Here's a review and a link to a few more pics...
pics
http://lang.sbsun.com/socal/gallery2/index.aspreview
http://sbsun.com/entertainment/ci_4111844Velvet Revolver hits the target in Highland
By George A. Paul, Staff Writer
Blazing solos and a swagger that demands your attention.
Both were in ample supply Thursday night as Velvet Revolver made a rare Inland area appearance at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino.
Photo Gallery: Velvet Revolver. 07/29
The hard rock supergroup - former Stone Temple Pilots vocalist Scott Weiland; lead guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum (all ex-Guns 'N Roses), plus guitarist Dave Kushner (of Electric Love Hogs) - had the casino's upstairs Yuhaviatam Room shaking throughout its electrifying 90-minute set.
Unfortunately, the venue was barely half full. It wasn't long before Weiland noticed the gaps and invited everyone to come down front (much to the dismay of San Manuel staff).
"We got a little party happening here,'' he said, "and it's nice to have the human touch. I felt like I was going to pass out steak and lobster tail or something.''
Velvet Revolver opened with a forceful "Do it For the Kids,'' from its immensely successful 2004 debut, "Contraband.'' The quintet is currently working on the follow-up, but didn't unveil any new tunes.
Instead, the 16-song concert consisted of the tried and true and some well-chosen covers. The vitriolic lyrics on "Contraband,'' inspired by Weiland's divorce and well-documented battles with drug addiction, came across even more harrowing live. At various points, he used a megaphone, ran across the stage, let out squeals and sang in a low, Bowie-esque croon.
Slash, sporting a trademark black top hat with cigarette dangling from the lips (unlike the Gunners' days, you can actually see his eyes now), is still the epitome of cool. He ripped off one wicked guitar solo after another and made them look effortless.
Slash's bandmates also were in top form: McKagan ably handled backing vocals along with a thunderous Sorum on the skins; Kushner added flourishes whenever needed.
Standouts included the slinky drug tale "Superhuman,'' "Headspace,'' hit power ballad "Fall to Pieces'' (Weiland has a soulful rasp and should use it more often), the ominous "Sucker Train Blues'' and a beefier take on STP's "Sex Type Thing,'' which went off on a moody tangent, then Weiland did a lyrical snatch of The Temptations' "Ball of Confusion.''
During the encores, Velvet Revolver downshifted on a gorgeous cover of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here.'' Slash played flamenco-styled notes on the double-neck while Weiland was at his emotional best.
Later, the band nailed The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues,'' Guns' "Mr. Brownstone'' and capped it all off with its own hit rabid rocker, "Slither.''
CONCERT REVIEW
VELVET REVOLVER
Where: San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino
When: Thursday night
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