Velvet Revolver oficially parts with singer

Velvet Revolver has officially parted ways with singer Scott Weiland, according to a press release issued by the band's management and attorney. Lead guitarist Slash said in the statement, "This band is all about its fans and its music and Scott Weiland isn't 100 percent committed to either. Among other things, his increasingly erratic on-stage behavior and personal problems have forced us to move on."

Speculation about the band's future began two weeks ago when Weiland announced onstage in Glasgow, Scotland that fans were watching the "last tour" by the group. Weiland and drummer Matt Sorum proceeded to get into a public war of words online, with Weiland saying, "It's a shame...we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone."

The singer has yet to issue a response to the Velvet Revolver press release.

Meanwhile, both Slash and bassist Duff McKagan have hinted in recent interviews that Velvet Revolver will continue without Weiland. Slash told Classic Rock magazine, "In contrast to what Scott says, there will be a Velvet Revolver after this tour."

Weiland joined forces with Slash, McKagan, their fellow Guns N' Roses alumnus Sorum and guitarist Dave Kushner in 2003. The highly-publicized "supergroup" released its debut album, Contraband, in 2004, followed by Libertad last year.

Weiland is reuniting with his previous outfit, Stone Temple Pilots, which broke up in 2002. The group is planning a full tour of 50 or more dates for the summer and fall in addition to the handful of festival shows already confirmed.

The vocalist spent a month in rehab recently, following an arrest for driving under the influence last November and his failure to show up for a Velvet Revolver gig at the Sundance Festival in January.

Meanwhile, McKagan plans to record a new album from his side project, Loaded, in late April, with a release tentatively scheduled for this summer.
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