Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Velvet Revolver Courting New Mystery Singer, Says Drummer

December 21, 2010

Even as it rolls out a new concert DVD from its original incarnation, Velvet Revolver is in the "dating" stages with a new singer whose identity is still being kept under wraps but who the group is "very excited" about, according to drummer Matt Sorum.

"The guy we're liking now is a young guy, a very strong guy... a little bit heavier rock 'n' roll than we are," Sorum tells Billboard.com. He says the prospective frontman has been in other known bands before. "He's a guy we've had our eye on, but the timing wasn't right. We don't like stealing people or any of that shit. [Scott] Weiland was available. He was out of Stone Temple Pilots. It wasn't like we went and said, 'Hey, dude...' He came to us, basically, like, 'Hey, I'm out of my band. I've got time. Let's do this.' And it's a similar situation with this particular individual."

Sorum says he, guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner and bassist Duff McKagan came back together in October and also worked together with the singer earlier this month. Velvet Revolver is planning to hit Sorum's Hollywood studio again in January to start recording songs it's been working up.

"[Writing] is a lot of the way we've been trying out singers," Sorum explains, "and a lot of the reason we've had trouble trying to pick a guy, because we really need to hear that truth. We can't just jump out there with any singer. We've got to make the right decision...a guy who can front a rock band of this caliber and be a strong enough frontman to go out in front of Slash and be that guy. We need to hear that vocal, that lyric, that melody. It's not an easy thing."

Nevertheless, Sorum says the band is impressed that the frontman candidate "has a work ethic similar to ours" and also brings a "modern" edge to the group. "I've always stressed to the band that we need to be current," Sorum notes. "I don't want to go out there and make retro rock 'n' roll music. We have to take in the environment and parlay that into a rock 'n' roll outlet."

Velvet Revolver's timetable is somewhat up-in-the-air. Slash plans to be on the road promoting his solo album into the summer, including a stint opening for Ozzy Osbourne. Sorum, meanwhile, is producing a new album for the Runaways' Cherie Currie that includes contributions by Slash, McKagan and Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan. Still, he hopes the band will be able to announce its singer soon and be out and active "at least by fall" of 2011.

Meanwhile, fans can tuck into the new "Live From Houston" DVD, which dates back to the group's first tour in 2005. The release showcases material from its Grammy Award-winning debut album, "Contraband," as well as Guns N' Roses "It's So Easy" and "Used to Love Her" and Stone Temple Pilots' "Sex Type Thing" and "Crackerman."

"It's a good representation of that band," Sorum says, "when we were just starting out and firing on all cylinders and we were all in good mental and physical health. Everybody was fairly drug-free and excited about playing music, and it really comes across in the video. You can see the makings of something that could have possibly gone further and even greater. But we can look at it as that time, and now we're gonna move forward."

http://www.billboard.com/#/news/velvet-revolver-courting-new-mystery-singer-1004135135.story

From an audio interview with Matt:

VELVET REVOLVER Drummer Drops More Hints About Potential New Singer - Jan. 7, 2011

Drummer Matt Sorum gave The Pulse Of Radio a few hints about the singer that the band is, in Sorum's own words, "dating." "[The] guy that we're liking right now is a known guy," he said. "A very strong guy, too. And it seems to, at this point, in my opinion, metaphorically, it makes perfect sense because... a little younger, a little stronger, a little bit heavier rock 'n' roll than we are, that's all I can say, but in a way we want to come out stronger. The older you get, the stronger you have to be, the harder you have to work."

Matt Sorum talking to The Pulse Of Radio about VELVET REVOLVER's candidate for vocalist (audio): http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151966

Is this souding more and more like Corey Taylor from Slipnot?

I guess Matt Sorum said they are in studio and have 2 songs done already, via Twitter this morning-with mystery singer.

i hope it is corey taylor
he is an amazing writer and singer

I hope its Mike Patton.

I'm convinced it's Corey. Which sucks cos' I think slipknot is f*kin shit.

Corey 2 days ago:

Taylor tells Kerrang! magazine, "I'll be f**king brutally honest: I don't see me making Slipknot music without Paul. He was such a f**king huge part of the music. He had such an amazing mind for it... It's very soon since it happened, and we're all still reeling from it... But at this moment, I don't see myself making new music with Slipknot for a very long time. Let's put it that way."

Also, he does hang out with the guys, and tried out the first time round. http://www.india-server.com/news/corey-taylor-was-turned-down-by-velvet-15103.html

Yea sounds like they are going with a Metal singer.   That's cool...I bet he will be a badass and will keep people from talking shit  :hihi:.  I could accept Corey Taylor...he has the image and good vocals.  I didn't think he quite nailed Scott's parts, but he could probably do a good Axl.  It also helps that, whoever it is, it's a "known" guy.   

i'd have no problem with Corey, but he's about to head out on tour with his other little band Stone Sour, which everybody seems to be forgetting. there's also some Slipknot dates lined up for the summer. i do believe he's also working on a solo album. he's a very busy guy.

he did try out for VR at some point in the past though, and also Anthrax. funny thing with the latter, he got the job, but didn't have the time to do it in the end, resulting in Anthrax getting that guy Dan Nelson, who was in the band for about 5 minutes. regarding VR, he said roughly a year ago; "I had a meeting with those guys, we did some demos together, and it just didn't work - for whatever reason."

other names that have been popping up recently have been Keith Caputo (Life of Agony), Brett Hestla (Dark New Day) and Franky Perez (Scars on Broadway).

I forgot about Frankie Perez-I know Taylor is busy with Stone Sour, but he could cut an album with Velvet Revolver now-it does not seem like Velvet Revolver is going to tour until a year from now anyway-but I think Corey Taylor is involved in so much right now, it would not work.

if they get Corey, they better not make lame music like his Stone Sour project.

Slash is about to head out on tour again, and Duff's about to release a new record/film with Loaded that they're going to be touring behind over the summer. There's no clash there.

It does sound to me more and more like they've got Corey, too. I've got to keep myself from getting too excited in case it turns out to not be him.

Steven Adler approves. :D

From Matt Sorum:

In Studio all day with VR and mystery singer. Havin a blast. 2 songs done in 2 days. And they rock. Feels good to play with the guys again. We are makin big noise. More to come stay tuned

From Steven Adler:

@mattsorum AWSOME Matt uu fuckin rule uu kick ass !!! Uuu rrrr LUVED!!:)

Didn't they say they wanted someone that would devote 24 hours a day to VR, which is why they didn't pick Myles? They didn't want someone that was in another band and they didn't want to steal anyone.

Corey Taylor is in two other bands right now and Stone Sour has announced tour dates for months to come. I can't see them picking him for that reason.

It be awsome if they picked The Darkness old singer, he'd fit right in!

If it turns out to be Corey Taylor I am very intrigued to see where it goes because he is a really talented guy and will definitely bring a different vibe/sound with him than they have previously had.

There are so many jokes and/or sarcastic remarks to make here but I honestly don't know where to start or if I could stop once I'd begun.

Wonder what Matt thinks of Steven calling him a fat, shitty drummer in the past? Kind of weird how much love he has for Matt now.  Whatever though, I like Matt.

Thumbs down to Taylor

will give it a chance

but it just ain't VR without Scott

maybe Myles?

Said timing wasnt right
didn't wanna steal singer

they said all that shit about Myles

but if u read into it.. sounds like Myles.

I think Taylor would be a breath of fresh air, but he already has 2 very successful bands going right now.  I would like to see VR go heavier, Contraband was a good record, Libertad blew goat...it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out why.  VR is better as a heavier band.  Scott brought too much of that passive 90's alt rock nonsense to the table, which is great for STP, but not great when you fucking have Slash in the band.  What a waste of Slash's talents Libertad was.

It's not Myles, Matt said they worked with the singer a couple of days last week. Myles was in Texas at the time with AB. Besides Myles and Slash both have denied it several times. Corey Taylor fits all of the hints that Matt has given us. I really hope it is him.

Slipknot has announced dates for 2011 as well.  So I agree, I don't think it's Corey Taylor.

On Monday 10th January 2011, @mattsorum said:

In the studio with Cherie Currie tomorrow almost done. Also did 4 days with an amazing singer and VR and have 9 killer demo tracks. Going to make the decision one way or another this week.

Olleke bolleke!

Damn, this VR singer mystery is really keeping me in suspense. Tell us who it is already!!!

I hope we don't go through all this drama for them to finally announce it's Justin Timberlake or some idiot like that. Would be anti-climatic to say the least...

I think it's going to be anti-climatic regardless, I just don't see them pulling any kind of highly regarded name out of the hat at this point.

VELVET REVOLVER Working On 'Nine Killer Demo Tracks' With 'Amazing Singer' - Jan. 10, 2011

According to a new Twitter posting by VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum, the band just completed a four-day writing/recording session "with an amazing singer" which produced "nine killer demo tracks."

Regarding the group's search for a new vocalist, Sorum writes, "[We're] going to make the decision one way or another this week."

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152082

Fergie......

I have to think this "mystery singer" is semi-known.  And I wonder what he thinks about the band talking to the press about the fact that he's on trial and they're still making a decision if they want to use him.

I remember Scott made a point of saying he never "auditioned" for the band.

I honestly feel that Velvet should have called it quits after 2008, it just seems all lackluster at the moment. The way they have been talking about VR during the past couple of years, is almost as if the whole project is a burden for all involved.

Say what you want about Scott, but he was the right fit for the bands image and sound, and it worked. But now it seems like they are beating a dead horse, and just carrying it all on for the sake of it.

Everyone seemed happy doing their own thing recently, and if Velvet does start up again with a new singer. I honestly believe it will be a short lived affair, and that is purely because of the situation regarding Scott and the whole last 2 years. Of Duff and Slash surviving that lengthy period without VR, and proving that they don't need each other to get by in the music world, so to say.

I would kill myself  :crying:



Joe

God, I fucking hate Slipknot, so I really hope it's not that Corey Taylor dude so many of you think it is.

anybody else now hope it is Fergie? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: ;D :D :D :yes:

I'd rather it be Fergie than the dude from Slipknot. "Beautiful Dangerous" is one of my favorite tracks on Slash's CD.

I agree in some ways, but I think they could regain some of the initial motivation if they become able to make interesting music again.

more good songs are needed indeed. more harder direction/metal cant hurt IMO, no need for epic songs  : ok:

What you need is actually good songs. Not some shitty gimmick. Matt seems like he just wants to make money (which seems to be the goal of another member in the band these days).

All this over the top "we got amazing songs, best ever" hype is like a deja vu from pre-Libertad press. I hope im wrong and the guys still got one good album in them.

Not sure if you're referring to Slash with the $ comment, but that seems to be a pretty popular topic on forums I've noticed and never understood.
If Slash is just in it for money, then so be it, because it definitely worked on his solo album.

To me it sounds like they are excited about their band. I think you're problem is more with the whole "twitter/facebook/myspace" thing where we probably hear far more from these people than we really want or need to.

Have you ever been in a band before? There is no other feeling but excitement for new songs, every time you work on new material you get words tossed around like Matt is using. I really fail to see how Sorum is "in it for the money" as well... nothing he has said leads to any sort of that conclusion.

I'm not sure why they feel the need to hold onto the name of Velvet Revolver, but I guess it's not a big deal. I guess it's not a huge name to live up to(though I like them) but having a new singer join is going to change the dynamics of the band, plus they've already hinted they want to be heavier, so it's a fresh start, why carry on the name? I don't think Slash and Duff need each other, but they clearly have great chemistry. I wish Izzy were involved because I think they were meant to be playing together. I liked VR. Weiland is in my opinion one of the last great frontmen, but haven't been too impressed with his studio work since STP's Tiny Music. He seemed more inspired with VR than the end of STP, but still not Weiland of old. Will be interesting to see who they pick. I'd like to see what the singer from Wolfmother could do.

I can't think of anyone better than Corey Taylor for VR to get heavier! Most of Slipknot is too much for me even though some tracks rule! The first two albums of Stonesour kicks ass!

This reminds of Perla's tweet at 8th of Jan (below). Who is this Mr. Corey?

 PerlaFHudson Perla Hudson
At dinner with @KraveKelly @Slash and mr corey! Good food good times, all good! Love my peeps! But slash n I are SO full!
8 Jan

If it is Corey, I don't see it lasting at all.

A band like VR need a good few melodic songs, even ballady type of songs. And I don't see Corey delivering that type of material in VR's style. He might be great on the heavier stuff but that will get boring really quick, were as Scott could handle both pretty well.

What makes me question this whole VR thing is Slash's attittude towards Scott during the end of VR. When he basically blamed Libertads underwhelming success due to Scott taking over artistic control of the band. Which just seemed like the same situation regarding GN'R in Slash's mind, problem is you can't use that excuse twice and still want people to believe it all.

There is no point in a VR without Scott because he was the voice and the identitiy of the band, and you can't get rid of that and still expect it to work. It's starting to get like Slash's solo project where there is a guest vocalist every now and then, much like Camp Freddie too. And what makes me say all of this is because Scott was probably more VR than Slash. And that is because he represented the band in the eccense of voice image, songwriting, and leading the band through everything.

I agree. All bands assume the identity of the lead singer by default in most cases. Not to say it would have sounded anything like it did without the other members, but I think Libertad was more a Scott Weiland album, than it was Slash. I personally like the album, even though it doesn't showcase Slash's talent as well as it could. I thought they sounded more like a band. I can see where maybe he wants VR to sound how he originally intended in the beginning, but don't think it would hurt to put it to bed altogether and continue as a new act, which is essentially what they are going to be anyway. Just call it what it is. I don't like to hear bands airing their dirty laundry to the media, but don't pay a ton of attention to it either. Not so interested in the soap opera music has become today with all the access we unfortunately get.

More from Matt:

MATT SORUM On VELVET REVOLVER: 'We've Still Got Something To Prove' - Jan. 11, 2011

Jon Wiederhorn of AOL's Noisecreep recently conducted an interview with VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Noisecreep: How has the audition process been going?

Sorum: We tried out a lot of new guys, and basically it's quite a process. Scott Weiland is one of the best frontmen out there. And I've been in bands with Axl Rose and Ian Astbury. Those are big shoes to fill. So we're looking for a tried and true individual that can mesh with guys like us that have been out there doing this for a long time.

It hasn't been an easy task, and that's why it's taking a long time. But we don't want to come out half-cocked. We want to create something that people are gonna go, "Wow, that's awesome." We've had a couple situations where we've been with some singers, and we've pulled out of because we didn't feel completely secure in the fact that going forward the guy was the right move.

We tried out some fairly unknown guys and some guys that have been out there a little bit. But the guy we're really excited about know is a pretty known guy. I don't want to say anything yet because we're still in the dating phase. We haven't consummated the relationship or made a gentleman's agreement. So I can't let the cat out of the bag until there's an official stamp of approval on the deal.

Noisecreep: How will the next record be different than "Contraband" or "Libertad"?

Sorum: "Contraband" had sort of a punk rock element to it. When I listen to it, I feel like it's got a lot of angst to it. When I was making that record, I wasn't newly sober, but I had been sober a little bit. I remember I was still trying to feel comfortable in my own skin. And that angst came off useful for us.

There's an energy that says, "Man, these guys still have a lot of vitality in them." And when I listen to "Libertad", I feel like that album's something that we sort of weren't [into] at the time. It took a turn more for the singer in the band. Scott wanted to make a certain kind of record, so that became more his thing. "Contraband" was already written before Scott came into play. He just gravitated towards the songs and wrote the lyrics and the melody. "Libertad" was more an album based around what his lyrics and vision was, and it came off a little lightweight.

Noisecreep: It sounds like your next record might be more like "Contraband"?

Sorum: Well, that's the goal and I know we're fired up about it and that's the beauty about these guys in the band. I can look at all of them and know that they're passionate enough about making the music and they have enough drive left in them. In a way, we've still got something to prove. It's more about outdoing ourselves and trying to be the best we can be.

The goal now is to get right back together [this month] and make a call on the singer. Slash is going to finish out his tour through the beginning of the summer, and then hopefully by that time we'll have a bunch of songs compiled. We all work on our own, and send each other ideas and work together when we got breaks. And maybe we'll take a few more weeks to write, get in the studio and record an album by the end of the summer to get it out by the late part of 2011. I'm looking forward to that. We've all had enough time to go out and live other lives and have an adventure and organically come back as a unit that wants to do it again.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152185

I think "Bother" and "Through Glass" are just as good if not better than any ballad VR has put out.  Libertad was definitely a Scott style record and it was a very weak record.

I was going to point out that Stone Sour have a fair few great ballads, but you did it for me, thanks.
Also, Slipknot have had a few great softer songs on their last two albums, too. Corey's versatile... he can do the heavier stuff and the softer stuff. For another example listen to 'Hesitate' from 'Audio Secrecy' and 'Snuff' from 'All Hope Is Gone'. He's probably one of the few vocalists out there nowadays who sing the most delicate of ballads as well as scream his lungs out.

uh oh, with Perla tweeting about dinner with Corey, i'm starting to think it might actually be CT.

the guy is good, no doubts there. there are plenty of Stone Sour songs VR could play live, and they wouldn't seem out of place.

replacing Scott Weiland with Corey Taylor and going with a heavier sound is an interesting idea to me. i'm now hoping it happens.

I saw some interviews with Corey that said he feels kind of pushed to do the same style over and over in Slipknot. I guess the fans expect their screaming and heavy shit. Plus their bass player died so they might be on a bit of hiatus as far as making new music (yes, I know they have shows planned later this year). As for Stone Sour, he could do both. He's already proven that.

he's a great rock singer.


proof right here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ2rXV7no4o

i wonder if this stays on the set list  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfIVcN0t3eQ

I have to say that is interesting...

Perla Hudson

At dinner with @KraveKelly @Slash and mr corey! Good food good times, all good! Love my peeps! But slash n I are SO full!

12:13 AM Jan 8th via Twitter for BlackBerry?

A couple of old articles regarding Corey Taylor and Velvet Revolver:

SLIPKNOT Frontman Confirms He Tried Out For VELVET REVOLVER - Oct. 30, 2009

SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor has confirmed that he was being considered for the singer slot in VELVET REVOLVER following the departure of Scott Weiland. Speaking to Altitude TV (see video below), Taylor said, "I had a meeting with those guys, we did some demos together, and it just didn't work ? for whatever reason."

He added, "It was just really cool. It was one of those things where it's like I could have got to jam with legends, man, in my opinion. But, you know, it was cool, and I still know those guys, I still hang out with them, and I still have nothing but respect."
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=129535

DUFF MCKAGAN Sings COREY TAYLOR's Praises - June 4, 2009
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=121360

COREY TAYLOR Performs GN'R's 'It's So Easy' With DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED; Video Available - June 1, 2009

Fan-filmed video footage of Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR) performing the GUNS N' ROSES classic "It's So Easy" with VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan's side band, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, on May 30, 2009 at Rockfest in Kansas City, Missouri can be viewed below.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=121119

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNsMcyb8LSY
heavier, well known guy, tried early

It's not baz. already tried out for VR back in the day they were still the project.

and Baz has his second album coming out anytime soon. so

From Crawdaddy Magazine:

Who Is Velvet Revolver?s New Singer?

 Internet fan speculation mostly seems to be pointing to Corey Taylor of Slipknot fame, but let?s not rule out a few wildcards here. Judas Priest flunkie Tim ?Ripper? Owens is younger, presumably stronger, and of heavier rock n? roll leanings than Velvet Revolver, as is one time Anthrax snger Dan Nelson. And hey, what about Chris Cornell? Is that Soundgarden reunion still going on? Come on, Corny made that stupid dance pop record; let?s not put joining Velvet Revolver past him.


One of the stranger rumors out there right now regarding VR?s ?new? singer is that it?s actually their old singer, Scott Weiland, who parted ways with the band semi-acrimoniously in 2008. It?s all a ruse, the conspiracy theorists say! Velvet Revolver is just fucking with us for their own amusement!

http://www.crawdaddy.com/index.php/2011/01/10/who-is-velvet-revolvers-new-singer/

From an interview with Slash dated today:


This doesn't sound good -- the Sorum quote is recent.  So this may mean they don't have a singer...again.

WOW i must say, I actually agree with u on something. nice post! : ok:

I am not surprised, Matt has been doing all the talking and no one else has. Slash only saying things are progressing and Duff saying nothing. I think they should just forget VR. Slash and Duff both seem to be more interested in their solo work.

Still waiting on that announcement hopefully this isn't just another disappointment had enough of those for one winter.

Joe

I think they gonna go 100% for VR when they first start rehears again. and if the new singer is Corey taylor, great! he's got an amazing voice.

So plans have changed at the last minute..
that's a bummer!

So is Matt saying that they are still in conflict with each other as to who to choose?. I really do think that alot of the VR members deject the fact that it's all up to Slash, and that he seems to be calling all the shots.

I'm tired of the VR thing too, and just wish they would call it a day on that project.

It does not seem to be just Slash. Matt clearly says it is a group thing. For all we know the singer might have some concerns that held things up. From what has been published in the past Slash fits into the band or group dynamic with no problems.

Slash was the first to comment on the singer, making statements like this...

Slash "Velvet Revolver Should Be Making An Announcement Next Month"

SLASH Says VELVET REVOLVER Has 'Moved Leaps And Bounds' In Singer Search

SLASH On VELVET REVOLVER: 'Things Have Been Moving In A Very Positive Direction'

But yeah, Duff hasn't said anything.


Actually Matt says "there's another guy that's got to make a decision" it's not until the interviewer then says "there are four guys in the band" that he says "it's a group consensus, we're partners."

I stand corrected so shoot me! :)

I think its up to Kushner, personally

Sorry, just trying to be accurate. :)  It appears to me anyway, that Slash may have the final say.  I think this is the second time Matt has said he thought they had found their guy, but then later said not everyone agreed.  And last year Duff went public saying he thought they had found their singer, someone he liked anyway, only to say not everyone felt the same way, and the search continued.

Slash said they would make an announcement "either way" this month, hopefully they do.


Yeah, Dave is holding everything up. :hihi:

There is nothing to be sorry for Funky. :)

My new guess: Chris Daughtry.

We should all be hoping it is Corey Taylor, he is by far the best choice that isn't named Axl Rose.  It will be great for VR to get heavier, Slash sounded great on some of the heavier songs on his solo album, and Corey Taylor will bring a whole new dimension to VR's sound.  It was a cool experiment with Scott, but that last record was fucking garbage.  You need to be wearing a tampon to enjoy Libertad, and the last  STP record for that matter.  I like Scott and STP a lot so im not hating on either of them, its just the product they have been putting out lately is shit.

From Slash in an interview published today: :-\

How's it coming along with the new Velvet Revolver singer?

Slash: Well, there's been a lot of talk about that, and a decision hasn't totally been made yet. I don't want to say it's a state of limbo, but it's just sort of hovering there right now.

http://www.soundspike.com/features/tour/1415-slash_tour_q_a_slash.html

Casting In FACEBOOK Is Good Plan

 :beer:

Guess i got a tampon cause that last STP album is fuckin awesome.

thats the overstatement of the year.."fucking awesome"?  really?  it was OK. sounded like weak generic radio rock, guitar lacked balls, just like Libertad.   If Im going to hear Slash play on a record, I want to hear the guitars, I dont want it to sound like a 90's alt rock mess, a technique that was used to cover up 90's players shitty guitar playing.  The STP album didnt suck, but I can name 10 hard rock albums that came out in 2010 that were better, with Stone Sour's record being one of them.

I agree if you bought Libertad solely to hear Slash's axe work, it's a disappointment, but overall, I thought it was a decent record. The ELO cover is great.
The new STP album is better than the previous 2, but that's not saying much in my opinion. The songs worked live, but when listening to the album, I can't help but feel I've heard every song before. Between the Lines is a good Nirvana impersonation, Huckleberry a decent Aerosmith etc. I think I puked for the first time in 15 years when I heard Cinnamon. Neither are very heavy in my rotation. Unfortunately a record is only going to be as strong as it's frontman, and although I don't think there is anyone better than Scott live these days, he kind of seems tapped creatively. I thought Slash and co pried more out of him than the STPs guys were able to since Tiny Music, but haven't been impressed with his lyrics in years.

I can't say I'm a Slipknot fan, but I'd be interested to hear what Corey could do with VR. I'd rather hear Cornell if this Soundgarden reunion isn't happening though. Not many great songwriters out there these days, but he's one of em.

Or they've got the guy, or they should disband.

it's been long enough and it seems that guy they had didn't work out or we'd had a new velvet revolver by last weekend.
Now it seems they still got someone or not who knows..

Call it. or quite it

cause all of em got their side projects tours whatever... VR is becoming a third wheel to them even if they still have something to prove!

Shit, Fast As I can, Hazy Daze, First Kiss on Mars, hickory Dichotomy, Huckleberry Crumble, Maver, Between the lines

those songs kick ass.

He would be great in VR.


I think the whole STP album is great.  I have still been listening to it a lot.   Grows on you more and more. 

oh i agree, i love every song. those were the ones off the top of my head though that really kick ass.

Yeah, that album is good. It shows that it maybe is a good thing Scott went back to STP  :peace:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzS590AkE6c&ob=av2em

STP's last single sounded too much like a VR song ; the guitarist is almost trying to sound like Slash on the solo section it bothered me. I really dug old STP stuff too...

I thought the same thing about Deleo's solos on this song... Like, "guys, I can play lead guitar too",  cause that is a straight up Joe Perry / Slash style solo.  He is a good player, but no Slash.

Yeah the some of the techniques are just textbook "Slash" style stuff. It's like he watched a "How To Sound Like Slash" DVD. Both guys have a distinctive sound, I just wish he would've stuck to what he does best and not try to push the "solo"as he did. It was a giant sign that said "Our singer used to play with Slash", I don't want that I just want kick ass STP!

WTF only a GnR board would raise such absurd conspiracy theories.. Have you even listened to STP other than plush? Deleo has always been a joe perry worshipper/imitator.. Nothing to do with slash.. Watch/ read interviews. It's nothing new an has come up in various past STP songs... He Plays solos on Every single album, on numerous tracks.

Back on topic; where is the "this week" update. I really wish reporters would haggle more or they wuld just tell us who they're auditioning.

From Slash -- I assume he means "back" burner:

Pollstar recently spoke with Slash, catching up with him in Los Angeles one day before he left for Omaha and the Ozzy Osbourne tour.

Pollstar: Shifting gears, how?s the search for a new Velvet Revolver singer going?

Slash: It was going great. It?s hard to say. It?s going one way or another until you make a decision and it?s done.

Pollstar: There were reports that you and the band had narrowed it down but you weren?t ready to announce anything.

Slash: There?s definitely somebody who?s [a candidate.] I?m about to take off on the road, so it?s on the burner at the moment.

http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2011/01/21/753808.aspx

This is almost becoming absurd.

Absurd happened a while ago now it's just not worth looking at.

Joe

I think although I do agree with slash and the boys that they really need ''that'' guy..

I had hoped they would've anounced the dude already last week since Slash told so.... but since they are aiming to anounce it between now and 15 f*cking years.... I'll just listen to chinese democracy instead!

I've listened to every STP album. I was into STP before I even knew who Guns where. It's not a "conspiracy" theory, It is merely an observation.

Speaking as a fan of both bands since the early 90's, I would say that it's obvious that both Slash and Deleo have been heavily influenced by Joe Perry.  Shouldn't be all that surprising when you hear similarities, on occasion, between the two. 

Yeah, it is a bit.  Instead of them having trouble finding the right "guy", they seem to be having trouble agreeing on the right guy. 

Matt has said now he's found I think two singers he liked, but not everyone agreed.  Duff said he thought one guy was right, but not everyone agreed.  And it looks like Slash would choose Myles -- but he doesn't want it.

Not sure why anyone is waiting with any sort of baited breath or sense of urgency on this. Matt, Duff and Slash all have commitments well into 2011 and are enjoying what they're doing outside of the VR banner.

Each guy obviously has different ideas on where they're at in the process
and it's clearly not a front burner thing for any involved.

I mean c'mon, why in the world would Slash be in any hurry to get back in a "group decision" environment at this point in the cycle of his solo run?

Maybe it's because in the last month Matt Sorum has said:

MATT SORUM Says VELVET REVOLVER Is 'Real Close' To Finding New Singer'
VELVET REVOLVER Zeroing In On 'Younger And Stronger' New Singer'
MATT SORUM On VELVET REVOLVER: 'We've Still Got Something To Prove'
Matt Sorum: 'He's A Guy We've Had Our Eye On, But The Timing Wasn't Right'
VELVET REVOLVER Working On 'Nine Killer Demo Tracks' With 'Amazing Singer'

And Slash:

SLASH Says VELVET REVOLVER Has 'Moved Leaps And Bounds' In Singer Search'
SLASH On VELVET REVOLVER: 'Things Have Been Moving In A Very Positive Direction'
SLASH On VELVET REVOLVER Singer - "We Should Be Making An Announcement One Way Or Another Next Month"

 ;)

I think the other question is...why are they continuing to hype this singer thing when it's obvious they haven't made a decision.

Beyond the occassional tweet update most of the hype so to speak is usually generated from an answer to an interview question latching onto some allegedly newsworthy quote.

I suppose it's all good for biz, it keeps the name out there.

That said, until something either way is officially announced - it's all rhetoric and shouldn't be taken too seriously..

Just an opinion..

Those quotes are from interviews Matt Sorum has given in the last month to AOL's Noisecreep, The Pulse Of Radio, VH1 Radio Network and Vintage Rock.  Slash with Soundspike, Artist Direct and Music Radar.

I think they're hyping this thing -- they know what quotes will be picked up.


I think that may be the answer right there.

It's semantics, if answering questions posed to them in interviews is considered "hype" - fair enough.


Probably so, it doeen't make much sense to full on deflect when asked, they obviously aren't on the same page.

Hell - even Matt jokingly mentioned something about them "being 65" before finally moving forward, maybe someone can dig up that quote..

I'd agree if Matt was asked about Velvet Revolver when being interviewed about Global Sound Lodge or the Darling Stilettos etc.  But most of these interviews were about Velvet Revolver.


Yeah, they don't seem to be on the same page.  Here's the quote from Matt:

When asked about the current status of VELVET REVOLVER, Sorum said, "VELVET REVOLVER is always going on...but it's not going on. [laughs]"

He added, "We're just gonna keep saying we might have a [new] singer.... If we keep sayin' it, we're thinking we'll be, like, 65 years old by the time [the next VELVET REVOLVER album] comes out."

He continued, "Yeah, we're working on [finding a replacement for vocalist Scott Weiland]. I liked the guy we tried out last week, and I went and opened my mouth. And I said something like, 'yeah, we're gonna make a decision.' I really liked him, but that was me going, I like him. But there's another guy that's got to make a decision ? it's a group consensus, we're partners. So we can't say yet. But in the meantime, I'm real busy."

I know that it is not going to happen, but I honestly can't see any other guy that would make VR what it should be other than Seb. I honestly just can't... :-\

really?  I think he would be an awful choice, part of the reason why Scott Weiland sarcastically suggested him as a replacement after he left.  Corey Taylor would be my top choice of people who are available, so I hope that works out.  I like Skid Row/Sebastian Bach, ive seen Bach over 10 times on his own ,nevermind when he was opening for GNR, I also saw him on broadway and went to several album signings of his.  I think he is amazing, just a bad fit for VR.  He has a very dated style of singing, it will sound like an 80's band, especially with Slash on guitar as well.

Well, you see, to me this wouldn't be a  bad thing at all. I wish more bands would sound like the 80s, I love the 80s :hihi: Better to stick to your own guns than trying to sound different and losing your identity. I liked VR but they had no identity...

So Ash Hudson ( Slash's Brother ) posted this up on FB today if it means anything to anyone.

"
      Ash Hudson
      Corey Taylor of Slipknot is replacing Scott Weiland as The new Singer of Slash's band Velvet Revolver. F'n Dope!!!"

With a video of a Slipknot song at the end of the post ; also made a comment on it "that's word around the camp ; its going down! "

I would love to see at least 1 album and tour with him-I'm still skeptical it will happen, but would love to see it.

its going down! "

I wish someone would ask him when. :)

Are you sure it's actually his brother? There are a number of fake FB accounts for various people related to GNR. Some people have no lives.

It is Ash's account.

I'm about 99% sure it is actually his account, he uses it to promote his work in Conart.

Well, this is good news!

Here's a drawback:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153615

Slipknot guitarist says the band if ready to come back...  ::)

VR ain't gonna be starting any time soon, which leaves Corey free to do stuff with Slipknot, until VR are ready again.

Slash said he won't be looking at VR again until April/May after his own tour is done.

Wow, it would be funny if Slash's brother were the one to really break the news! Hell, I know Matt wouldn't like it at all. :rofl:

I do not follow Slipknot so I might be wrong about this. But I thought I read something a few months ago quoting Corey as saying he would do a tour this summer but that he was not recording any new music with Slipknot.

This information must not be confidential any longer. Ash has had alot of practice on keeping things quite.

I don't really follow Slipknot either, but from some of the comments at BM, Joey seems to be the one talking about a come back.

And you're right, Corey recently said this to Billboard:
 
While other Slipknot members have spoken about starting a new album, Taylor says he's not nearly in that headspace.
 
"There's a lot of things I've got to figure out about myself before I can even contemplate that," he explains. "There's a big part of me that wonders if I'm the guy for that band anymore. I'm in such a different place in my life...musically, spiritually. I'm not the angry kid anymore. A lot of things don't mean the same to me anymore, and there's a lot of things I don't feel like saying anymore. Does it make sense anymore? We'll just have to see."

From a chat with Duff at ESPN.com:

Q. Besides singing voice, what is the most important attribute for a lead singer of a rock band to have?

A. Any good artist has to have had some kind of rub in their life, something real. Something you have to get out lyrically or you are going to kill yourself or somebody else. Those are the lyrics that inspire. The ability to tap the dark stuff and have it be real. Great lead singers have the ability to tap that. No inhibitions helps as well. Axl and Scott are two of the best front men ever. Corey Taylor is one of those guys as well. He can tap it. He has to get those lyrics on the paper or his world is going to crash down around him.

From ESPN:

Jason (NYC)

I saw you mentioned Corey Taylor. He has been rumored to be the new singer in Velvet Revolver. Is this true?

Duff McKagan  (3:34 PM)

I can neither confirm nor deny.

same here and also i think that black eyed peas just had a new record so that would be the bad timing lol still better than corey

Since when does Duff talk like this?  It just has to be Corey. :yes:

Matt is just pissed they won't announce it!

That's fuckin' great!  No one else will or can comment and Slash's brother posts it on his FB!   :hihi:

He also added:

Duff McKagan  (3:35 PM)

He is a bad dude though. I like him as a human being and a singer. He's the voice of a whole new generation.

That's pretty strong words from Duff describing him.

well it isn't like Duff is gonna say he sucks. Libertad was also the greatest thing they had ever done.

I'm still not psyched over this. I've youtubed a lot of his shit and its very MEH to me.

I think they probably told him he can keep goin with slipknot, and VR will become a semi side project, with Slash's solo work, Duff's loaded & slipknot being the VR offseason. there is no way VR is a fulltime band nemore

I remember a time when Lenny Kravitz was rumored to be a candidate, but then he came out denying the rumor and made a record. He would still be a great pick especially since it seems like he would be able to do his own material on the side since it appears everyone else will be doing side projects for years to come.

Has anyone called the 2 guys that were in Snakepit?

Was it not Eric Dover on IFOCS? and Rod Jackson on ALG?

are they not good enough? what are they doing now?

What about that guy that was on youtube posting his auditons weekly a while back after Scott got fired.

How difficult can it really be for them to make a decision?

Yeah, they both sucked.

I second that.

Yeah, I thought they had their moments on those albums, not many, but certainly wouldn't get excited about either of them joining VR.
They were the weak links in Snakepit.

WORD 3rd that just terrible

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72VFOazWGAk

uhhhh not a fan of his Its So easy  guy has the stage presence of a lamp.

Corey Taylor would be money for the project-both in album sales and touring-he would generate big interest.

Corey Taylor is something that looks good on paper but trust me it won't work. They are too different from each other, Scott was the best fit for VR and anything else would be 2nd best because people got used to Scott as the face and ultimate member of the band.

People don't realise just how good Scott was, they will soon when the new guy can't live up to him.  :yes:

dude if Scott Weiland was suitable I don't know how Corey Taylor isn't.  He is a way better vocalist than Scott, but because he doesnt dance around like a mental patient he has no stage presence?  And why are we talking about It's So Easy?  I care more about the new music they are going to write together.  Bad news for some though, I cant see Corey doing any of the fruity stuff off of Libertad, unless you can squeeze him into a dress(or a youth medium Ramones tshirt)    :hihi:

He has a different stage presence with Slipknot -- at least I think it's him. :D

Slipknot - Psychosocial - Live At Download 2009 (HQ)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St6gijYSefE

total command of over 100,000 people...thats some stage presence.  He could have told them to go out in the streets and kill the first person they saw, and they would have.

That's what I'd love to see -minus the mask of course. 

Corey would be a nice fit. But if they want to go for the harder sound, as they claim, they should go with Phil Anslemo. My opinion.

Someone asked Slash if Rod Jackson or Eric Dover would be considered and he said no-said it in a chat, fyi.

I'm with "D," Corey Taylor just doesn't do it for me.  I doubt he'd even be under consideration if not for his "fame". 

oh please. Slipknot are a total fucking gimmick with their stupid masks etc. a 2nd rate Kiss/Gwar wannabe band

Better singer than Scott? U gotta be shitting me.

Listen to his Stone Sour stuff, Scott sings/dances/writes circles around that shit.

I know People hate Scott cause of his Anti Axl comments, but lets give the man the credit he is due for being one of the greatest frontmen of the past 20 years easily.

last 20 years, from the time STP debuted till now, Scott is a top 5 frontman easy.

I know this much, I was a casual fan of Scott's, i loved Sour Girl and that was about it, cause i didn't listen to any of the early 90's grunge era music, so i knew of Creep,interstate and Sour Girl but that was it from STP

Went and watched VR Solely to see Slash and Duff........ Saw Scott and it completely floored me. i may have spent 10 mins of the entire concert looking at Slash or Duff and instantly became a huge Scott fan. heard Sex Type Thing for the first time at VR concert. Went back bought greatest hits and then all their albums and STP are now one of my 5 or 6 fave bands of all time.

so let's don't shit on Scott, just cause he had a slip in judgement and ranted on Axl in which he has now completely apologized for.

yeah, i pretty much thought the same of STP until the first time I saw VR before Contraband even came out and like you, was completely floored by Scott

but the only problem is, by the time they were touring for Libertad it seemed as if Scott had lost interest and mailed it in, only going thru the motions

I certainly can't think of many better frontmen today than Scott live. For my money, the only other person in the conversation is Axl. Whereas a lot of singers today seem to kind of pace themselves for a long tour, saving their voice, Axl and Scott are two people that come to mind as guys that actually sing their songs like they were originally recorded.

I am not a fan of Slipknot at all, and listened to a couple Stone Sour songs recently when I heard the rumors of Corey joining VR. I can't say I liked the songs or style of music, but he has a decent voice, and I actually thought his version of It's So Easy was pretty strong.

As great as Scott is live, it seems he's done writing good music unfortunately, so if VR is going to continue, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed to hear what Corey can do with a rock n' roll band. VR isn't going to find a better entertainer than Scott. I don't think the total package they seem to be looking for is available, unless it's a complete unknown. The music is most important anyway, so I just hope they find a good songwriter.  I'd still prefer to hear Stockdale, Myles, or Cornell.

I also love Scott, but neither him or Corey can even touch Sebastian. I said before and I can't see any different, really, Sebastian is the only one who can make it happen at a "magical" level. I was listening to the Subhuman Race album recently, and man, that mo'fo simply owns it! :drool:

I like Sebastian, but think if he joined, it may be hard to avoid sounding like a novelty act, or dated.
Who knows though, could work.

Well, if they want to try something new so I think they will ultimately go with Corey. But if things don't work out with Corey than VR is as good as dead and buried...

I agree. Can't have a revolving door and expect to hold fans interest. That's probably the hold up, trying to make sure they get it right.

comparing Slipknot to Gwar or Kiss and calling them nothing but a gimmick band makes me question all of your knowledge about music.  You are usually aware of great musicianship, so I dont know what gives hear.  Joey Jordinson is one of the greatest rock drummers of all time.


Corey is more versatile than Scott, Stone Sour and Slipknot are completely different bands, he has a great screaming voice(something Scott doesnt have at all) so he will be great for VR who are trying to become a heavier band.  "Slither" was the heaviest you were going to get with Scott.

Really, when was the last REALLY good STP record?  Purple?  I forgot that new one even came out last year, and I had high hopes for it.  I've seen Scott play with his solo band, so its not like I just hate the guy, but his best work is clearly behind him.

Top 5 frontman of the last 20 years?  He is Top 10 or 15 for me.  Billie Joe Armstrong, Liam Gallagher, and Dave Grohl are all WAY better than him, and there are a bunch of younger guys like Gerard Way, M. Shadows, etc who give him a run for his money.

u can question my music stuff about Slipknot and turn around in the same fucking post and say DaveGrohl is a better frontman than Scott Weiland?

the dude from My Chemical Romance?

 WOWWWWWWWW just fucking WOWWWWWWWWWWW


nothing personal, don't get mad or angry with me, u are still one of my favorite posters. but WOW

Kiss live kicks ass end of story about that. When are we getting this announcement? Waiting a bit longer then planed is all I noticed.

I'm not so sure Slash is referring to screaming though when he says heavier. At least I hope not. I took it as more of AFD heavy kind of heavy. If Scott didn't forget how to write lyrics, I think VR could have been great if it was Core era Scott, which I assume is what Slash and co were hoping for, kind of a return to form. Screaming has it's place, but I think some singers use it as a crutch. I'm not interested in hearing VR do their best Pantera impression. I'd like to hear them play to their strengths, which is rock n roll music.

haha, its all in good fun D,  nothing personal.  My Chemical Romance is a way heavier band than Velvet Revolver was during Libertad.  Gerard Way is a great front man, check out all of their cinematic videos that he writes and directs, hes a great performer.  What is wrong with MCR?

yeah me too, i would like Corey Taylor to add a few screams here and there...def not a fan of him doing it the whole song.

I just don't think u give Scott his full due.

one thing in music i hate, is when people say, so and so hasn't done anything since this or that.

like with Slash, people can say he hasn't done anything since GNR but so fucking what? Jimmy Page hasn't done shit since Zeppelin but does he cease being a legend?

What Scott did on Core and Purple cements his legacy in my opinion if he never wrote another song.

Contraband was widely successful, it is my favorite rock album of the 21st century by far. that album still gets me going.

MCR are nowhere on STP's level. Scott is one of the last great true rock frontmen to come out imo. After the batch that produced Cornell,Vedder,Cobain,Staley and Weiland...... the frontman as we know it, doesn't truly exist like it once did.

Slither is amazing, so I'd be good with that heaviness. Let It Roll was heavy and awesome as well.

Ill give Corey a chance and admit i was wrong if i love it. just out of the box I'm not completely sold yet. now as far as commercial appeal etc. best choice they could make no doubt. we will see how it goes though.

Calling Slipknot a gimmick band because of the masks is easy. The masks are N/A when you listen to their albums. ;)


I'd still like to see what he could do as their frontman. People might say it isn't VR without Scott, but the name is irrelevant. I'd like to hear what Corey and Slash et al. would sound like. : ok:

People should give Corey Taylor a chance before they decide it's gonna suck. And let's face it, as much as I like Scott Weiland and Slash and all those guys, VR wasn't exactly reinventing the wheel up to this point.

Slash says the Corey Talyor Velvet Revolver rumors have been blown out of proportion.  And the "couple of people" he mentions are Matt, Duff and Corey Taylor.

February 13, 2011

Slash remains mum on whether he has found a new singer for Velvet Revolver, his band with former Gunners members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.

Fellow Soundwaver Corey Taylor, of Slipknot and Stone Sour, has been rumoured as the new frontman.

"A couple of people have said one thing or another, but it's been blown out of proportion. I've made no comment on that one," Slash says of Taylor joining VR.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/a-slashing-effort/story-fn6cc53j-1226005372062

at this point it better be Corey, if we get stuck with someone like Frankie Perez after all this I'm going to be pretty pissed off.

now THIS we can agree on. if its that frankie guy, I am done with this band.

people who wear costumes,mask etc are gimmicks. Lady Gaga is a gimmick, Slipknot is a gimmick. i hate gimmicks.

But you're a Kiss fan, correct?

C'mon D, be consistent m'man!! ;)

Off-topic mode on
What the fuck are you guys talking about Kiss? Kiss is one of the top 10 bands in the history of Rock, period. Paul Stanley kicks half the world's ass. So please have a little respect and wash your mouths before even pronouncing the name. From a Kiss Army member. :hihi:
Off-topic mode off

Man, is this becoming a soap-opera or what? Why don't Slash come clean and put the cards on the table already?

I agree to be fair.

Slash's attitude and his comments in general towards the VR situation, almost seems as if he's dreading getting back to it and wants to stay away from it a little longer.  :rofl:

Aw, lighten up D. :P You don't want all bands to just come out wearing jeans and t-shirts do you? And surely at the end of the day, it's the music that matters most?


PS. Falcon's point about KISS is a very good one. XD

very true, at least Slipknot back it up with their musicianship, Kiss on the other hand....I do like Kiss, but they are not good musicians.  Ace is decent, but would have lost in the shuffle if not for his gimmick.

putting things off for an abnormal amount of time with no explanation whatsoever is how things work in the GNR universe, past present and future.. :hihi:

I actually became a Kiss fan during the non makeup years though,so its like i was already a giant fan and then went back and discovered the makeup stuff.

That being said, would i want Paul Stanley fronting Velvet Revolver? of course not.

Kind of like Marilyn Manson.. I've never been able to take him seriously and he actually is a GREAT frontman, but u never see him on any lists because his gimmick outshines his ability and he never gets credit.

Im also in the Kiss army


comparing SLipknot to Kiss is fucking blasphemy.

Hahaha just chill out people we will get to know at the same time.

as in blasphemy towards Slipknot right?   :hihi:

in all seriousness Slipknot is a legit hard rock/metal band who have stood the test of time and still put out number 1 records on the billboard charts...the masks are part of the theatrics, they are very well respected musicians, and as ive said Jordinson is as good a drummer as anyone in hard rock the last 25 years...him and Portnoy.

These are some serious accolades, you dont last 10 years and stay at the top of your game the whole time if your just living on a gimmick.
Albums

    * Slipknot: Double Platinum (February 2001)
    * Iowa: Platinum (October 2002)
    * Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses): Platinum (February 2005)
    * 9.0: Live: Gold (December 2005)
    * All Hope Is Gone: Platinum (August 2010)

   
Videos and DVDs

    * Welcome to Our Neighborhood: Platinum (February 2000)
    * Disasterpieces: Quadruple Platinum (November 2005)
    * Voliminal: Inside the Nine: Platinum (February 2007)
    * (sic)nesses: Platinum (November 2010)

Grammy Awards and nominations

Slipknot has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, resulting in one win.

    * "Wait and Bleed" ? Best Metal Performance, 2001 (nomination)[98]
    * "Left Behind" ? Best Metal Performance, 2002 (nomination)[99]
    * "My Plague" ? Best Metal Performance, 2003 (nomination)[100]
    * "Duality" ? Best Hard Rock Performance, 2005 (nomination)[101]
    * "Vermilion" ? Best Metal Performance, 2005 (nomination)[101]
    * "Before I Forget" ? Best Metal Performance, 2006 (winner)[40]
    * "Psychosocial"- Best Metal Performance, 2009 (nomination)[102]

SLASH Says Rumors Of COREY TAYLOR Joining VELVET REVOLVER Have Been 'Blown Out Of Proportion' - Feb. 15, 2011

In a brand new interview with Australia's Courier Mail, Slash was asked about the rumors that STONE SOUR and SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor could be adding VELVET REVOLVER to the list of bands he sings for.

"A couple of people have said one thing or another, but it's been blown out of proportion. I've made no comment on that one," Slash said of Taylor joining VELVET REVOLVER.

VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan added fuel to the Corey Taylor rumors in a chat he did on February 9 at ESPN.com. Asked by a fan what the most important attribute is that a lead singer should have besides a great voice, McKagan responded, "Any good artist has to have . . . the ability to tap the dark stuff and have it be real. Great lead singers have the ability to tap that. No inhibitions helps as well. Axl (Rose) and Scott (Weiland) are two of the best front men ever. Corey Taylor is one of those guys as well. He can tap it."

When asked about the rumors that Taylor was going to join VELVET REVOLVER, McKagan wrote, "I can neither confirm nor deny . . . He is a bad dude though. I like him as a human being and a singer. He's the voice of a whole new generation."

Taylor himself "neither confirmed nor denied" the rumors in an interview with Billboard.com last month, merely laughing and saying, "To be continued!" when asked about it.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153975

yeah Slash said something similar about Scott back in 2002, then boom Scott was in the band.  Personally I think VR needs Corey more than Corey needs them at this point.  He fronts two highly successful platinum bands right now.  Id like to see them drop the VR moniker if they get Corey and start a whole new band, drop Kushner too.

I agree. New voice, new sound, sounds like a new band to me, so drop the old bands name. Slash should know that as well as anyone.
Would love to see Izzy involved.

I think Slash wants to hold off on VR until he is done touring this leg of his solo stuff-either he is, or not, I wish they would just say either way-once again, even Slash is not saying no.

Really, I didn't know that, it was before my time. :D  So he still may be in the band.

Duff seems to be really hinting that they've chosen Corey -- there seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

You're probably not a musician, otherwise you wouldn't say that. Ace Frehley is one of the most influential guitar players in history. Even our friend Slash was influenced by him.

It seems the disconnect is Slash himself.

As well as the solo record/tour have gone, the thought of VR and is probably very off putting at this point.

actually it is because i do play guitar I say that.  Get your ears checked..Ace Frehley is only influential because Kiss was a popular band, and more power to him, I like Ace, he didnt suck, but Kiss is not known for their musicianship.  If we are talking about guitar playing "chops"..he was an average run of the mill guitar player at best.

Also being influential doesn't mean you are good.  Kurt Cobain was a very influential guitar player.

Jesus Bodhi, u couldn't be more wrong.

we tend to have this argument on this forum more than I'd care to but Great guitar playing to me, isn't how fast u can move ur fingers or how fast u can tap,shred etc.

Great guitar playing is what you can create and how you can connect it to an audience. Its the whole Slash/Bucket argument all over again.

Ace Frehley is a legend. No body will know who the fuck Slipknot is in 20 years. Kiss are legends,pioneers and their songs are fantastic. who gives a shit if they don't play 500 notes per second or have fast difficult riffs.

I'll take Detroit Rock City,Cold Gin,God Of Thunder,War Machine, riffs over any of SlipKnot's anyday of the week.

Comparing Corey T aylor as a frontman to Paul Stanley is like comparing Mark Slaughter to Freddie Mercury.

I have never seen someone give that much praise to Kiss for their musicianship.  Very strange.  I know a lot of guitar players, and we all love Kiss, but none of us would say they are great musicians.  They aren't.  They are the definition of a gimmick band, and its a great gimmick.  That being said they arent completely shitty musicians either, they are average.  I think Taylor is a better singer than Stanley, but not a showman.  For one, Taylor is actually taken seriously by the music industry.  He has 2 bands that sound completely different.  I am confused by this notion that no one will know who Slipknot is in 20 years.  Its not like they have been around for 2 months here, they are going on 14 years, and are as popular now as ever, their record just topped the Billboard chart, something Kiss has never done.  They also stole the show at Download in 2009.  Everything they put out goes platinum, and they are well respected for their musicianship.  I can't see people just forgetting about them, i think they have passed the point where the Limp Bizkits and Creeds usually fade out. 

For the record I like Kiss more than Slipknot, but we are talking about musicianship here, Peter Criss' arms would fall off trying to do half of what Jordison does. 

i wouldn't say Kiss are amazing virtuoso musicans by any means but Paul is one of the best frontmen of all time.

I'd put the late great Eric Carr up against anybody drumming. DL Carr Jam and u will see what I mean.


Kiss has been around 37 years, still one of the biggest touring bands in the world. Ill take Kiss Alive or Destroyer as having more significance than anything SLipknot can do.

k im being a hater but just went and checked out a few Slipknot videos and these guys are ridiculous looking.  U call that being a virtuoso? that guitar playing is better than Ace?

Like Manson mixed with Korn.

Yo D, you don't like Slipknot. We get it. But a LOT of people do and think Corey is a good singer. I can't stand KISS's music but I won't argue that they aren't popular.

wait...D doesn't like Slipknot??

Kiss are great musicians. What defines a great musician though? Mindless shredding at break neck speed? Does the fact that the Slipknot drummer can drum fast mean he's the best drummer and part of the best band? I guess people like Eric "Slowhand" Clapton should pack it up then. Kiss are one of the most influential bands ever. You would be surprised how many artists out there site Kiss as their main influence growing up. Dimebag Darrell, Steven Adler, Ron Thal and Frank Ferrer are some that come to mind. Most accomplished musicians would tell you that Ace Frehley
played some part in their influence. I personally believe that calling Kiss, especially Ace "average" is pretty ridiculous.

Thinking Taylor is a better singer than Stanley is your opinion I respect that. That's subjective. I think Corey is generic and has the stage presence of a thumb tack. Where Paul is a world class performer (singing and showmanship). Let's not forget the entire time he has performed with a guitar around his neck, unlike Corey, which makes anyone with a clue respect him even more.

Kiss will never top Billboard charts. It's that simple. Because from day 1 they have never been taken serious. But, let me tell you this, if it wasn't for Kiss Slipknot would not be able to exist today. Or if they did exist, they'd be outcasted as Kiss has been for close to 40 years. Kiss paved the way for bands like Slipknot to be "accepted". But, to make a point that a band is good because of billboard chart success is silly. By that logic we could say Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Rhianna blow both Kiss and Slipknot out of the water.

To me, Slipknot is rubbish. Again, that's an opinion and it subjective. To me their music doesn't make sense and is akin to someone getting killed with a chainsaw. Their songs are all the same. Mindless stock metal riffs. Drop down to D and very simplistic pattern. I call that average.

As for Joey being able to drum faster than Peter, wow he must be good then. I decided to check out a drum solo of Joey's on youtube sometime ago after seeing him on some 'greatest drummers ever list'. Now that was average. I said to myself "is that it?". Most comments seemed to agree with me. I just don't get the whole "playing faster is best" attitude with some people. To be fair I actually think Peter is a horrible drummer. Most serious Kiss fans agree that Eric Carr and Eric Singer are much better. Personally I think Singer is the best. At any rate, the whole playing fast is cool attitude is stupid. It's mainly a common trait with mindless metal fans though.

Anyway, I'll leave it there. But really? Slipknot better than Kiss, you have to be kidding me :/

Alright guys, time to reel it in or head to Bad Obsession..

not kidding you, they are more "technically proficient" than Kiss...period.  If you read anything I wrote you would see I never said Slipknot is a better band than Kiss, I believe I said I prefer Kiss to Slipknot, the album sale argument was in response to someone saying "no one cares about Slipknot" which is obviously not the case.  Watch Joey Jordison step in for Lars from Metallica with 3 hours notice, its on youtube, then tell me he is not a great drummer, and speed had nothing to do with it.  At the end of the day great song writing always trumps proficient playing.  If speed were all I was interested in I would listen to Yngwie Malmsteen 24/7. I would also not be a fan of Slash. Perfect example is Nirvana completely embarrass Kiss  in every way imaginable, songwriting, performance you name it,  and Kiss are way better players than Kurt  ever was.   I never said Kiss wasnt influential, but was it more for their musicianship or their theatrics?   I think you know the answer to that.  Ace didn't exactly reinvent the wheel when it comes to guitar playing, or add anything for that matter.  He was an  average guitar player with a great gimmick., he by no means sucked. 

also saying every Slipknot song is the same is like saying every Kiss song is cock rock, both are not true.  Every Slipknot album is the different, and while we are on the Corey Taylor subject he fronts another highly successful band called Stone Sour that sounds nothing like Slipknot at all.  Which is why he is perfect for VR, he is a very diverse singer.

That is all I have to say on the subject of me arguing over 2 band I actually like...back to the task at hand which would be Slash taking his sweet ass time deciding on a singer....

If you want "technical proficiency" go listen to an 18 piece orchestra, this is rock n roll. Anything goes.

But KISS aren't? :P

The mask thing is really irrelevant if you're talking about their music. They don't wear the masks in the studio....  If they do bother you, listen to the song Iowa, Corey recorded that one naked apparently.


PS. Comparing KISS and Slipknot is a very bizarre argument to have. Why don't we compare Queen and Slayer next? :-X

Did you just read the first few words I wrote and decide to respond?  That's what you got out of my last post?  I'm done with you.

Ok, I think there's a matter of concept here, and nobody will change Bodhi's mind, really. Let's just say that on the day Gibson makes a signature guitar for the Slipknot guitarist then we can at least discuss this sacrilege. :rofl:

This case is closed to me, thank you.

Gibson might not have made custom guitars for them (which wouldn't make sense, as the band rarely if ever use Gibson's), but there does exist Jim Root Signature Telecasters and Stratocasters. There are also custom guitars for Mick Thomson made by BC Rich, Ibanez, and Ovation. Those are all pretty high profile brands. Not that the quality of a guitar player is in any way guaged by them receiving a signature model guitar.

It's a stupid argument anyway... which is why I never got involved until now even though I can not stand KISS or anything that they stand for.

WHOA, u  are saying Kiss look stupid in their makeup? Son those are fighting words right thre.

Kiss play characters in their makeup but are very true to their characters. Gene is the Demon and if u see him onstage, he IS THE DEMON. Paul is the Starchild or the rockstar and no one does it better, Ace is the spaceman and that is HIM, etc etc.

U see Slipknot these scary stupid masks, Corey opens his mouth and sounds like a gayer Fred Durst. just completely doesn't fit the image. that whole deep throttle singing is so retarded.

BCRich,Ovation and Ibanez compared To Gibson is like comparing a Cadillac to a Bentley. Nice guitars just as Cadillacs are really nice cars,but the Bentley is the elite.

Whoooaaa, I love KISS too, I'm just saying, they don't exactly look..... normal.

Slipknot aren't trying to be 'scary' I don't think, it's more to do with standing out more. And I know the chances of convincing you of the positive qualities of Slipknot are slim to none, but Slipknot are just a totally different band to KISS, so all this comparing is pointless IMO. KISS are a great band for feel-good songs, just sing-along anthems etc. Slipknot are great to listen to if you want something aggressive, something to release the tension. The aural equivalent of pounding a punchbag if you like. That's how I see it anyway. Plus, Slipknot do have some good mellow stuff too.

You must think I'm crazy, I listen to Slipknot and Radiohead, but not Bon Jovi. :P :hihi:

Someone said Slipknot have been around 13 years or so? 13 years into Kiss' career Ace was one of the most influential/well known guitarists. Who the hell is Jim Root and Mick Thomson. I've never heard their names before this thread. Never read of them once on any website or anything. Slipknot are a bunch of nobodies... (with a fast drummer of course!).

hahaha im there with u ace.

saying cause somebody plays guitar fast or drums fast makes the greatest would be like saying cause someone runs fast they are the greatest football player or just cause someone jumps the highest they are the greatest basketball player. NO there are all sorts of intangible qualities.

Millions of Slipknot fans have though. 0_o

And that's fine, but both of them together haven't had .1% impact on the music industry than Ace himself. But of course this band is taken so serious unlike Kiss.

Maybe when they put their logo on everything from shampoo to condoms to Visa cards, they won't be taken as seriously. You can't expect a band that has gone out of their way to sell out in every way possible to be taken more seriously than a band that actually puts their music first - even if they did also cultivate an image to be memorable.

I won't talk about their music, as I think it's awful, but that's all subjective. What isn't subjective is the fact that one is a band, and the other is a franchise.

Also, the only reason I've heard of Ace Frehley is because I take an interest in music, even if it's music that I don't like. I'd be willing to wager that you don't bother to read about bands you don't like, which is why you'd never heard of Slipknot's guitarists.

They are able to do that marketing stuff because they are icons. Their band is iconic. I can walk into a $2 shop and find Elvis Presley's face on every conceivable item in this world. Why? Because he is an icon, like Kiss. Does that make him laughable or any less credible? Jim Root, Mick Thomson and even Corey Taylor will never have that iconic status. And, I'm sure if they did and marketed like Kiss the argument "oh look they are sellouts because they market themselves" would change to "Look how huge Slipknot are, they are everywhere!!".

I understand the whole "sell out" sentiment is popular, but what is selling out? Basically signing to a major label and living in very nice houses could be seen as selling out. As for the argument Kiss is a franchise, well every band is isnt it?. Last time I checked it was called the music business. Do Slipknot sell shirts at their shows? wow must be sellouts. Kiss is marketing their band, which every musician in the world tries to do. No one at Kiss' level tries to limit their earning potential whether it be with marketing or anything else. You think a band like AC/DC go out and say "gee I hope we only earn 200 million this tour so we still have our credibility". AC/DC is a brand now. You can walk into K-Mart and find their shirts. They are icons. This is the level AC/DC and Kiss are at. Slipknot could only dream to have the earning potential as both those band do. So the whole sell out term is redundant. The phrase was basically started by people driving 100k cars themselves, and trying to be seen as 'alternative'.

Agree with Ace again. every band has sold out in one way or the other.

This is entertainment, this isn't avant garde or coffee shop artistic mumbo jumbo.

these guys are Corporations/brands.

Slipknot are no different. I guarantee if u search the net hard enough, u could find some pretty interesting Slipknot merch.

Kiss also are originals. Slipknot kind of ripped Kiss,Insane Clown Posse,Marilyn Manson, Gwar etc imo.


Plus as previously stated, their music is fucking absolute garbage. its fast, but its not quite Corrosion of Conformity or Deicide or what have u.


They areto metal what Good Charlotte is to punk.

Dude what fucking planet are you on with Ace Frehley over here?  You are acting like he was  Eddie Van Halen or Jimi Hendrix!!  The dude was an ok player, but if you think that Kiss's success wasn't mostly due to their image and merchandising I dont know what to tell you .  I love how you are ripping on Slipknot for their image but defending a band that dresses up like clowns.  Unreal.  I am a Kiss fan, probably a bigger one than you actually, which is the ironic thing here.  But I know their role, I wont be confusing their MUSICAL influence with that of Led Zeppelin or the Stones anytime soon.

I did get a kick out of you rationalizing Kiss whoring themselves out by comparing what they do to how other bands sell merchandise.  Get real.

exactly, One of my favorite guitar players is Slash.  If I felt that way I would not be a fan of Slash, I would be a fan of Malmsteen, Petrucci etc...so D I understand there are intangibles.  I think Kurt Cobain blows Ace Frehley out of the water, and I don't think it is even debatable who the better guitar player is of the two.

In your opinion. ;)

You yourself have - quite rightly - used the 'music is subjective' argument before in relation to other bands, so using the 'quality' of any band's music in an argument is pointless. I like Slipknot's music. That's my counter-argument to that one. ;D

As I Guitar Player I've been reading this thread pretty often and laughing. I don't understand how someone can say that KISS has influenced SO MANY bands, and then turn around and say one of those bands is just RIPPING them off haha.  :beer:

wtf is all this talk about Corey joining VR?
i don't see how he can seriously even consider this horrendous idea :S
from my point of view it will be a serious downgrade for Corey, and Corey deserves a helluva lot better than joining ranks with these has beens....
slash can just continue his solo stuff for all i care, and duff can keep up loaded(wich actualyl seems to do good). but for the love of god leave Corey out of this.....he is so much better than friggin VR

While I don't agree with everything you said, I kind of get your point.  Corey brings a lot more to VR right now than they bring to him.  I think the idea of playing with his friends who he has looked up to his whole life is quite appealing to him.  But the dude sells out arenas with Slipknot and Stone sour, so he is not hurting for work.  He is certainly much more relevant in today's hard rock scene.  That doesnt mean he is better, but he is more relevant.

yeah but that argument only works when it helps my point. :hihi: :hihi: :P

So now Corey  Taylor is more relevant than Slash?

Nice to see this thread has degenerated into a KISS vs. Slipknot debate. I haven't followed the whole thread, what am I missing? Has grandpa Simmons auditioned for VR as well?

I don't really care for Slipknot either, but it certainly will be interesting to see what Corey Taylor (if that's whom they finally select) as an individual can contribute to VR.

IMO, I have never had much respect for bands that have to resort to pyrotechnics or make up or masks or anything else to sell their music.

Corey is timely (current) where Slash is timeless (classic) which may indeed equate to relevent on today's musical landscape.  Who knows..

Hell, the same model worked with Weiland and the fellas and VR Mach 1 - they caught lighning in a bottle with that combination.

Not so sure that scenario could play out again with Taylor or anyone else for that matter..

exactly.  He is younger, and sells more records, thus he is more relevant.  Doesn't mean he is BETTER than Slash,  but more relevant in todays hard rock world.  Every Slipknot record goes platinum, Slash's records don't.  Slipknot is a headlining act at festivals around the world, Slash is on in the middle of the day.  Corey singing for VR would bring a whole bunch of new fans to the band, I don't really see Corey's career benefiting from joining the band, he already has 2 highly successful bands.

I know I'll get shit for saying this, but I wonder how much of a problem that is? Or will be? Does Slash really want to be #2 in the band?