(Gibson) Velvet Revolver guitarist Dave Kushner has revealed that the idea for the band's one-off reunion show, set for Thursday (January 12) at L.A.'s House of Blues, was triggered by the death of his best friend, musician John O'Brien. In a just-published interview with Rolling Stone, Kushner said all the members of Velvet Revolver readily agreed to do the show – a testament to the great affection his bandmates had for O'Brien."We did a benefit show for this thing called 'Road Recovery' – me, Duff [McKagan], Slash and Matt [Sorum] – in New York, and that's when I asked those guys individually if they would agree to do it," Kushner said. "Once they said [yes], I got in touch with Scott [Weiland], and he agreed."
In addition to Velvet Revolver, the concert will feature Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello and other guests. All proceeds will go to O'Brien's widow and children. Each performer, including Velvet Revolver, will perform a three-song set. Kushner said he realizes that all eyes will be on Velvet Revolver, who will be performing with Weiland for the first time in four years. "I knew from the beginning it would be newsworthy, and that was kind of the plan," Kushner said. "If you're gonna do this, and you want to raise some serious money, then you [have to] put all caution aside." more on this story
