"We are Velvet Revolver.....

...and we play motherfucking rock and roll!"
-Scott Weiland, lead singer VR
Santa Barbara Bowl, 9/11/07



And a mean brand of rock and roll it is. Last night Derek and I saw Velvet Revolver in Santa Barbara. VR features Scott Weiland formerly of Stone Temple Pilots; Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum from Guns n' Roses and Dave Kushner from Wasted Youth. VR is a band I have wanted to see for the past couple of years mostly because of Slash's guitar playing and showmanship. VR did not disappoint playing most of the hits from their two albums. Surprisingly, we also got Stone Temple Pilot's Vasoline and Interstate Love Song. Mixed in with the set were also three Guns n' Roses songs; Patience, It's So Easy and Mr. Brownstone. Finally, one of the encores was Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here. VR more than pulled off all of these unexpected songs especially the GnR material to the extent that I said to Derek, "Axl who?" Plus Slash is still one of the premiere guitar players anywhere.

If you like rock and roll, see this band. Two hours of kick ass fun. And the Santa Barbara Bowl is a great venue. Cheap parking and drinks. Easy access. Friendly security and ushers. Totally casual and happening vibe last night...just the way a concert is supposed to be.