Matt Sorum believes Velvet Revolver had the potential to reach the same heights as Guns N’ Roses, but the band didn’t last long enough to make it happen. In a recent interview, he said, “It wasn’t as big as GN’R, but it could have been. It just didn’t last long enough.” Sorum wanted to create something new instead of just recycling old material.
He formed Velvet Revolver in 2002, teaming up with former Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan and Slash. The lineup also included guitarist Dave Kushner and Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots as the lead singer. The band released two albums: “Contraband” in 2004 and “Libertad” in 2007, before breaking up in 2008.
In 2012, Velvet Revolver reunited for a one-off show in Los Angeles. After their split, the remaining members considered bringing in Corey Taylor from Slipknot and Stone Sour. They even recorded demos for 10 tracks with him but ultimately decided not to move forward with him.
Sorum noted that the band’s sound fit perfectly with the music scene at the time, and they were in top form. Although the breakup still hurts, he looks back on those days fondly. Velvet Revolver even won a GRAMMY, a feat that Guns N’ Roses never achieved.
Fans of rock music often wonder what could have been if Velvet Revolver had stayed together longer. Their brief but impactful run left a mark on the music world, and their legacy continues to resonate with fans today.
