioslave had the right idea, they've made the leap from supergroup incarnate to having an identity completely their own.

[Rupean]

Just as long as they don't call themselves GN'R, don't play 15 GN'R covers and 3 new songs/show and don't pretend they're GN'R that's fine with me  

You want me to lock this right away so you don't have to whine about "it's not GN'R"?

It's not that bad if they play 3 or 4 GN'R songs, after all most of the band is made of ex-GN'R members who actually wrote the songs they'll probably cover, unlike Axl's band. As long as they focous their setlist on their own material instead of being another GN'R cover band (under a different name...) I think we've got nothing to worry.

Why don't you read what I said? I didn't say it was bad.

Compare them to Audioslave and what they did, then reply again:

VR: "We're a new band but we do play our old bands' material"

Audioslave "We're a new band, we play our own songs and some covers from other bands such as The White Stripes."

Maybe we can have "interesting" discussions about how VR didn't play the GN'R songs note for note and therefore their versions suck in a few weeks/months?  

IF you want your band to be taken as a new band, why play your old bands' songs? I understand that the fans want to hear them. But I gotta give credit for a band like Audioslave who didn't take the easy way by playing the Soundgraden and RATM hits.


/jarmo

Who cares if people look at them as the ex-GN'R members + the STP singer? Actually, that's what they are and they've got nothing to hide. Most people I know say GN'R sucks, that doesn't stops me from being a fan. Is it that bad if VR play a couple of covers during their setlist based on their own album?

Well, Axl said in Rio 2001 he would be back next summer with a bunch of new songs and his excuse to play all those covers was to show that the band could play them. Instead, he toured 2 years latter with the same setlist. That was the last time we heard them. Did that bothered you?

Until VR are recognized by their own sound, have their own hits they'll always be GN'R meets STP to everyone. That's something they can't run away from and it's not a bad thing, Slash and Duff will always be known has ex-Gunners so whats bad with playing 3 or 4 cover songs instead of pretend nothing happened before in their lives?

[jarmo]

Who cares if people look at them as the ex-GN'R members + the STP singer?

They themselves seem to try to get away from that by talking about how they're a new band and not a GN'R/STP band....



/jarmo

[Booker Floyd]

Do you think people will see them as a new band or "that band featuring guys from GN'R and STP"?

People will see them as the latter no matter what.  Theyll perform as what they are: a new band with new material that also embraces their illustrious pasts.  Theyd only be spiting the fans by not playing GNR/STP songs - itd be insulting.  Pretending that these guys didnt make those songs is pointless, and impossible.

They themselves seem to try to get away from that by talking about how they're a new band and not a GN'R/STP band....

They usually stress that theyre a new band when talking about their music, but they never try to run from their pasts, which is why GNR is always a subject in interviews and they agree to discuss, even if they dont necessarily want to.  Their shows will obviously be about their music first, and any GNR/STP covers are just acknowleding their pasts.    

And whats with the incessant Audioslave comparisons?  I understand Audioslave is the current point-of-reference for the rock supergroup, but Velvet Revolver is not Audioslave...constantly comparing them is pointless.

[Top-Hatted One]

right..in what rule book is it written that once you form a new band you have to completely erase your past? jeez thats just hypocritical!

[jarmo]

Pretending that these guys didnt make those songs is pointless, and impossible.

Who's pretending?

Slash went from not playing any GN'R with Snakepit in 95 to playing two songs in 2000. Later he did "Paradise City" with everybody from Ron Wood to Cypress Hill.

I guess his attitude about performing GN'R songs without GN'R has changed over the years.

And whats with the incessant Audioslave comparisons?  I understand Audioslave is the current point-of-reference for the rock supergroup, but Velvet Revolver is not Audioslave...constantly comparing them is pointless.

Noticed how GN'R were always compared to various bands like Aerosmith, Rolling Stones etc? Ever noticed how certain guitarists are always compared to Slash?

Scott is gonna be compared to Axl, or, he's already been in some interviews.

They're not the same, yet they're being compared....

Audioslave did what VR are about to do a while back so the comparisons are kinda interesting. It's not about who's better or anything, just about how they did their thing a bit differently.

Even if you hate that band, you gotta give them credit for not playing any old stuff from their previous bands.


Personally I wouldn't be insulted if they didn't play any GN'R. After all, I know this band is called Velvet Revolver.  And just so you know, so you don't have to argue, I wouldn't get insulted if Axl didn't play any old GN'R songs at his shows. Mmm-kay?

right..in what rule book is it written that once you form a new band you have to completely erase your past? jeez thats just hypocritical!

Obviously it's possible to do that and still be succesfull.



/jarmo

[Rupean]

Scott will be compared to Axl. Slash will be compared to himself during his days in GN'R, same with Duff and maybe Matt. Dave will be compared with Izzy.
They might play a couple of GN'R covers among their own material. They will have a album of their own to prove themselves and they'll success or fail by it. What's wrong? Maybe they should change their names and have a hair cut so that no-one recognizes them? They're proud of their past and they won't deny their fans a little of GN'R which was what made them famous and brought them the glory they have now. Who cares what Audioslave did? On a comparison basis, Led Zeppelin were the GN'R of the 70s (or GN'R were the Zep of the 80s) and they broke up as soon as they lost one member, don't you think GN'R should be over by now?

[Dizzy]

I think they'll be known as both a new band and as the guys from GNR and STP.  It's only natural when you have acclaimed bands and work in your resume.

I'm glad to hear they'll be touring, I can't wait to see them live.  

[Jizzo]

Are you gonna call them the Rolling Stones, the Doors or Led Zeppelin if they play a cover track of them?

They will be playing other covers too, new bands do play covers from time to time.

[Doc Emmett Brown]

Pretending that these guys didnt make those songs is pointless, and impossible.

Who's pretending?

Slash went from not playing any GN'R with Snakepit in 95 to playing two songs in 2000. Later he did "Paradise City" with everybody from Ron Wood to Cypress Hill.

I guess his attitude about performing GN'R songs without GN'R has changed over the years.

I'm sure there were personal reasons for his change of heart.  He didnt exactly leave Guns in harmony.  It must have taken time for him to get over it before he could enjoy playing his old songs again.  I dont see anything sinister about his change of attitude.

On one hand we've got people here bashing Slash for apparently not changing (oh, he's stuck in the 80's) and on the other hand we're arguing about Slash wanting to expand his musical style/Pro-Tools use/changing his mind about playing old songs/blah blah.  I find it amusing to say the least.

[matt88]

Great news

[RyanMFGs]

You guys are so defensive. Jarmo was only making a point, and it's a good point. Personally, I love when bands do live covers. It's part of the fun of being there live. V.R. only has 13 songs on Contraband so adding a few GNR and STP and cover probably bumps the show up to at least 19 or 20 songs.

Audioslave is a very good band and felt like moving forward without doing any of their old stuff. That's cool, but I'd love to hear them do Spoon Man or Burden in My Hand, or Killing in the name of, but they dont and that's cool and I like their new stuff.

If V.R. didnt do any covers, I'd still love them and support them but when I heard that they'd be doing some of their old stuff I freaked I was so excited. I never got to see Slash do any GNR stuff live and I'd love to see it.

So both ways have good points and I don't really think it's a negative. Jarmo was just pointing something out, you guys are just used to being screwed over big time following GNR  

[Booker Floyd]

You guys are so defensive. Jarmo was only making a point, and it's a good point. Personally, I love when bands do live covers. It's part of the fun of being there live. V.R. only has 13 songs on Contraband so adding a few GNR and STP and cover probably bumps the show up to at least 19 or 20 songs.

Audioslave is a very good band and felt like moving forward without doing any of their old stuff. That's cool, but I'd love to hear them do Spoon Man or Burden in My Hand, or Killing in the name of, but they dont and that's cool and I like their new stuff.

If V.R. didnt do any covers, I'd still love them and support them but when I heard that they'd be doing some of their old stuff I freaked I was so excited. I never got to see Slash do any GNR stuff live and I'd love to see it.

So both ways have good points and I don't really think it's a negative. Jarmo was just pointing something out, you guys are just used to being screwed over big time following GNR  

So basically youre agreeing with everything we said?

Jarmo, as he does with nearly every issue pertaining to Slash (or Duff), is trying to point out a contradiction that doesnt necessarily exist.  Slashs decisions not to play GNR songs with Snakepit doesnt suggest a fundamental objection to doing so, it only proves that he didnt want to at that time.  Now hes choosing to.  VR will play those songs for exactly what they are - covers.  There not passing themselves off for GNR, or Stone Temple Pilots.  Audioslave chooses to distance themselves away from their pasts, thats fine.  I think it would be a lot cooler if they did give a lot of fans what they want and cover a few of each of their bands old songs.  VR have chosen to embrace their pasts more, and Im also very excited to hear that.  You can be a new band and acknowledge your history as well.  

[jarmo]

Jarmo, as he does with nearly every issue pertaining to Slash (or Duff), is trying to point out a contradiction that doesnt necessarily exist. Slashs decisions not to play GNR songs with Snakepit doesnt suggest a fundamental objection to doing so, it only proves that he didnt want to at that time.

I said  "I guess his attitude about performing GN'R songs without GN'R has changed over the years.". Are you gonna argue about that? I guess you think I'm pointing out contradictions when I point out how he did things in the past compared to today.

Maybe he noticed that the old way of doing things didn't work and decided to try something new? Maybe the "old" Slash would've picked some other singer than Weiland?

I've said before that it seems like with VR Slash has tried some things he didn't do before. ProTools, playing more GN'R tracks.....

Regarding Snakepit, I think he didn't play any GN'R songs back then because Snakepit wasn't GN'R. Later he did play GN'R but not the hits. I guess the hits were "too GN'R". Everybody knows Paradise City, but the casual rock fan might not know Mr. Brownstone or It's So Easy.

VR have chosen to embrace their pasts more, and Im also very excited to hear that.  You can be a new band and acknowledge your history as well.  

Yeah, and as I pointed out other bands start from scratch by not playing their old bands' material. Which is a more of a risk in my book and deserve some kind of credit.


While were on the subject of STP. I never heard Duff, Matt or Slash mention STP as a great band. It was always Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Faith No More etc. Wonder if they even listened to STP back in the early 90s?

Oh and if they don't play the GN'R songs just like they did in say 1988, are you gonna start complaining how they can't play the songs?  


/jarmo

[Rupean]

Oh and if they don't play the GN'R songs just like they did in say 1988, are you gonna start complaining how they can't play the songs?  


/jarmo

[kidding]Yeah, if they play them as badly as nu-GN'R do I sure will  [/kidding]  
Like I said in my other post, of course not, covers are covers and anyone play them like they want. It's a lot different if (nu-) Guns N' Roses plays Guns N' Roses from if Velvet Revolver plays Guns N' Roses covers. The differences start on the name...  

[Top-Hatted One]

Slash called STP a alice in chains ripoff once in an old interview. I used to do the same Til I gave STP a shot and found out how much more diverse they really are. Now I'm a big STP/Weiland fan.