VR:One Year Later

[Malcolm]

Launch Radio Networks reports: It was one year ago today that VELVET REVOLVER released its debut album, "Contraband". No one knew if the pairing of former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland with several ex-members of GUNS N' ROSES would be successful, but months of touring, nearly two million copies sold, and a Grammy win have established VELVET REVOLVER as a major rock act. But even drummer Matt Sorum told Launch that he wasn't sure what to expect when "Contraband" hit the streets. "I didn't really know where it was gonna go, or where it was headed," he said. "It's been probably more successful than I expected, I mean with the Grammy nominations and the, you know, the platinum album fairly quickly into the sale of the record, you know. It only took about three months to go platinum, you know. So, yeah, I mean, it's better than I expected."

VELVET REVOLVER won a Grammy award in February for Best Hard Rock Performance, for the track, "Slither", from "Contraband".

The group has contributed a brand new song called "Come On, Come In" to the soundtrack to the upcoming movie "The Fantastic Four", which arrives in stores on July 5. A 35-second sample of the track can be found at FantasticFourSoundtrack.com.

VELVET REVOLVER is currently on a European tour that will include a performance at the London Live 8 concert on July 2. The band will return home for some headlining shows in mid-August and appear on the final eight dates of this summer's Ozzfest, beginning on August 23.

[mrlee]

cool, cheers for the read dude.

also i love those signature lyrics malcolm.

[nesquick]

I think they did good but back to last year I was expecting more from them. I was like "wahh, their album will sell 10 million copies". A year later, it barely sold 3 million copies worldwide because "Contraband" isn't as good as what most of people expected (for me, the production was poor, it wasn't ambitious). But in fact, personately, I think I was expecting way too much from them. I underrated Axl's influence on Slash, Duff and the ex-gunners to create a GREAT album.

[Rob]

One year later I'd say they're a very good live band with one dissapointing album.  My prediction for the next year is they'll still be a really good live band with 2 dissapointing albums.

[tomass74]

One year later I like Contraband better than I did then.  I think VR a great and I needed another active band that I could follow.  I am a concert junkie and I got to see them 4 times this year and every show got better and better. I almost wish they didn't play that much cause I can't not go and the money adds up after awhile...I think VR had alot to prove coming from the bands that they did.. They also had to deal with alot more criticism as you see alot on this board. After hearing "Come On Come In" I am really excited about the next album.. I would have to say that they are pretty successful.   They may not have sold 5 billion records but they have sold almost 2 million in the US which is alot for a rock band these days especially with IPODS, IMESH, WINMX and all that shit... Not too mention that they have been able to tour for over a year now non-stop... I am excited to see what next year brings for VR..