Matt Sorum stated that Velvet Revolver had the potential to achieve the same level of success as Guns N' Roses , but that the supergroup's trajectory ended too soon to realize that ambition.
The drummer said in an interview with Get On The Bus that, although the group was large and successful, it “simply didn’t last long enough” to reach its full potential [transcription via Blabbermouth ].
“It wasn’t as big as Guns N’ Roses, but it could have been. It just didn’t last long enough. I don’t think it’s really about size. You’re playing in an arena and that’s big enough… But, for me, it was probably the best time, because I had a much clearer head too. I had been through a lot, we had all been through a lot. We all made some mistakes. The other band [Guns N’ Roses] had broken up. We really wanted to keep the band together. Unfortunately, we ended up falling back into bad habits, the same old crap, and everything fell apart,” Sorum reflected.
Velvet Revolver won a Grammy – a feat that Guns N' Roses never achieved
The musician recalled the band's initial energy with the album Contraband (2004) and the impact of tracks like "Slither," as well as the feeling of creative renewal that the project brought after the Use Your Illusion with Guns N' Roses. Sorum highlighted the recovery process and focus of the members at the time, and lamented that old habits and internal difficulties contributed to the end of Velvet Revolver.
“Scott was simply one of the best. It was a tough time at the beginning, but it was totally worth it. There were a lot of drugs and other things. I had gotten rid of the addiction. And everyone else too, and we went through all our cliché rock and roll scenes. We had all gotten rid of the addiction and we made a pact that we would do it. At that time, we were in our forties, which was very old. It was like, 'Wow'. And the record labels didn't really care if it was three guys from Guns N' Roses,” he emphasized.
Despite this, the band achieved recognition, including a Grammy — something he never achieved with Guns N' Roses. “I still reflect on that period, especially about winning the
Grammy. We never won a Grammy with Guns N' Roses — never. But that was a great moment. Three Grammy nominations and then we won one. And people say, 'Oh, awards, whatever.' But I don't know. It's good to win one. [ Laughs ],” said Matt.
Matt Sorum formed the band in 2002 alongside Duff McKagan, Slash, Dave Kushner , and Scott Weiland . The band released two albums, Contraband (2004) and Libertad (2007), before dismissing Weiland in April 2008.
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