Velvet Revolver

[muthagoose]

According to the Hollywood Reporter, a proposed reality show set at a Manhattan rock 'n' roll club co-owned by two members of Grammy-winning rock group VELVET REVOLVER is drawing interest from several cable networks, sources said.

Original Media, the company behind the tattoo reality show "Miami Ink", is shopping around "Snitch", which takes place at a New York venue of the same name and follows the workers, from the bouncers to the bartenders. Each episode would also feature a musical guest who would appear and perform on the show.

VELVET REVOLVER, whose singer Scott Weiland and bassist Duff McKagan, are among the investors, have helped make Snitch a popular postconcert haunt for the hard-rock subculture. Other regulars include SUM 41 and CYPRESS HILL.

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland (ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS) performed three songs ("Barbarella", "Money Changes Everything" and "Time After Time") with Cyndi Lauper on Friday (November 11) during the taping of a new episode of VH1 Classic's "Decades Rock Live".

The show that focuses on Cyndi Lauper was taped at the Trump Taj Mahal Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Other artists that performed included Shaggy, Pat Monahan (TRAIN), Ani DiFranco.

[muthagoose]

According to the Starland Ballroom web site, VELVET REVOLVER will play a New Year's Eve show at the Sayreville, NJ venue this year. Tickets ($100 + fees) go on sale through Ticketmaster this Saturday, November 26 at noon. This is an all-ages-to-enter, 21-to-drink event. Ticket includes open bar from 8:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., champagne toast at midnight for those 21 and over, plus party favors, continental breakfast and more.

In related news, VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum appeared with his mother on Indie 103.1 FM last Saturday, November 19 (Matt's birthday). A webcast of this event could be seen through 6767.com.

[muthagoose]

The new episode of VH1 Classic's "Decades Rock Live", featuring an appearance by VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland (ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), is scheduled to air on January 1, 2006 at 12:00 a.m.

The performance was taped on November 11 at the Trump Taj Mahal Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Scott sang three songs ("Barbarella", "Money Changes Everything" and "Time After Time") with Cyndi Lauper during the show, although it is not yet known which of these songs will be included in the final broadcast. Other artists that performed included Shaggy, Pat Monahan (TRAIN), Ani DiFranco. Check out pictures from the taping at Wire Image.

VELVET REVOLVER finished touring in support of their 2004 debut album, "Contraband", this past summer with a handful of Ozzfest appearances.

The group are expected to begin recording their sophomore effort shortly for release in 2006. "Contraband" has sold 1.8 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER are planning on making their second record a concept album, singer Scott Weiland has revealed to MTV.com.

"It's something I've been wanting to do since the last STP album, since the 'Shangri-La Dee Da' album [in 2001], and it never was completely realized," Weiland (formerly of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS) said. "You never know until you really completely get there, but it's going in that direction right now."

Weiland refused to reveal any details about the concept but said he and his fellow VR members have been writing for months.

"This album really has to make a statement," bassist Duff McKagan added. "We've toured for 18 months. Now we have a brand name. Now we know each other as a band. The first album was just us together at home, a spontaneous product. Now it's time to make that record."

Along with the follow-up to 2004's "Contraband", Weiland is also working on the follow-up to his 1998 solo album, "12 Bar Blues", for which he has 25 songs written.

Weiland intended to release the solo album a few years ago but joined Slash, McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner in VELVET REVOLVER instead.

"I think I was looking really for a way out of doing drugs," Weiland recalled. "Then I kept on thinking the music [they were sending me] was getting better and better and finally I was just like, 'I think that there really might be a real contribution waiting to happen for rock and roll here. And I think if I join this I can really add something to this and make a real contribution.' "

[Üncle Snake]

Al Mancini of ABC Radio's ePrep is reporting that VELVET REVOLVER have set "Libertad" — the Spanish word for freedom — as the working title for their new CD.

Speaking to ABC Radio's ePrep entertainment reporter on the red carpet at the Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Monday (Dec. 19), VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland explained "the title that I'm sort of kicking around is … 'Libertad'," before adding "that can mean a lot of things."

Confirming recent statements by other members of his band, Weiland explained that he wants the band's second CD to be a concept record.

"The great rock and roll records were albums," he told ABC Radio's ePrep. "It wasn't about ten to twelve songs just thrown together so it can support three singles, which is sort of what records are about today."

The singer said that he's hoping to emulate "the great records of yesteryear" like THE ROLLING STONES' "Exile On Main Street" and PINK FLOYD's "Dark Side of the Moon".

"This band and the bands that we come from, we've had a lot of hits, and we can prove that we can write hits," Weiland explained. "So on this album, I've set the bar really high. I have an idea in mind."

[muthagoose]

Velvet Revolver Frontman Reveals Weight-Loss Secrets
Surprisingly it's not herion![/i]

TMZ.com caught up with Scott Weiland of VELVET REVOLVER and asked the singer how people can keep off the weight in the New Year. Weiland admits he doesn't do a lot besides chasing his kids around and keeping up with the band's heavy tour schedule and being active on stage. He does some martial arts, but mostly credits good genes. Watch the clip at this location.

VELVET REVOLVER are expected to begin recording their sophomore effort shortly for a late 2006 release. The band's debut CD, "Contraband", has sold 1.84 million copies in the United States since its June 2004 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

[muthagoose]

Scott Weiland to write his memoirs

MTV.com is reporting that former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and current VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland has just inked a publishing deal with Scribner to write his memoir, which will include stories about his rise to rock stardom, his battles with drugs, and his life now that he's sober.

As previously reported, VH1 Classic will tape an episode of "Decades Rock Live!" dedicated to Weiland on August 18, 2006. The show, which will take place at Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Trump Taj Mahal, will feature VELVET REVOLVER and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS together on the same stage for the first time.

The "Decades Rock Live!" series is a collection of tributes to artists who have shaped and influenced music over the past several decades, generally including artists the guest of honor picks as influences and more modern acts that have been influenced by the honoree.

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland is slated to co-star in a new film from Joe Carnaham, the celebrated director of "Narc", and to issue his own line of clothing through Von Dutch. In addition, Weiland's new solo album is tentatively scheduled to arrive this spring, according to a press release from Canongate Books, who have acquired U.K. rights to Weiland's forthcoming memoir, "Desperation No. 5".

Written in collaboration with David Ritz, the co-author of landmark, bestselling autobiographies of Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, among others, and the only four-time winner of the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award, "Desperation No. 5" is described in the press release as "Weiland's haunting, no-holds-barred memoir of the years when he scaled the pinnacle of stardom, only to plunge into the chasm of addiction, and then — unlike so many others, including his contemporary Kurt Cobain — manage to claw his way back up. Weiland is committed to exploring everything 'from my addiction to opiates to the psycho-pharmacological treatment of my bipolarity' and how he finally emerged as a sober, business-savvy artist at the peak of his creativity, as well as a loving, dedicated husband and father."

Canongate expects to publish the book in autumn 2007. Scribner are publishing in the United States.

[Üncle Snake]

Scott Weiland has found himself another band. Speaking to ABC News Radio at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party last week, Weiland's VELVET REVOLVER bandmate Matt Sorum said that the singer is being added to Sorum's all-star cover band CAMP FREDDY. He'll be joining a permanent lineup that already includes Sorum, Dave Navarro, Donovan Leitch, Billy Morrison and Chris Chaney. CAMP FREDDY are also known for the revolving cast of superstar guests that joins them on stage at their live shows.

Commented Sorum: [Weiland] loves it, man. He comes and plays with us, and we do BOWIE, and we, you know, he does some IGGY POP maybe, whatever he wants to do. And he has the best time because it's not stressful at all. There's no real, like, corporate thing behind it. And it's not like you have to come up with the goods — you just do it, you know."

Sorum says that the band are hoping to finally release their debut album next summer. Macy Gray, Steve Jones (SEX PISTOLS) and Jerry Cantrell (ALICE IN CHAINS) have already recorded guest spots, and Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH) has been asked to participate.

During the same interview, Sorum revealed that VELVET REVOLVER are planning to move in a different direction on their new album, which has the working title of "Libertad".

"Our first album was very aggressive and just in-your-face. and we made it very quickly," Sorum explained. "And this album we just really want to, like, you know, we want to pull it back a bit, groove a little harder, [make it] a little more danceable. We've talked about working with people like [pop superstar] Pharrell [Williams] just for the… just to check it out. I mean, it's not rock and roll, but it might be different. Who knows?! I don't know."

[muthagoose]

SCOTT WEILAND Says AXL ROSE Is A 'Fat, Botox-Faced, Wig-Wearin' F*ck'

VELVET REVOLVER/ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman Scott Weiland has slammed GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose for his comments in a recent press release where he claimed that in October of 2005, VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash visited Axl's house at 5:30 one morning and said he wanted to "end the war" with Rose. Rose alleged that Slash tore into his current bandmates in VELVET REVOLVER, calling singer Weiland a "fraud," saying that he "hates" drummer Matt Sorum and describing bassist Duff McKagan as "spineless."

The press release stated, "It would have been Axl's preference to resolve disputes with Slash and Duff in private...However, Axl could no longer sit quietly and allow the continuing dissemination of falsehoods and half-truths by his former bandmates."

Responding to Axl's comments, Weiland wrote in an open letter, "Get in the ring. Go to the gym, motherfucker, or if you prefer, get a new wig, motherfucker. I think I'll resist the urge to 'stoop' to your level. Oh shit, here it comes, you fat, botox-faced, wig-wearin' fuck! O.K., I feel better now."
[/i]
"Don’t think for a second we don't know where those words came from. Your unoriginal, uncreative little mind — the same mind that had to rely on its bandmates to write melodies and lyrics. Who's the fraud now, bitch?

"Damn, I couldn't imagine people writing for me. How many albums have you put out, man, and how long did it take the current configuration of this so-called 'band' to make this album? How long? And without the only guys that validated the name.

"How dare you! Shame on you! How dare you call our bass player 'spineless?' We toured our album over a year and a half. How many shows have you played over the last ten years? Oh, that's right — you bailed out on your long-awaited comeback tour, leaving your remaining fans feeling, shall we say, a trifle miffed?! I won't even list what I've accomplished because I don't need to. What we're talking about here is a frightened little man who once thought he was king, but unfortunately this king without his court is nothing but a memory of the asshole he once was."

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER To Enter Studio Next Month

VELVET REVOLVER are scheduled to enter the studio on April 10 to begin recording their sophomore album, the group's bassist, Duff McKagan, revealed during an interview earlier today (March 10). While singer Scott Weiland has said he wants to make a concept album for VELVET REVOLVER's second release, McKagan was hesitant to confirm it, according to MTV.com. "I think a lot's been said, but when it comes down to it we have to make the best record all of us collectively, and separately, ever made," he said. "Now we know who each other are and who we are as a band. The first record was really just us coming together and being straight in the studio, but now it's gonna be deeper and bigger and all that. Concept record? I don't know, but it's gonna be killer."

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER Putting Finishing Touches On DVD Release

According to a posting by VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum on his official forum, VELVET REVOLVER are putting the finishing touches on a DVD release. He speaks of a show the band recorded in Texas at the start of the "Contraband" tour.

This is most likely the show from June 18, 2004 in Houston, TX, which was broadcast on HDNET earlier this year. In May 2005, Matt also spoke out about this DVD production: "We're working on it right now," he said at the time. "We're cutting it up. Shot that down in Houston early on, and we did a lot of footage backstage and stuff, so it should be real interesting. We're gonna intercut a lot of backstage footage with a lot of stuff in our travels, you know, cross-country, which will be cool to kind of end the tour up with."

As previously reported, VELVET REVOLVER are scheduled to enter the studio on April 10 to begin recording their sophomore album, the group's bassist, Duff McKagan, revealed during an interview on Friday (March 10).

[Üncle Snake]

VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spent time at a Los Angeles recording studio on Friday (March 31) laying down a guest guitar solo on an album from an up-and-coming female singer that is being produced by one-time GUNS N' ROSES producer Mike Clink, informed sources have told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. When asked about his current status in VELVET REVOLVER, Slash reportedly responded that as far as he knew he was "still in the band," despite rumors to the contrary.

As previously reported, rumors of trouble in the VELVET REVOLVER camp have been swirling around the group for the past few months, with several reports suggesting that much of the strife between Slash and the rest of the camp stems from Slash's wife Perla's alleged involvement in the band's business affairs. The situation allegedly came to a head last week after an attempt was made by attorneys to mediate in matters related to the lawsuits filed by Slash, VELVET REVOVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan and GNR frontman Axl Rose over the rights to the old GNR songs. The rumors continued to gain strength a few of days ago when unconfirmed reports surfaced that Slash had picked up his gear from VELVET REVOLVER's rehearsal studios after allegedly announcing that he was leaving the band.

At press time, there has been no official comment from the VELVET REVOLVER camp regarding any of the rumors currently making the rounds. It is also not presently clear if VELVET REVOLVER will go ahead with their previously announced plans to enter the studio on April 10 to begin recording the follow-up to their double-platinum 2004 debut, "Contraband".

[muthagoose]

SLASH Says That He Has Hasn't Quit VELVET REVOLVER

VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spent time at a Los Angeles recording studio on Friday (March 31) laying down a guest guitar solo on an album from an up-and-coming female singer that is being produced by one-time GUNS N' ROSES producer Mike Clink, informed sources have told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. When asked about his current status in VELVET REVOLVER, Slash reportedly responded that as far as he knew he was "still in the band," despite rumors to the contrary.

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER Collaborating With Hip-Hop Producer PHARRELL WILLIAMS

Hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams has confirmed to Billboard.com that he is collaborating with VELVET REVOLVER on their sophomore RCA album, tentatively due later in the year. Williams is also working with VR frontman Scott Weiland on a song titled "Happy", which will likely appear on Weiland's second solo album. Williams confirmed the projects with Billboard.com but did not reveal additional details.

Speaking to ABC News Radio at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy bash in February, VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum revealed that VELVET REVOLVER are planning to move in a different direction on their new album, which has the working title of "Libertad".

"Our first album was very aggressive and just in-your-face. and we made it very quickly," Sorum explained. "And this album we just really want to, like, you know, we want to pull it back a bit, groove a little harder, [make it] a little more danceable. We've talked about working with people like Pharrell [Williams] just for the… just to check it out. I mean, it's not rock and roll, but it might be different. Who knows?! I don't know."

"With the first record, it was kind of a feeling out process on a technical level," Weiland told Billboard.com in December. "We were sort of bonded by blood in a sense, because we'd gone through very similar circumstances. On this record, I have a real concept in mind. Because of that, it will be a very album-oriented record instead of a singles-driven record."

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER Bassist Says Collaboration With Producer PHARRELL Will Be 'Amazing'

VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan confirmed to MTV.com on Tuesday (April 11) that Pharrell Williams will be a producer on the band's follow-up to 2004's double-platinum-certified "Contraband", but he won't be the only one — Lenny Kravitz is also a contender. McKagan also laid to rest rumors that he's in rehab in the Seattle area, which he attributed to being spotted there on vacation with his family.

"We've already started recording some stuff," McKagan said, "and we're going to try out a few different producers on a few different songs, more piecemeal, here and there. It's not as conducive to doing it straight, like, 'We'll take this month to make this record.' It's more informal."

Regarding the Pharrell collaboration, Duff said, "[Frontman] Scott [Weiland] and I met him at a Clive Davis party in L.A. a year and a half ago. That's when it started. We said, 'Hey, man, want to do a track with us?' And he said, 'I'd love to.' "

"I've always been a huge fan of early Motown and soul and PRINCE, so to explore something like that with Pharrell would be amazing," Duff added. "There's nothing like that out there. It's uncharted territory. Dude, it's going to be way cool. It's going to be stinky. Pharrell's a genius."

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER In Pre-Production With BRENDAN O'BRIEN

VELVET REVOLVER is currently in pre-production for its long-awaited sophomore album with producer Brendan O'Brien. O'Brien has produced or mixed most of the major rock bands of the past 20 years, including PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and AUDIOSLAVE. "Things are moving quick now, and we are all very excited," drummer Matt Sorum said in an online posting. "Rome was not built in a day so I believe everyone will be very happy when [the new CD is] finished."

VELVET REVOLVER's sophomore album has a working title of "Libertad". The band's 2004 debut, "Contraband", was certified double-platinum for sales in excess of two million copies in the United States.

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER Drummer: 'We Have 18 Songs Ready And We Are All Very Excited'

VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum has issued the following update:

"Looks like VELVET REVOLVER are finally going to start recording the album. We have 18 songs ready and we are all very excited. Producer Brendan O'Brien [PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, AUDIOSLAVE] has been in pre-production with us at Scott's [Weiland, vocals] Lavish studios for the last three weeks. We have been working six days a week, and let me tell you that man has whipped us into shape. This will be a killer album, I promise you.

"We are planning to record right up to Christmas and then finish up just after the New Year. Making plans for touring in the spring. I know it has taken a little while, but it's going [to] ROCK. Can't wait to get back out on the road with all you great fans."

VELVET REVOLVER's sophomore album has a working title of "Libertad". The band's 2004 debut, "Contraband", was certified double-platinum for sales in excess of two million copies in the United States.

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER Rediscovers Inspiration On New Album

Jonathan Cohen of Billboard.com reports that VELVET REVOLVER is eyeing a mid- to late-spring release for its second RCA album. The group is recording in Los Angeles with producer Brendan O'Brien, who stepped in for the band's original choice, Rick Rubin, after that arrangement "did not work out," frontman Scott Weiland tells Billboard.com.

"All of our hopes have even been elevated over the past three weeks," he says. "We were really excited about six months ago, when we first began writing. Then we really kind of flat-lined for a while. We didn't know which way we were going. There was a definite loss of inspiration for a bit there. It has a lot to do with chemistry. Once Brendan came on board, I guess it was kind of like a shot in the arm. It was a new energy."

"We thought we'd just kind of give it a shot and see if Brendan was available, and just by chance, the artist he was supposed to be working with didn't pan out," Weiland offers. "So he was available during the exact time we really needed him. He flew out within a week and it has been amazing. [Bassist] Duff [McKagan] came up to me and said, 'You know, I didn't know what it was like to really have a producer before.'"

And though Weiland told Billboard.com last year he intended to weave an overall concept throughout the album, he has since "thrown that idea out the window. In my opinion, there are so many schlock concept albums that have come out in the past year," he says, without naming names. "The ground is way too over-fertile with concept records. I prefer to write a lean and rather vicious rock'n'roll record. I think that would be a better contribution to rock'n'roll at this moment."

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER To Begin Recording Next Week

VELVET REVOLVER has issued the following update:

"We've been writing songs for a few months now, and we've been in pre-production with the great Brendan O'Brien hashing out the tunes for the past few weeks. We'll be going into the recording studio next Monday the 11th to start recording the new album, with Brendan producing.

"As you may know, Brendan has done a lot of amazing records, including ALL of the [STONE TEMPLE PILOTS] albums, so expect nothing short of fantabulous.

"The new songs are sweet and we can't wait for ya'll to hear 'em."

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland told Billboard.com last week that he has abandoned the idea of weaving an overall concept throughout the album. "In my opinion, there are so many schlock concept albums that have come out in the past year," he said. "The ground is way too over-fertile with concept records. I prefer to write a lean and rather vicious rock'n'roll record. I think that would be a better contribution to rock'n'roll at this moment."

[muthagoose]

SCOTT WEILAND: New Solo Track Posted Online

An audio sample of VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland's (ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS) new solo track, "The Man I Didn't Know", has been posted online at the Softdrive Records MySpace page:

www.myspace.com/softdrive

Weiland is the President and principal owner of Softdrive Records, which just signed a deal with Sony/RED Distribution and New West Records. This deal marks the beginning of Weiland's longtime goal to create his own label that will provide a home for artists representing all genres of music. Softdrive's artists will have all the grassroots benefits of an indie label as well as accessibility to the larger major label system.

"Scott Weiland is the premiere rock vocalist and consummate performer of his generation," said Bob Morelli, Executive Vice President and General Manager of RED Distribution. "He has taken his talent to another level by signing exciting young artists to Softdrive. Music from his upcoming solo release is equally amazing. It's a privilege to be in business with Scott and Dana and we look forward to releasing their first releases in early 2007."

Softdrive has also partnered up with New West Records which will provide additional domestic and international distribution, manufacturing, and marketing. The Softdrive team is looking forward to creating an alliance with Cameron Strang and his staff.

“We are very excited to be working with Scott, Dana and Doug," said Cameron Strang, President New West Records. "Scott has a great vision for Softdrive, an undeniable passion for music, a terrific sense of style and good taste. I have no doubt Softdrive will be a great success and we are happy to be a part of it."

The Softdrive staff is headed up by Weiland's long-time manager and business partner Dana Dufine as General Manager along with his producer partner Doug Grean. General Manager Dana Dufine notes, "Throughout Scott's extensive travels he has been witness to a wealth of talent from around the world. Softdrive will provide an outlet for an eclectic group of artists to express themselves creatively, as well as achieve their personal and professional goals. My respect for Scott both musically and as a business partner make it an honor to be partnered up with him in launching Softdrive Records."

Los Angeles based band THE ACTUAL will mark the official launch of the label when their Softdrive debut album is released in early 2007. Rolling Stone said of lead singer Max Bernstein "…he knows his way around both a melodic hook and an understated chorus," and Law of Inertia declared, "If there's any disc in the world that proves pop-punk is still very much alive and a viable source of enjoyment, let THE ACTUAL's debut full-length be the harbinger of such greatness." Softdrive proudly agrees and looks forward to introducing THE ACTUAL's Softdrive album debut "In Stitches" and first single "This Is The Worst Day Of My Life (Do You Want To Come Over)" to the fans in 2007.

Along with providing a home for Weiland's anticipated second solo album, Softdrive's second release currently in production is Tommy Joe Wilson, one of Nashville's best and brightest up-and-coming country talents. With a combination of earthy good looks, charm and an old school country voice, Tommy is primed to be country music's "next big thing."

[muthagoose]

SCOTT WEILAND To Perform 'Jazzy' Version Of Christmas Classic On 'Tonight Show With Jay Leno'

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland (ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS) will perform a jazzy version of the classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with a stand-up bass, some violinists and a grand piano during his scheduled appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Monday, December 18.

Weiland is currently in the studio laying down tracks for an upcoming release of the song. The show airs nationally on NBC from 11:35 p.m. to 12:35 a.m. ET/PT. Other guests scheduled to appear on the program are Samuel L. Jackson and Nick Thune.

[muthagoose]

SCOTT WEILAND Talks About Upcoming Solo Effort, New VELVET REVOLVER Album

VELVET REVOLVER is currently recording its sophomore album, tentatively entitled "Libertad", with producer Brendan O'Brien (INCUBUS, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) for a spring 2007 release. In the meantime, the group's frontman, Scott Weiland, has also been working on his first solo effort since 1998's "12 Bar Blues", which will come out in late 2007 or early 2008 through Softdrive Records, which the singer co-owns.

Weiland took a few minutes out of his time to answer the following questions via his MySpace page:

Q: There must be lots of [your] songs that [you] like, but is there one song [you] have a soft spot for?

Weiland: "It's hard to pick one particular song. But there is usually one song per album that seems to strike a particular chord in me. For instance, 'Adhesive' on 'Tiny Music', 'Pretty Penny' on 'Purple' and 'Desperation #5' on '12 Bar Blues'."

Q: Can you give us any information on what your new solo album will be like? Is it similar to "12 Bar Blues" or can we expect something totally different?

Weiland: "In some ways it will be similiar in that it is not a typical rock album. It's always more of an art project. It begins with an inspiration and I follow that path wherever it leads me, never worrying about singles, radio formats or MTV. It will definitely have the same 'all-over-the-map' feel. However, it will be a lot more focused, due to the fact that the album is a lot more alive and not struggling to climb from under the covers of a narcotic blanket."

Q: What [are you] listening to lately?

Weiland: "I never thought I'd say this, however begrudgingly, I have become a fan of the new KILLERS album. Where before, on their last album, I found them a group of over-confident and two-dimensional tarts, I now respect the risk that they have taken in their drastic change in sound and overall vibe and approach. It's 'brave' to risk alienating your audience for artistic freedom."

Q: You ever sing in the car to yourself?

Weiland: "I sing in my land-speeder to myself."

Q: Do you ever foresee STONE TEMPLE PILOTS getting back together?

Weiland: "Every shelf needs two bookends."

Q: What's the vibe like with Brendan O'Brien?

Weiland: "It's been incredibly inspiring. Things have been moving ahead at the speed of light and I'm beginning to realize how amazing this record's going to be, as far as my tastes go."

Q: What was it like working with Pharrell Williams of THE NEPTUNES? Also, what interested you to work with him?

Weiland: "It was a brief experience. It was only one song. I really related with the track personally and I regard him as one of the greatest modern producers in any format."

Q: What are you looking for in a band/artist to sign to Softdrive? What's the most important specific asset that the band or artist should have?

Weiland: "First of all, innate songwriting ability. That's not something that somebody can be taught. I believe that's something that someone comes into this world with. An honest understanding of who you are, an identity and attitude that can't be swayed by current trends or pop culture."

[muthagoose]

VELVET REVOLVER Frontman Issues 'Open Letter' To UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME Head Coach

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland (ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS) has released the following "open letter" to Charlie Weis, the current head coach of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team:

"Okay Charlie, at this point I am going to assume that you haven't spoken to the Giants' organization about their 'potential coaching job.' But LEAVING NOTRE DAME, your alma mater, without having achieved really anything of monolithic proportions like you've promised us, is absurd and unfair. So at this point, I will get on my knees and beg. Don't do it, coach. Don't do it! Stay and do what you promised; your team, your school, the fans, the legacy deserves to be taken to the promised land. Your recruits, Charlie, who are just beginning to trickle in, came to play for you. You! Not someone else and they are coming to South Bend to those brutal winters from places all over the country — from the South to Southern Cal, just to be led to the promised land. Jimmy Clausen, the most highly recruited player in high school football, committed to Notre Dame. When asked why in a recent interview, he said to play for coach Weis and get a new environment. Why? The promised land, the crown jewel, the national championship. But we can't start talking about Notre Dame in the same breath as a national championship yet. You've gotta win one. The team's gotta go out there and get one. We, the Irish nation, fight for it with you together and we will all win one together and walk away to the promised land together.

"Yours truly, Scott Weiland, rock n' roll singer, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, VELVET REVOLVER, legacy and Notre Dame football fan."