VELVET REVOLVER - SLASH HINTS AT WEILAND DEPARTURE

LATEST: VELVET REVOLVER guitarist SLASH has again quashed reports the band is on the verge of splitting up - although he's hinted frontman SCOTT WEILAND may not be a member for much longer. Singer Weiland shocked Velvet Revolver fans last month (Mar08) with an onstage announcement the rockers' current tour will be their last. When drummer Matt Sorum responded with an online post explaining the band is in "turmoil", Weiland launched an astonishing attack on the percussionist, during which he alleged Velvet Revolver cancelled its 2007 Australian tour because the percussionist was admitted to rehab. Now guitarist Slash has hinted Weiland may leave the five-piece permanently when he joins his former band Stone Temple Pilots for a reunion tour this summer (08). Slash says, "There will be a third album. We don't know how or when but the core four guys will continue." Bassist Duff MCKagan and guitarist Dave Kushner round out Velvet Revolver's line-up.