Citing "increasingly erratic onstage behavior and personal problems", guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum, recently fired singer Scott Weiland from the band Velvet Revolver.

Rikki Rockett, drummer for Poison, was recently arrested on a rape warrant. His case has been turned over to the district attorney's office for possible grand jury consideration.

Motley Crue repesentatives Tenth Street Entertainment recently (partially) shot down "blatantly false and completely unfounded" rumors of the Crue headlining a festival-type tour called "Cruefest", but teased of a huge announcement to be made at an April 15 Motley Crue press conference.

Amidst rumors of a possible break-up, fueled by an announcement of a Stone Temple Pilots summer reunion tour, Velvet Revolver is the front-runner to open for Led Zeppelin if the band were to go on a full tour.

VR's Duff McKagan explains, “I understand that we have it, although I imagine there will be plenty of bands prepared to kick and punch us out of the way for the privilege!”  One band who is probably most prepared to fight it out is the Cult, who's frontman Ian Astbury recently informed a Cinncinati crowd that his band would be the opener.

No Led Zeppelin dates have been announced, possibly due to Robert Plant's current date commitments for his joint tour with Allison Krauss.

Jasmine Lamping

SOURCE:  SOUND & VISION MAGAZINE