Slash shock at Scott Weiland’s reunion claim

Not going back: Velvet Revolver

Slash reacted in shock yesterday when faced with Scott Weiland’s claims that he was back with Velvet Revolver.

The singer was sacked in 2008 following a series of problems linked to addiction issues. The band have since tried and failed to find a new frontman, and in the meantime Weiland returned to Stone Temple Pilots.

The group reformed for a one-off charity show in the spring, which guitarist Slash said “wasn’t a negative experience.”

But he was astonished when he was played a recording of Weiland saying he’d returned to the fold and was collaborating with rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner and bassist Duff McKagan.

The singer told ABC News Radio: “They gave me a couple of songs, and myself and Dave and Duff are going to be getting together for a songwriting session next week. Slash is going to do some touring then we’re going to do some shows in the later part of summer into early fall.”

He added: “We’ve all grown a lot. We’re able to put egos and differences and old conflicts aside, so that’s really cool.”

Slash heard the comments during a live interview on Minnesota’s 93X radio station. He exclaimed: “He’s out of his mind!

“There’s been a common rumour going around. I know he’s been positive about that subject. Maybe they know something I don’t know. I have absolutely no intention of going back to that.”

The guitarist pointed out his year is more or less full with commitments related to his second solo record, Apocalyptic Love, saying: “I’m on tour all year. I’ll call Duff – but I seriously doubt it.”

And with a last reference to Weiland he said: “We have no intention of going backwards.”