GIG REVIEW: Velvet Revolver
- Posted on April 1, 2008 10:30 AM
- 0 comments
Velvet Revolver
Brixton Academy
25th March 2008
Review by Bryce Lowry
In Glasgow just a few nights before, singer Scott Weiland informed the crowd that they were very lucky as this would be the last Velvet Revolver tour. Apparently it was news to the other members of the band too. So the anticipation of tension on stage for the first of their two night stint in Brixton was high, as were the sentiments of those of us there then to see for the last time the core of Guns n’ Roses performing together with the Stone Temple Pilots legend.
Were we there for VR or a piece of nostalgia? The band strolled out launching in to ‘Let It Roll’ which kicked so much immediate ass and was so ear crunchingly loud that you could almost care less for the past, except for the fact that there in the flesh was Slash, the man in the hat with the leather licks. When he commandeered centre stage for the first of his regular trademark short solo bursts, Gibson guitar ironically perched vertically over one knee, his black locks caressing the frets, it wasn’t just the women whose pants were in a twist. Behind such a classic caricature the other ex-Gunners, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum, would struggle to be noticed if they weren’t still one of the tightest most driving rhythm sections in rock. Oh, and there is that other guitarist from some other band too; what’s his name?
Then there’s Weiland. With his sinewy fluidity and larger than life gestures he somehow manages to out pose the great poser. The battle of egos being played out between Weiland and Slash is doubtless all part the usual VR show but given the revelation a few nights before you sense a little more spite tonight, more snarl and venom. It’s a clash of rock titans that the crowd is only too willing to devour.
VR have been affectionately accused of being the world’s best cover band. Past glories are aired with a bruising rendition of ‘Vaseline’ followed by ‘Interstate Love Song’ which allows space for the more forgiving tone of Weiland’s voice to shine. On ‘Patience’ Slash wields a double necked axe; a scene perfectly balanced between cool and absurd. The fact that it’s completely devoid of any irony is a testament to the guy’s genuine rock god status.
The encore ensues with ‘Mr. Brownstone’ and concludes with VR’s signature killer tune, ‘Slither’. Weiland, now donning the military hat, strides triumphantly atop an amp like some conquering revolutionary rock hero leading his corrupt cohorts for the last charge. They just don’t do it like this any more. This was thrilling vintage rock; one for the true believers.
Scott Weiland has since officially confirmed that he has quit Velvet Revolver to reform Stone Temple Pilots. Hey, you lose some you win some. The rest of VR have confirmed they sacked Weiland and will be pressing on without him.
Related links:
Velvet Revolver concert tickets.
Velvet Revolver's official site.
Post a comment
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.seatwaveblogs.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2837
