Slash in happier times

After years of working with overzealous ego-maniacs, Slash has decided to step away from band work to focus on an album of collaborations. Due to Saul Hudson’s standing as, uh, Slash, one would expect that Slash & Friends, his forthcoming release, would be stacked with a who’s who of rock royalty. True to form he’s wrangled the likes of Dave Grohl, Flea and Alice Cooper. However, the long-locked axe wielder was straight up denied by Jack White! Well, not really. White said he’d play drums or guitar with Slash, but no vocals. Slash seemed pretty bummed, noting “He was one guy that I wanted to work with.” That couldn’t have made Grohl or Flea feel all that hot. The denial marks the first time since Slash was six years old that somebody said “Hmm, Slash, thanks for the invite but I think I’m just gonna chill, play with some legos, work on my side project, my big time band, my record label and a few movies I got asked to do, but thanks anyway for the invitation.” If you see Slash today on the street, give the man a hug. (via NME)

Supergroup Velvet Revolver, the mix of Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, all formerly of Guns N’ Roses, and Dave Kushner of Wasted Youth is still hunting for a set of vocal chords to add to their group. Former vocals were provided by Scott Weiland (above, second from left) of Stone Temple Pilots, but he made like a tree in 2008 and since then Velvet Revolver has been without a frontdude. The means they won’t be releasing any new music until the summer of 2010. But if you’re unable to make it that long without any Slash in your life, don’t jump off the cliff just yet; Slash says he is working on a new solo album that he is to tour with “most likely through next summer starting in March or April.” In due time a replacement singer will come along, Slash says. “We know the right guy is out there somewhere.” (Via Rolling Stone).