Matt Sorum Says There has Been No Discussion About VR Reuniting With Scott

[FunkyMonkey]

MATT SORUM Says There Has Been No Discussion About VELVET REVOLVER Reuniting With SCOTT WEILAND - Jan. 29, 2012

VELVET REVOLVER reunited with singer Scott Weiland for a one-off performance at the January 12 "Love You Madly: A Concert For John O'Brien" at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California. The band played a four-song set ? including a cover version of the PINK FLOYD classic "Wish You Were Here" ? at the event, which paid tribute to award-winning ASCAP composer John O'Brien, who was found dead in his Chicago hotel room last August.

Speaking to Frankie DiVita, radio personality for 96.7 KCAL Rocks, at the 2012 NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show (see video below), VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum stated about the experience of playing with Weiland again, "It was cool, man. We hadn't played together in a long time. We soundchecked a few songs. We only played, like, three songs. But it was cool to be on stage and play music again. It was like riding a bike. Everyone had a good time and we raised some money for a really sad situation. John O'Brien passed away and left a pregnant wife and another child. And a lot of people turned out for the show? Amazing turnout."

He added, "We had a good time. Me and Scott worked out some stuff backstage and had talked, and that was nice. He came up to me and he was real humble and really cool. 'Cause stuff happens when you're out on the road and people are tired and you say shit. Everything is on the Internet now; you can't get away with anything.

"Being in the music business for as long as I have been, I'm still learning lessons. We were out on the road for 18 months. And we got tired and things happened. There's a lot of pressure. You think you'd always wanna do it differently, but stuff goes the way it's gonna go; I can't explain it.

"We made some good records [with Scott]. The second record [2007's 'Libertad'] didn't get as much action as the first one [2004's 'Contraband'], but I think it's a cool record, too. I liked a lot of that record, and working with [producer] Brendan O'Brien. The first record, obviously, was a huge success for us."

When asked about whether there is any change of VELVET REVOLVER working with Weiland again, Sorum said, "I don't know? We'll see what happens. [VELVET REVOLVER guitarist] Slash is booked up for about another year [touring in support of his upcoming solo album], so I don't know what's gonna go on with anything, to be honest. We haven't discussed it. . . I don't know? I can't say. It hasn't really been discussed, so I don't wanna speak out of turn."

On the topic of why it's been so hard for VELVET REVOLVER to find a replacement for Weiland, Sorum said, "We were trying [to find a new singer last year], but it didn't work out that way. . . We had Corey Taylor [from SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR coming in and writing songs with us]; it's kind of well known. We did some songs, and it just didn't turn everybody on completely. So we, basically, put the brakes on that. I think I was a little bit excited to get going, but maybe that was more excitement than? I thought it was cool, but Slash wasn't into it. And if we're not all firing on the same cylinders, we don't usually? We respect that, you know."

Video: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=168939

[FunkyMonkey]

Me and Scott worked out some stuff backstage and had talked, and that was nice. He came up to me and he was real humble and really cool. 'Cause stuff happens when you're out on the road and people are tired and you say shit. Everything is on the Internet now; you can't get away with anything.

Well that's one big obstacle out of the way that was probably preventing them from doing anything with Scott in the future -- and him with them.

[D]

They should slip him a few of the songs and see what he comes up with, then decide.

[Trist805]

I guess they are gonna just keep trying to make it work with the "imaginary singer" instead   

[AxlReznor]

"Everything is on the Internet now; you can't get away with anything."

And who was it who put it all on the internet, Matt? The two of you could have just yelled at each other backstage and let that be the end of it (no one would have known what went down except for the band and their employees), but instead you decided to take your bullshit out into the public arena.

[FunkyMonkey]

And who was it who put it all on the internet, Matt? The two of you could have just yelled at each other backstage and let that be the end of it (no one would have known what went down except for the band and their employees), but instead you decided to take your bullshit out into the public arena.

In Matt's defense -- he posted a blog to his fans on his, at the time (2008), brand new website...probably only a handful of people read.  But somehow it made it's way to Blabbermouth.net.

Scott Weiland saw it, and issued his "response", which is must stronger than Matt's initial remarks.

From Matt Sorum's blog:

03.21.08

Hey all you great Fans,

So lastnight was interesting. Had a little band termoil on stage as you probably all could tell. Being in a band is a lot like being in a relationship. Sometimes you just don?t get along. I guess there has been more termoil lately I guess with the cancellations and all. It has been frustrating I am not going to lie. My career and life in Rock n Roll has come with its ups and downs. Unfortunatly some people in this business Don?t relize how great of a life they have. Touring the world, meeting great people and fans all over the world. And just playing music for a living. I feel truly blessed. But sometimes the road can be draining for some, being away from home and family Does grind on you sometimes. With all the travelling And different beds. Personally I Love this Shit and sometimes can?t believe I am so lucky to still be doing what I do for a living. Everybody could see who was unhappy lastnight but all I can say is Let?s keep the Rock alive people!!!! In this life u just pick up and keep moving. And don?t ever let anybody stand in your way. The TRUTH Rock On!!!!!! Matt Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Scott Weiland's response:

SCOTT WEILAND Fires Back At MATT SORUM: 'Ego And Jealousy Can Get The Better Of Anyone' - Mar. 21, 2008

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Responding to our drummer's [Matt Sorum] rant about why the band is in a state of flux:

"Well, first of all, the state of my family affairs is really none of his business, since he is too immature to have a real relationship, let alone children. So don't attempt to stand in a man's shoes when you haven't walked his path. Secondly, 'keeping rock 'n' roll alive?' I've made many attempts to remain cordial with the members of VR, but mainly, the likes of you. Funny though ? this is your FIRST band, as opposed to being a hired gun. I've been making records (now on my ninth), which have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have maintained a level of professionalism regardless of how many drugs I've ingested into my system. I have only cancelled one tour during the entire course of my 16-year run and that was the 'make-up' Australia tour. Now, shall I open that can of worms, Matthew? Release the Kraken? Serve... Volley! You cancelled the Aussie tour in the fall because you went to rehab, but I won't say why? we'll just let Blabbermouth find out for themselves.

"As for our fans ? I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you. And will continue to do so until the end of this tour. However, you deserve to hear VELVET REVOLVER playing? not certain individuals singing along to get a muddied up sound. God forbid ? could one imagine if I grabbed a guitar and started soloing along with Slash? That would never happen because I know my place. It's a shame? we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone. I wish the best and plan to annihilate the stage in the last few shows.

"On a separate note, we did an STP [STONE TEMPLE PILOTS] photo shoot before this tour and it was fun, inspiring and it gave me that thrill ? that feeling that got my rocks off from the get-go."

[Fingers]

"Everything is on the Internet now; you can't get away with anything."

And who was it who put it all on the internet, Matt? The two of you could have just yelled at each other backstage and let that be the end of it (no one would have known what went down except for the band and their employees), but instead you decided to take your bullshit out into the public arena.

Why would you not want to air it out in public? If they would have put out a statement saying they are breaking up due to "creative differences", people would have blasted them for that probably-I paid a lot of money to see them over the years, and would rather hear what they felt honestly at the time.

[AxlReznor]

"Everything is on the Internet now; you can't get away with anything."

And who was it who put it all on the internet, Matt? The two of you could have just yelled at each other backstage and let that be the end of it (no one would have known what went down except for the band and their employees), but instead you decided to take your bullshit out into the public arena.

Why would you not want to air it out in public? If they would have put out a statement saying they are breaking up due to "creative differences", people would have blasted them for that probably-I paid a lot of money to see them over the years, and would rather hear what they felt honestly at the time.

As far as I'm concerned, it's none of ours or anybody else's business what they felt at the time. It was an internal problem within the band, and therefore only the band need (or should) know about it.
It would be like having an argument with my wife and then bitching about her to everybody within earshot when I'm out of the house. Us giving them "a lot of money" over the years does not entitle us to know everything about their personal lives.

[m_rated96]

"Everything is on the Internet now; you can't get away with anything."

And who was it who put it all on the internet, Matt? The two of you could have just yelled at each other backstage and let that be the end of it (no one would have known what went down except for the band and their employees), but instead you decided to take your bullshit out into the public arena.

Why would you not want to air it out in public? If they would have put out a statement saying they are breaking up due to "creative differences", people would have blasted them for that probably-I paid a lot of money to see them over the years, and would rather hear what they felt honestly at the time.

As far as I'm concerned, it's none of ours or anybody else's business what they felt at the time. It was an internal problem within the band, and therefore only the band need (or should) know about it.
It would be like having an argument with my wife and then bitching about her to everybody within earshot when I'm out of the house. Us giving them "a lot of money" over the years does not entitle us to know everything about their personal lives.

Right, then why are you on these forums? and why are you a die-hard fan? if all we should care about is the music and not the people behind it, then listen to the CD's and sign off.

I dont buy that argument Mind Your Own Business. If I didn't show interest in the behind the scenes machinations of bands, I wouldn't understand any of Pearl Jam's music, most of the Snakepit album, the lyrics to Crucify the Dead, and plenty of GnR songs, past and present.

Maybe we don't have a RIGHT to know (whatever that might mean, according to your definition) but the artists certainly took that upon themselves when they decided to form a band and publicize it and play in front of hundreds of people. That's the way rock bands are in our society, and have been for half a century .

And don't think VR buy your argument. You can ask Duff next time you talk to him, but he published a fuckin' book on his 'behind the scenes', so did Slash - and Matt and Scott give a million interviews about it.

Music, or at least good music, is meant to be self expression. If you ignore the behind the scenes, then you have a shallow understanding.

[Trist805]

And who was it who put it all on the internet, Matt? The two of you could have just yelled at each other backstage and let that be the end of it (no one would have known what went down except for the band and their employees), but instead you decided to take your bullshit out into the public arena.

In Matt's defense -- he posted a blog to his fans on his, at the time (2008), brand new website...probably only a handful of people read.  But somehow it made it's way to Blabbermouth.net.

Scott Weiland saw it, and issued his "response", which is must stronger than Matt's initial remarks.

From Matt Sorum's blog:

03.21.08

Hey all you great Fans,

So lastnight was interesting. Had a little band termoil on stage as you probably all could tell. Being in a band is a lot like being in a relationship. Sometimes you just don?t get along. I guess there has been more termoil lately I guess with the cancellations and all. It has been frustrating I am not going to lie. My career and life in Rock n Roll has come with its ups and downs. Unfortunatly some people in this business Don?t relize how great of a life they have. Touring the world, meeting great people and fans all over the world. And just playing music for a living.

All of this was a total dig at Scott.   I even remember before the comments, Matt had been commenting of Scott's rehab situation when it really wasn't his place to talk about it.  Like "oh don't worry guys, Scott is doing better now..."  I agree with AR, he shouldn't have blogged about it.   OH well, it's all old news now...and Matt is still alright.

[D]

agreed 100 percent with scott then and i still do. he said it all very well.

[Bridge]

If you ignore the behind the scenes, then you have a shallow understanding.

I 100% disagree with this.  I've been listening to Rock n Roll for decades and I've never needed to subscribe to the gossip rags to enjoy and experience a deeper appreciation for the music.  If you think they add to the music, you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.  The behind the scenes bullshit is nothing but fucking drama, very much akin to a bunch of 16 year old girls bitching behind each other's backs, and it does nothing but DETRACT from the music, not add to it.

Their families and personal lives are NONE of anyone's business.

If you buy a CD -- you're entitled to a CD.
If you buy a concert ticket, you're entitled to a show.

But just because you spent money on those things does NOT make you entitled to know every single detail about internal problems within any band, and you're a delusional, overly possessive "fan" if you think you do.  Quite frankly, it's a shame that any musician can't keep their mouths shut and not air out all the dirty laundry in public, and it's a shame that fans clamour for it and feel entitled to it.

[m_rated96]

okay so you'd like to ignore, then, that music has lyrics, and lyrics are self expression, and context allows for a greater understanding of self expression and therefore a greater understanding of that music.

you, sir, have a shallow understanding of the music you listen to. i bet you're on of those people that wears rock and roll shirts and bangs their head and sings along without really knowing what you're saying.

fall to pieces is about addiction. if you didn't learn about all the drama backstage then you don't know what he's talking about. Yeah, you can like to cool guitar and then melodic vocals, but you don't understand the song as well as somebody who reads that shit.

if an artist chooses to express themselves through their lyrics, then they invite interest in their private lives. so yes, i do have a right

[AxlReznor]

Singing about it is one thing. Blogging about it is completely different. This is why there are people who refuse to talk about things that they've sung about because it's too personal, and writing the song was just a way to get it off their chest.

And anyone who thinks they have a right to know about every bit of internal politics and what goes on in their private lives is a fucking asshole.

[FunkyMonkey]

I agree with AR, he shouldn't have blogged about it.
  

Maybe not, but remember, it was in response to what Scott Weiland said the night before - "You're watching something special...the last tour by Velvet Revolver" - from THE STAGE.

[Fingers]

Singing about it is one thing. Blogging about it is completely different. This is why there are people who refuse to talk about things that they've sung about because it's too personal, and writing the song was just a way to get it off their chest.

And anyone who thinks they have a right to know about every bit of internal politics and what goes on in their private lives is a fucking asshole.

Wow-you must have skip every Axl interview the last few years where he talked about why GNR broke up, skipped Slash's book, ect., because were all assholes who have no right to know why the bands broke up-nice-Most current members of GNR and Velvet Revolver have vented how they feel onstage in rants, interviews, message boards-we were notified Slash was out of GNR in a fax sent by Axl to MTV-maybe because he felt the public should know some details-if it's too painful to hear, go watch American Idol.

[Falcon]

Rehashing a 4 year old story that's seemingly now put under the bridge by those involved fellas?

I realize VR news has been slow less the one off show but sheesh...

[FunkyMonkey]

But it was just resolved.  So it makes perfect sense to "revisit" it.

[Bridge]

fall to pieces is about addiction. if you didn't learn about all the drama backstage then you don't know what he's talking about.

So in order to appreciate "Fall to Pieces", I must read every VR or Weiland interview?  I must know about every single drug Weiland injected into his body?  Every single needle that pricked his veins?  I must know the whens, wheres, whys, and hows of every single line of coke he snorted?  Do I need to speak in depth with all his drug dealers?  So I must listen to band members arguing about the recording of the song in order to appreciate the "turmoil"?

Axl wrote the lyrics to "Sweet Child o Mine" about Erin Everly.  So I suppose you think that I must be required to fantasize about Erin when I listen to that song.  I can't possibly appreciate the song unless I recall a relationship Axl was in 25 years ago.  I can't relate that song to my own wife, I can't sing the song to my daughter or my niece, as that would involve "incorrectly" referring to them as the "Sweet Child" in question.

No, I absolutely, positively, MUST think of NOTHING else but Axl Rose's ex-wife from two decades ago when I listen to "Sweet Child o Mine"!  Because thinking of anything else would be just.... just.....shallow!!!

  

you, sir, have a shallow understanding of the music you listen to.

Someone truly passionate about music doesn't need a seminar, interview, or gossip rag to tell him what the lyrics mean.  A true fan can listen and decide for himself without someone dictating to him.  That's why many artists (Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, John Lennon) by and large refused (and wisely so) to ever explain what their songs were about, so that the audience could interpret them for themselves.

I guess you believe that "Stairway to Heaven" isn't about anything at all, since Robert Plant once said it was nothing more than a "Bunch of words that fit over a complex piece of music".  Of course, those of use who do real research on the songs we love (not just read all that horseshit in the gossip rags like you do) would know that Led Zeppelin is notorious for downplaying the meaning of their songs.

Coming from you, the "shallow" statement is hypocritical.  If anyone is shallow, it is a person who has to live vicariously through total strangers who happen to write songs, and who feels entitled to every detail of their private lives just because he bought a fucking CD.

i bet you're on of those people who

As James Hetfield once said, "Label me, I'll label you..."

I bet you're one of those people who, first and foremost, is no older than 16.  Secondly, I bet the supermarket checkout lines can always count on you to buy out all the celebrity dirt sheets.  I bet you're the first to read the shit all on celebrity divorces, UFO sightings, family feuds, and everything else that you think the world "owes" you.

if an artist chooses to express themselves through their lyrics, then they invite interest in their private lives. so yes, i do have a right

Ah yes, the stereotypical "entitled" fan.  If the artist wants to say "Fuck you, that's none of your business", then he will.  And you'll take it.

Singing about it is one thing. Blogging about it is completely different. This is why there are people who refuse to talk about things that they've sung about because it's too personal, and writing the song was just a way to get it off their chest.

And anyone who thinks they have a right to know about every bit of internal politics and what goes on in their private lives is a fucking asshole.

Well said.