Duff McKagan: Velvet Revolver is Not Done

In a recent interview with Artisan News Service, bassist Duff McKagan announced that Velvet Revolver is renewing their search for a new vocalist. The band, which also features ex-Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, had to let singer Scott Weiland go in 2008 after “erratic onstage behavior and personal problems,” claiming he was not 100% committed to the group. The hunt for a new frontman has proven difficult, according to the bassist.

“It’s gotta be better than it was; it’s gotta be as good, at least,” he said. “And for us, it’s gotta be better. And Scott is an amazing vocalist and frontman, so it’s gotta be as good or better than that. We can’t [step down a notch]. It’s one of those things, if you concern yourself with it [too much, it starts to work against you] because there’s a not a lot to pool from out there — for our particular band. There’s some great talent — we’ve heard some really, really good guys — but to get all of us to agree on what that… I don’t know if the guy that all four of us want is ever gonna exist, but we’ve gotta get close.”

“Velvet Revolver is not done, we’re not finished, and I don’t think we’ve made our best record yet,” Duff stated. “We’ll tour again, we’ll find the guy.”

Duff recently came off a 5-month stint with Jane’s Addiction to work on his own band, Duff McKagan’s Loaded. The group is finishing an album, which will be the focus of new movie by Seattle filmmaker Jamie Burton.