VELVET REVOLVER - WEILAND BLAMES SORUM'S REHAB STINT FOR CANCELLED TOUR

VELVET REVOLVER were forced to cancel their Australian tour last year (07) when bandmate MATT SORUM was admitted to rehab, according to frontman SCOTT WEILAND. The revelation, which Weiland doesn't expand upon, comes as part of an astonishing attack on Sorum, after the drummer went public with tensions in the band. Singer Weiland shocked Velvet Revolver fans last Thursday (20Mar08) with an onstage announcement that the group's current tour will be its last. Sorum responded on the band's website the next day (21Mar08), writing, "Being in a band is a lot like being in a relationship. Sometimes you just don't get along. I guess there has been more turmoil... Everybody could see who was unhappy last night." And now Weiland, who himself spent 28 days in rehab earlier this year (08), has slammed former The Cult and Guns 'N Roses star Sorum for speaking out about his personal life. In a statement to website Blabbermouth.net, Weiland says, "Responding to our drummer's rant about why the band is in a state of flux - well, first of all, the state of my family affairs is really none of his business, since he is too immature to have a real relationship, let alone children... "Secondly, 'Keeping rock 'n' roll alive?' I've made many attempts to remain cordial with the members of Velvet Revolver, but mainly, the likes of you (Sorum). Funny though - this is your first band, as opposed to being a hired gun. "I've been making records (I'm now on my ninth) which have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have maintained a level of professionalism regardless of how many drugs I've ingested into my system. "I have only cancelled one tour during the entire course of my 16-year run. Now, shall I open that can of worms, Matthew?... You cancelled the Aussie tour in the fall because you went to rehab, but I won't say why. "As for our fans - I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you. And will continue to do so until the end of this tour... "It's a shame, we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone. I wish the best and plan to annihilate the stage in the last few shows." Meanwhile, guitarist Slash has insisted the band is not in danger of splitting up. He says, "Let's put it this way - this is not Velvet Revolver's last tour."