Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland announced from the stage this past Thursday (March 20) that the rock supergroup are splitting-up.
According to eyewitness accounts, Weiland informed fans that they were "watching something special... the last tour by Velvet Revolver" live on stage in Glasgow.
However this revelation seemed to be news to the rest of his bandmates:
"Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner all looked at each other. They sang Fall To Pieces, and then Scott goes over to the side of the stage and argues with the sound guy," an eyewitness told MTV news. "After a couple of songs, he threw his microphone down and walked off. After a long wait, Duff came out with the band and sang the start of It's So Easy. Scott shows up about half way through, sang really half-assed, then was gone again."
While representatives for VR have declined to comment on the incident, drummer Matt Sorum wrote in his online blog over the weekend:
"We had a little band turmoil 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 turmoil lately, with the cancellations and all. It has been frustrating; I am not going to lie. My career and life in rock and roll has come with its ups and downs. Unfortunately, some people in this business don't realize 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," Sorum continued. "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, but all I can say is let's keep the rock alive, people. In this life, you just pick up and keep moving. And don't ever let anybody stand in your way."
Weiland issued a counter statement to Blabbermout.net saying:
"The state of my family affairs is really none of Sorum's 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. 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.
"I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you," Weiland continued, "I 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. 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."
In related news, Weiland announced earlier this month that his old band, Stone Temple Pilots will be reforming for a string of summer US tour dates.
Just goes to show how badly they're struggl...
