Here Today... Gone To Hell!

VELVET REVOLVER Dropped by RCA/SONY BMG - Nov. 14, 2008

BLABBERMOUTH.NET has received word from a reliable source that RCA Records (a Sony BMG label) has dropped VELVET REVOLVER, the band featuring former GUNS N' ROSES members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.

VELVET REVOLVER released two full-length albums through RCA/Sony BMG ? 2004's "Contraband", which has sold 1.98 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan; and its follow-up, "Libertad", which has shifted 301,000 units in the U.S. since its July 2007 release.

VELVET REVOLVER has been looking for a new frontman since dismissing Scott Weiland back in April. Rumored candidates have included ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach, former MTV VJ Steve Isaacs (THE PANIC CHANNEL) and ex-SPACEHOG vocalist Royston Langdon, who apparently had several successful rehearsal sessions with the band.

Weiland reunited with his previous act, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, and has spent the last few months on the road with them.

In a recent interview with MTV.com, Weiland said about the split with his previous band, "VELVET REVOLVER fell apart because there were too many big egos in the band ? and I'm including myself. It wasn't necessarily about bad egos, just big egos, and unfortunately, it just mistakenly kind of eroded."

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=108917

Who cares  ???

libertad sold 301,000

that's just a tad more then what contraband sold in it's first week aint it?

Maybe Slash, Duff and Matt.  :-\

Yeah, were sales that bad?

I think VR is over, unless they were to work it out with Scott, which I think is highly, highly unlikely.  They took for granted how easy it would be to get a new singer.  Now, no label?  Wow.

All this, and GNR is about to EXPLODE again; this time without them.

Hide the liquor, painkillers & illegal substances in the Hudson house!  LOL

Sales didn't live up to the expectations plus they lost a major part of why they were signed in the first place.



/jarmo

When you say "major part" I assume you are referring to Scott Weiland? 

Yes.

And I'm not talking about his qualities as a musician.

Just the fact that he's a known singer from a band that was big in the US in the 90s.




/jarmo

I think Scott is very, very talented, but almost "too talented" for what Slash & Duff want to do. 

Almost in the way Axl is. 

No surprises here really.
None of them really seem to be interested in Velvet Revolver atm. I wonder why they have such a rush to do solo albums? Wouldn't it seem more logical to get a new singer ASAP and get a record out sooner than later?

They should spend this time doing better songs for Velvet Revolver, so it wont be Libertad all over again. Or maybe they just gave up on VR, which would suck really...

Maybe they knew their label were going to drop them and they decided to move on. I don't think we will see any more new about the singer search anymore either.

This is the first time in a long time Slash has been without a band...or maybe he isn't...  ;)

Actual times are showing that it's not necesary to have a record label to make a new record and make it reach the people. Internet opens big doors.

And not haveing the preasure of a record label on their back to make a record quickly, to find a singer in a hurry, maybe could be something good in the future.

But time will tell.

I can't believe they got dropped! Sure they suck, don't sell records and nobody gives a rats ass about em' after the mystery was gone in the first week of Contraband but still. :-* Give em another chance! Nah, don't.

they probably got dropped becauase they were doing nothing since libertad, probably told the record company to fuck off when the company pressured them to do something - i mean they weren't even concentrating on a band;

hell who knows if this is even true, could be a rumour... they're still listed on RCArecords.com
but anyways we'll see what happens. I hope it doesnt mean they break up or anything. Unless they start a new band and replace Matt Sorum with me. Which would be very cool.

Weren't they under contract to make three albums? Why would the record company just let them go?


I'm pretty sure it's more than 301,000 units.

 :no:

Because the company doesn't want to lose anymore money on them.

bye bye VR, so long farewell  :peace:

And anyone is suprised by this?, the sole reason they were looking for a new singer was to fulfill their 3 album contract imo. It's been pretty clear that from the moment scott left slash and duff weren't really trying to keep VR going.

I'd much rather hear their solo stuff than Velvet revolver without scott.

 VR's keeping a low profile at the moment and it's not big in the news, but that doesn't mean they're not active searching for a singer. As far as I'm concerned the dropping thing is just a technicallity..

The label's dropping them because they're not generating income and probably won't see that happening anytime soon. Right now for VR the negative side about being dropped is that they're gonna have to pay for rehearsel space and all that kind of stuff themselves. The good thing is that now they don't have any label commitments and have more freedom to do as they please.

I hope to god this poster is Steven Adler

It actually happened months ago, not sure why Blabbermouth is just reporting it.

I didn't know that...interesting.

And they are still listed on the RCA site, not that it means anything.

That is sad news. I was hoping they would find someone interesting and talented enough to keep VR going before it all just kind withered away. But it is proven time and time again that the voice of a rock n' roll band is the hardest thing to replace.

As far as Scott goes, I've been a huge Weiland fan for about 16 years, but when VR hired him I literally said out loud (sarcastically) "well, this should be fun". I said the same thing when STP reformed earlier this year. I love the dude's voice and his singing, but VR never stood a chance with him. it was a ticking bomb and I think many felt the same way.

Slash, Duff and Matt, should they decide to continue in a band together, need to find a reliable formula that will work. It will get increasingly harder for them to whip up the same buzz and excitment they achieved with VR. I, naturally, wish them them all the best of luck, but unless they find a "voice" that is unique and representative of a collaborative union within VR (or whatever they will be called), it's back to so-so solo careers and guest spots, which I think is a sad result, considering the careers they all once had. Come on guys, get your act together, form a kick ass band with reliable people and keep it going.

They are going to have to do something to create a buzz whenever they get a singer. Unless they get a Chris Cornell/ Lenny Kravitz type they will need to do something like bring back Izzy to generate a buzz about this band. Otherwise they are going to waste the opportunity to keep this band relevant and they will be doing solo records from here on out. That would be a tragedy.

I know they say that they are looking for singers, but it looks more like they are working on solo albums, CF, and Loaded. When do they make time to auditions singers?

I really hope they will continue! I think the music that Velvet Revolver created was the best, with a good singer it would be awesome. I don't think Scott is a very good rock singer.

Velvet Revolver dropped by RCA?

Slash, Duff and Matt could be label shopping

Joe Bosso, Wed 19 Nov


No singer, no label. What else can go wrong?

As the long-awaited release of Axl Rose's version of Gun N' Roses' Chinese Democracy looms, word is that Velvet Revolver has been dropped by their record label, RCA.

Velvet Revolver features ex-Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, along with guitarist Dave Kushner.

The band has released two full-length albums through RCA/Sony BMG - 2004's Contraband, which sold 1.98 million copies in the US, and its 2007 follow-up, Libertad, which moved only 301,000 units in the US.

Despite their dramatic drop in sales, the band toured steadily until April of this year, when they fired singer Scott Weiland for erratic behavior and drug use (Weiland has since returned to his old band, Stone Temple Pilots).

Since the summer, the band has been auditioning possible replacements for Weiland. Rumored candidates have included ex-Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, former MTV VJ Steve Isaacs (who sang for The Panic Channel), ex-Spacehog vocalist Royston Langdon and Lenny Kravitz.

In an exclusive interview with MusicRadar, bassist Duff McKagan talked about the group's search for a new lead singer: "It's hard, man, but it's gotta be the right guy. To be honest we thought we'd have a singer right away, but things don't always happen the way you want.

"We worked with Royston and had high hopes for him. But it just wasn't right - alas. So, back to the drawing board."

Regarding the rumor that Lenny Kravitz was close to joining the band, McKagan simply chuckled. "Lenny was a blatant rumor. I don't even know where that came from.

"The fact of the matter is, we don't have a singer. We don't have to rush this thing. Our singer has to be great, he can't just be good. We'll know when we know."

And when they know, they'll be on a new label.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/velvet-revolver-dropped-by-rca-183460

I actually liked Libertad more than Contraband. 

Once they do get a new singer, and a new label, they should take their time putting at least 2 years into making their next cd.  Slash and Duff should make the GNR record they wanted to when they split from Axl.

Show what they had envisioned the future of GNR would have been.

Slash made it.  It was called "It's Five O'clock Somewhere".

Ouch, that's right......I forgot.  Nevermind.

Yes, and it's a hell of an album, I listen it all the time!

Frankly, as long as Duff and Slash are together, they can do anything they want that I'll buy it!

i LOVE that album, its fucking brilliant. what do you want to be. Jesus christ what a song

From Snakepit.org

On the net, rumor has it that RCA has dropped Velvet Revolver. SLASH says that while it is true that VR is no longer with RCA, the truth is not as negative as the rumor. The band owed RCA money for a third album which at this time they are unable to produce (no singer). The band and RCA parted amicably. When they are recording the new album, it most likely will be for a new label.

That still sounds like getting dropped to me.

Is it all over for Velvet Revolver?

Things aren't looking good in the Velvet Revolver camp. The supergroup - featuring former members of Guns N' Roses - have been dropped by their label, RCA.

The band released their debut Contraband in 2004, selling almost two million copies in the US. Their 2007 follow-up, Libertad, sold only 301,000. Their lead vocalist Scott Weiland was fired in April and there are no signs of a replacement being found.

http://www2.kerrang.com/2008/11/is_it_all_over_for_velvet_revo.html

...Sure I got fired, but it was because I spent 8 hours a day talking to my girlfriend, and my boss and I agreed that perhaps some other company would find that skill useful...  :hihi:

More on that Velvet Revolver/RCA split

24/11/2008 15:04pm

So? were they dropped by their record label, or did they leave of their own accord? Confusion surrounds the reason behind Velvet Revolver?s split with RCA.It?s rumoured that the split is down to poor sales of the band?s second album, Libertad, which has shifted just 300,000 units in the US since its July 2007 release, compared to the 1.98 million their debut, Contraband, sold in the States.

Amind all the speculation the official fansite of VR guitarist Slash has come up with an interesting, not to say somewhat bizarre, explanation.

Here?s their account in full:

On the net, rumour has it that RCA has dropped Velvet Revolver. Slash says that while it is true that VR is no longer with RCA, the truth is not as negative as the rumour.

The band owed RCA money for a third album which at this time they are unable to produce (no singer). The band and RCA parted amicably. When they are recording the new album, it most likely will be for a new label.

Now while we at the Clog aren?t exactly experts in the machinations of the music industry, this doesn?t really make too much sense to us. Like? because VR were in hock to their record company, plus they didn?t have a frontman, RCA were more than happy to see ?em sail off into the sunset? Hmm?

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/more-on-that-velvet-revolverrca-split/

They left RCA out of their own freewill and they fired Scott Weiland.

The mountain of lies keeps getting taller.

VELVET REVOLVER Manager Says Band 'Asked' To Be Released From RCA - Nov. 25, 2008

The following press release has been issued by VELVET REVOLVER's publicist:

Finding the new lead singer for VELVET REVOLVER is a formidable task, and the remaining members knew this would be the case when they dismissed their former singer, Scott Weiland. So in June 2008, Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner approached RCA Records and asked to be released from their recording contract, as they felt they needed to have complete freedom to go through whatever process it would take to accomplish the goal?freedom from any timelines, pressures, influences or interests other than finding THE best guy. RCA Records honored the band's request.

Carl Stubner, the band's manager, says: "We're incredibly grateful to RCA and Ashley Newton for their passion and hard work and for the success they achieved with VELVET REVOLVER through the band's first two records. The band is thankful that RCA understood the task at hand and has allowed the band to continue on their own." Stubner added: "This band is comprised of some of the greatest rock musicians of the past three decades. They have built a brand with a solid foundation on a global level. And their sole focus has been, and continues to be, finding the singer/songwriter who will stand alongside them."

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=109601

Velvet Revolver Cuts Ties With RCA

November 25, 2008 02:03 PM ET

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Velvet Revolver has cut ties with RCA Records, which released the group's two studio albums. According to the band, the move was made at its request, to allow "complete freedom to go through whatever process it would take to accomplish" replacing former frontman Scott Weiland.

"The band is thankful that RCA understood the task at hand and has allowed the band to continue on their own," says manager Carl Stubner.

Velvet Revolver had auditioned a number of singers, including Spacehog's Royston Langdon, but appears no closer to finding a new frontman. The band is writing material and pursuing various outside projects; guitarist Slash is making a solo album, while bassist Duff McKagan has recorded and toured with his band Loaded.

Velvet Revolver made a big splash with its 2004 debut, "Contraband," which has sold 1.98 million copies. But last year's "Libertad" shifted only 302,000, and the band splintered earlier this year due to infighting.

"I had already talked to Slash and said there was going to be a [Stone Temple Pilots] tour, and that's the deal. And then basically Matt Sorum just went on the Web site one night and started talking sh*t about me, and I responded and I basically said from the stage that, 'This is the last Velvet Revolver tour.' Some people thought I was kidding, but I meant it," Weiland told Billboard recently.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/velvet-revolver-cuts-ties-with-rca-1003916354.story

So did VR quit the label or did RCA fire them? Reminds me of the Vince Neil/ Motley situation in '91.

I hope they sign with an independent label and pick up a singer based on who best fits the band, not who will sell the most records

Scott is interviewed by Classic Rock Magazine, someone has posted the scans online.  They cut off a little so I had to guess a few of the words others I just don't know...here is what Scott had to say:


Have you heard that they?ve been dropped by their record label?

Yeah, they were dropped after I quit.  It?s karma, y?know?I never told them that I wasn?t going to make another record I planned on making a final record.  But there were too many egos, and I?m not excluding myself - it was really hard to keep it together.

You also have to remember that it was really the first time that Matt was a member of, rather being a hired (?) and he had Ian [Astbury], Axl and me to deal with; three very different personalities, frontmen with a bit of a reputation.  Matt is a really good friend of mine for a long time.  Actually, I (?) dad at rehab - that?s what they call the person who  takes care of a new resident.  We knew each before but had (?) different lifestyles.  He flew the flag of reckless abandonment that ended up affecting everybody.  Everyone went down eventually, except for Dave.

I heard a quote from Duff where he said, ?We broke up because of Scott?s incessant drug use", which is odd because in the last six years I haven?t done any heroin.  I?ll tell you what really broke up the band: the Yoko Ono factor.  We allowed the wives to have too much say, you never do that in a band.  A band is like a gang.

Do you have a link to the scans? cheers for posting

Here are the pages with copy:

http://www.essential-music.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=787&g2_serialNumber=1

http://www.essential-music.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=794&g2_serialNumber=1

http://www.essential-music.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=800&g2_serialNumber=1


Thanks to Tyrant for the scans