NEWS

The following report is courtesy of Dean Goodmanfr om Reuters:

VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland paid tribute to his recently deceased brother on Thursday, during the first show of a brief North American tour to promote the band's upcoming second album.

Michael Weiland died of a drug overdose during the recording of Libertad, and a brother of drummer Matt Sorum died about the same time in similar circumstances, the singer told the crowd at the Avalon Hollywood club.

"It literally crushed us," said Weiland, who has long struggled with drugs himself. "It made this record happen for both of us."

He then turned his back to the crowd to sing PINK FLOYD's 'Wish You Were Here,' with Sorum singing harmony, as he looked up at a video screen playing home video footage of Michael, his wife and two young daughters. The concert was a benefit for Michael Weiland's family.

Velvet Revolver also unveiled a handful of tunes from Libertad, which comes out July 3 via RCA Records. It marks the follow-up to 2004's "Contraband," which yielded the Grammy-winning hit single 'Slither', the final tune of Thursday's 90-minute gig.

The band formed in 2003, Weiland previously having been in STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, while Sorum, guitarist Slash and bass player Duff McKagan were in GUNS N' ROSES. The lineup is rounded out by Dave Kushner.

New material previewed included the first single 'She Builds Quick Machines', for which the band had shot a video the day before, 'The Last Fight', 'Get Out the Door' and 'Just Sixteen', according to a set list.

Read more here.