In an exclusive interview with Chile's Rock & Pop, VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash revealed that the cover art for "Libertad" will feature the controversial Chilean 10-pesos coin which depicts an angel breaking its chains. The coin was used by the Pinochet regime as an allegory for the September 23, 1973 coup d'?tat that overthrew the Salvador Allende government. Check out the artwork at this location.
In other news, Texas Music in Buenos Aires, Argentina will host a signing session with VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum on Monday, April 16 between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
VELVET REVOLVER has pushed back the release of its second album, "Libertad", to late June, sources have told Launch. An exact arrival date for the disc has yet to be determined. Although it was never officially confirmed, June 5 was widely reported as the record's initial release date. In other news, the band has also been confirmed to appear at the U.S. Virgin Festival, scheduled for August 4-5 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The event will also feature the SMASHING PUMPKINS, THE BEASTIE BOYS and THE POLICE.
VELVET REVOLVER began a six-date South American tour on Tuesday (April 10) in Santiago, Chile.
The group is also slated to launch an 11-date U.S. trek on May 4 at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, with stops in major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York.
"Libertad" is the follow-up to VELVET REVOLVER's 2004 debut album, "Contraband".
VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland recently told Q magazine that the making of "Libertad" was influenced by the death of his brother Michael, who died of a drug overdose while the album was being recorded. Weiland, who has been clean since 2004 after struggling with drugs for many years, said, "Michael's death played a big part in the writing of this record. But the way I see it, he's finally free from pain. He's achieved final liberty."
Artwork:
http://media.velvetrevolver.com/vrlibertad.jpg