Weiland Joins The Christmas Rush

The rocker admits he was inspired to record an album of tinsel tunes after his version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was warmly received by fans and critics last year (09) - and now that track and others, including a reggae version of Little Drummer Boy, will appear on a new record.

He says, "It'll be very traditional - strings, upright bass, jazz horns, piano, and guitar.

"I'm sort of picking various versions of these songs... my favourite versions, with a little twist."