January 9, 2005 - London, England - Hammersmith Apollo

[ back to Concert Chronology 2005 ]

General Information

Date: January 9, 2005
Location: London, England
Venue: Hammersmith Apollo; Queen Caroline Street; London, W6 9QH [ Venue website ]
Box Office Number: 0870-606-3400
Additional Info: Support Act: The Datsuns and Biffy Clyro

Thanks to Bonzo for the setlist! Thanks to Mick Rockster for the UK Tour guitar pics image!

Set List

• Sucker Train Blues
• Do It for the Kids
• Headspace
• Superhuman
• Illegal I
• Crackerman
• Dirty Little Thing
• Fall to Pieces
• Big Machine
• It's So Easy
• Sex Type Thing
• Set Me Free
• Used to Love Her
• You Got No Right
• No More No More
• Mr. Brownstone
• Slither

Reviews (25) [ send in your own review/pictures of the London show ]

Thanks to D Strange: It was great, Slash, Duff and Scott kicked ass!! Great cover of Aerosmiths 'No More No More'

Two of the greatest live bands were Led Zeppelin and the original Guns N Roses but now they're no longer together Velvet Revolver is best live rock band today.

Thanks to Manuel: Fucking amazing!!!!! Slash!! I'm a huge Slash fan and when he played behind his head and used the talk box it was incredible. Scott performed excellent, Axl's new rival!! Matt Sorum gave it his all, which was amazing. Duff kicking ass as usual and Dave, standing among giants he did bloody well. Woo go Slash!!! Go Velvet Revolver!!!!

Thanks to Ginga : It was fukin awesome Slash was fukin brill Duff was fat as Scott performed well. Matt was great, Dave was so fast on da rhythm.

Thanks to Cressida from the Telegraph: One might have expected a band formed by ex-members of Guns N' Roses to still be in bed at this early stage in the year. Velvet Revolver though, mean business. Despite being staffed by such legendary and dissolute figures as guitar hero Slash, (GN'R rhythm section), Duff McKagan (bass), and Matt Sorum (drums), plus singer Scott Weiland from multi-platinum grungers Stone Temple Pilots, they are the hottest 'new' act in America. Last year's album Contraband because the fastest-selling debut ever in the US and with limeys such as Franz Ferdinand and The Cure taking off there, American rock desperately needs messiahs right now. After just a couple of dates here last year, Velvet Revolver were back in Britain for a tour in front of 80,000 fans - this without radio airplay or anyone outside heavy metal circles knowing much about them. The hype reached critical mass when, introducing their opening performance, a WWF wrestling-style announcer proclaimed them as the 'feelgood band of 2005'. They roared off with Contraband's opening track, Sucker Train Blues, leaping and posing with astonishing vigour on podiums wedged between their monitors. Strobe lights singed your synapses. Your ears took a similar pummelling. The sense of grand scale was mutiplied by the presence of screens on either side of the stage, relaying images scarcely bigger than those you could see unaided. It was if in their own minds, Velvet Revolver were already playing stadiums. This is most assuredly the band's destiny. The songs they initially played, all from Contraband perfectly updated GN'R's punchier side for the post-grunge age. In fact, those hoping to see Slash fret-fiddling for minutes on end might have found it all a bit too grungy, more Weiland's show than Slash's. Leather-clad, burgundy-haired and often brandishing a loudhailer, Weiland was a revelation, a whirling, magnetising vortex of dark energy. You'd take him over GN'R frontman Axl Rose any time. Then, for the grade-A power ballad, Fall To Pieces, Slash, his corkscrew curls bouncier than ever, his shirt age-defyingly unbuttoned, soloed with exquisite lyricism. There was a sprinkling of Guns N' Roses classics - It's So Easy, Used To Love Her, Mr. Brownstone - and a fierce cover of Aerosmith's No More No More. At the breathtakingly exciting climax, Slash even donned his old top-hat - a crowning moment. By summer, they'll be needing those screens.

Thanks to Tom Manuel: Amazing, The Datsuns were really good, Biffy Clyro played 1 or 2 decent songs but they were too screamy. Velvet Revolver were excellent. All of there album is excellent and their covers of the Roses songs were great, especially It's So Easy. That songs rules.

Thanks to Jack Weeks: A fucking great show. Biffy who opened where about as entertaining as watching cricket. But from then on it saw a true rock an roll show. The Datsuns really set the standard with a excellent 3/4 hour show. The wait for V.R was long but well worth it one. When the crowd first sighted the band they went fucking mental. Also Slash broke into his first solo about 200 camara phones were raised ready 2 capture they're hero. Matt Sorum took it all in his stride as he made a phone call half way through the set. Cheers for bringing true rock and roll back to its birth place, Engand.

Thanks to Carl: First gig I've ever been to, bloody amazing hope they come back soon. I mean they played 3 GNR songs which I'm a fan of, I really got into there material, gooooo Slash!!!

Thanks to Libbie: Awesome! Being right at the front was the best. My mate Rob's hand got grabbed by Scott! Bastard ...why not me! Brilliant live.. cover was also fab! First shows always the best!

Thanks to Grant: Saw Velvet Revolver on Sunday at the Hammersmith Apollo. Fooking A. Excellent. Slash has lost none of his amazing talents. Matt Sorum on the drums was as amazing as ever(must be one of the best drummers in the world) all in all the best concert since Milton Keynes Bowl back in the 90's almost forgot what rock and roll actually was. Looking forward to the next one although next time I want to be standing at the front to get a drum stick!!!!!!

Thanks to Rev. Todd: Good stuff! Met some cool people from London, Germany, Argentina and Los Angeles. Nice acoustics at the place, too. I have to say the high point for me was the cover of No More, No More! It didn't seem like that many people in the audience were familiar. Pity. It definately made the trip across the pond worth while. Thanks, boys!

Thanks to Jeremie the "woogy" France: I've been came to south of France for see the Velvet Revolver band for my 30th anniversary!! It's a fucking incredible great rock n roll band!!!!! The only one. Scott is a really a stage master!! Slash is my favourite rock n roll guitarist since my 16 old. He's fantastic charismatic guy an one of the best guitarist in the rock and roll history! Like Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Angus Young, Jeff Beck, Marc Bolan, Paul Koss, Brian May etc!! This evening my heart shock my mind!!! I'm guitarist and my life is more happy with the Slash solo!!! Thanks it's the last really true rock n roll bands since GN'R!! Thanks Matt, Duff, Dave, Scott and the only Slash for this memorial showgod. whammy34@hotmail.fr

Thanks to Raysgigs: 09 and 10 Jan 2005, Velvet Revolver + The Datsuns, Hammersmith Apollo, London. The Datsuns did a good 30 mins of uptempo rock but I feel they have blown their chance of hitting the big time. Velvet Revolver have 5 London shows on this UK tour. They are a proper rock n roll band that's for sure. Feat members of Guns And Roses and Stone Temple Pilots with more visits to drug rehabs and tattoos between them than most bands. Their debut album " Contraband" has been voted album of 2004 in Classic Rock mag .They play most of the album inc great versions of "Slither" , "Big Machine" and "Set Me Free" along with the superb "Fall To Pieces". There is a great atmosphere in the house both nights. Singer Scott Weiland looks more like Suedes Brett Anderson than your typical long haired rock singer. They performed 2 Stone Temple Pilots tracks "Crackerman" and "Sex Type Thing" but Scott's vocals are muffled to say the least or maybe just drowned out by all the loud distorted guitars on stage. They throw in 3 Guns and Roses tunes that the crowd go mental for "It's So Easy" ,"Mr Brownstone" and "Used To Love Her". The Sunday show was slightly better as it lasted for 1 hour 40 mins and had one extra song to the following nights set which was a cover of Aerosmiths "Same Old Song And Dance" . So a good show but I would still say I prefer Whitesnake, Motorhead etc . Check my other reviews of other bands at www.raysgigs.com

Thanks to GoDuffGo: What can I say!!! The 2nd time I have seen the best rock n fucking roll band in the world!!! Yes, they were a bit late but I was in row B right in the middle!!!

So they finally came out in the dark Duff out 1st looking soo cool!!! And Matt greeting the crowd before they started Sucker Train Blues with is my fav. song!! I loved the massive screens on either side of the stage coz some great pics of them!!! I'll put them up when I get them deveoloped. Scott was great!!! Slash, Dave, Matt also!!

So as soon as Sucker Train Blues finished I ran out of film!! hehe never mind.

Then Scott said "are you ready girls??".....and started Do It For The Kids!! Great song live!! Then they started Headspace...and the time was going sooo quick!!! Then Superhuman such a great song never heard that live till then!!

Can't remember the set list from then on but lucky for us these two people left and so me and my mate grabbed them!! So now we were in the front row slap bang in the middle!!! We stood up for most of the rest of the gig I tried to get there attention and I did succesfully!!! 1st I saw Dave looking at me so I stuck my thumbs up and he laffed!!!!! Then made him smile couple times then, one more I made him laff and attempted to give us a pick by throwing it at us but we were to far away and too high up :(. Tried to get Duff's attention I think he saw I think it was a smile I saw :)...I hope hehe....but I think I got a grin from Scott on Sex Type Thing at the clapping bit coz me and my mate were the only ones standing I was well up for it hehe!!!

I went crazy went You Got No Right came on I love that song sooo much!! Slither was perfect!!! It was great to see Duff with his bass up in the air right below me!!!! Roll on 22nd I'm a bit at the back soo won't be as good but I'm in the pit on the 23rd!!!

Velvet Revolver are fucking great!!!!!! Thanx soo soo much for a great night!!

Thanks to Jadey: Bloody Hell! I saw these guys last year as I won a competition, but last night I was in wow throughout the night! The starting bands were Biffy Clryo and The Datsuns! The Datsuns ruled! So Velvet Revolver were a tad late and everyone was stamping their feets and yelling and clapping just to try and get there attention and out the came with Sucker Train Blues! And they finished with Slither I think, I can't remember! They played 3 GNR songs, It's So Easy, Mr. Brownstone and Used To Love Her. STP songs Crackerma and I think they done Vasoline, not sure. And they played Aerosmith. If anyone was there last night and knew the Aerosmith song can you let me know please!!! Thanks, the show was amazing with new Velvet Revolver flashing lights, extra spotlights and Scott sang with so much passion! These guys you have all got to see if haven't already done so! What the hell are guys doing! Stop reading and book some tickets like now! ROCK N' FUCKING ROLL!!

Thanks to Gaz: Absolutely incredible! One of the best live bands I've seen. They're all such legendary artists in their own right and together they form one of the best rock bands around. The atmosphere was incredible, I will gladly go again.

Thanks to Richard: What a show! I loved STP and I got their live DVD but Scott is so much better when you are actually there!

Two STP songs!!! Wow!!! Sex Type Thing and Crackerman! I didn't think they would seeing as STP aren't that big over here but that was amazing.

Unfortunately didn't get to see the whole show cos I had to get the last train but I got to see all my faves Headspace, Superhuman, Big Machine, Sucker Train Blues plus It's So Easy and the two STP songs, the two support bands weren't as good, the Datsuns were alright but I didn't like Biffy Clyro. I saw it up to the end of Set Me Free so apart from having to leave it was a great night. Seeing all my fave songs definitely made up for it though.

Wow! Thank you Velvet Revolver.

Thanks to Martin : I did all the way from Austria to make it to that show, cause they won't come to me near in the near future. I could not imagine anything that would be more worth it!! It had completely blown me away! Stunning show, great crowd! Extended Slash-solos!!! Especially from Slash one could see in his eyes, that he was soooo happy to play in the UK again! Scott played keyboard at some parts. You Got No Right, It's So Easy, Slither and many more were hightlights! I also liked the montage video to Big Machine (awesome performance) with videos of all these dictators and regimes,...

Well, I'll stay this excited for a long time, greets to everybody who remembers me!

Take care, have fun at the forthcoming shows in the UK.

Thanks to Chris: What a fab concert these guys rock and fucking roll. Slash what more can I say, he is still the best in the world.
As for the rest what a great band, keep up the great work.
Does anyone know what happened after the concert with the shit outside ????????

Thanks to Reviewer No1: I was in Row T Seat 44.

Basic info

As a guitar player my main interest was seeing Slash play guitar plus I was impressed by the line up as I was both a fan of Guns and Roses and Stone Temple Pilots.

Concert aside Velvet Revolver is not as good a band as either of the previous two mentioned (in my opinion anyway) to my ears they tend to be more of a Punk Rock outfit rather than Rock and Roll / Grunge Band. There is less emphasis on songwriting and melody and more on heavy chugging riffs and single note vocals. (i.e more like "It's So Easy" rather than "Sweet Child o Mine")

Concert

Visually the band looked awesome, the rock attitude of the band just slaps you in the face. No band currently on the planet could look as cool as these guys.

Maybe it's not their fault but the sound was bad. I could rarely hear Scott sing and when my wish came true and Slash pulled out his blistering guitar work it just seemed to get swallowed up in reverb and was barely audible in the mix.

I was once again disappointed by the sound of a major concert. The same issue when I saw Pearl Jam, Kiss and more recently The Darkness.

On the way home I overheard some people say "awesome gig" maybe some people are more easily pleased and less critical than I am.

My opinion however is that I went there to "hear" arguably the best rock band around and was disappointed but I don't know if its the band or the sound engineer.

That is the last time I pay top dollar for this kind of concert, I prefer to listen to the CD at home and listen to a cover band in a local pub at least I can hear the singer sing and the guitarist play a solo.

On a final note - the Datsuns (who suffered the same problem mentioned above, but to a lesser degree) were a pleasant surprise. Would like to see them in a smaller venue without some effects / reverb mad sound engineer destroying the mix.

Cheers

Thanks to SK: Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. F'K'N wow.

What a show. It definitely harked back to Guns and Roses in parts - Slash's guitar work up close on the big screen was fantastic combined with Duff's punk attitude and Scott can do a pretty good 'Axl shuffle'. But that's only natural I guess given their history. Fond memories indeed but Velvet Revolver most definitely are a fine vintage of rock legend. Never having seen STP before I was pleasantly surprised at just how top drawer Scott is as a frontman. A blend of Viscious, Mercury, Tyler and yes Axl. His voice is better than Mr Rose's tho and he comes across as less 'this is all about me' and just a showman doing his thing. Great stuff. Now I honestly can't decide whether I prefer this lineup to the original GNR. It is unfair to compare the bands but it's almost impossible not to. I grew up watching Slash and the boys do their stuff so last night was full of those memories for me. Anyways, this is one hell of a band in their own right, Their sound is massive, smooth, powerful and cool. The live show made their studio album sound like mud - for me a sign of true greats (or the need for a new producer next time perhaps...). I was so impressed. I'm still smiling. The girlfriend was never a rocker but she was amazed with the whole show and it didn't matter that it was late on a Sunday night.

Can't wait to see the pics of this gig.

Also, there was some brilliantly professional camera (digital) work being done at the show tonight. I would not be surprised to see the release of a DVD if they are recording shows on this tour. Let's hope so.

Stunning. Thanks boys. What a show.

Thanks to Vick: Holy Fuck! Geniuses of Rock and Roll. I think the Velvet Revolver gig was the best way to spend a night in London. It was well worth the two hour wait and the bruised ribs-that's what you get for hanging onto the barrier like a madwoman, ladies and gents.

I bow down to Velvet Revolver. Love you guys. Gods.

Thanks to Davide De Masi: It kicked so much ass! Slash was flawless as ever and Scott really performed well, as did the others. An unforgetable evening, can't wait for their next album!

Hell yeah!!

Thanks to Bonzo: Great fucking gig!! Got Matt Sorum's drumstick, he put straight into my hand, what a nice guy. You Got No Right, Superhuman, Dirty Little Thing, It's So Easy, Slither and Set Me Free were the best parts of the show. Dirty Little Thing is a great song live. All the band were on top form. Great gig!!

Thanks to Julie: All I can say is the fact they were simply awesome. I'm a massive Slash fan (he was great) but I was really impressed by Scott as a frontman. I'm really pleased I've got tickets for another 5 of the shows. I'm really looking forward to tonight.

Thanks to Damien Clarke: Brilliant show, played a few GN'R tracks such as Mr. Brownstone, Used to Love Her, It's So Easy. This band is well worth the pound; 100.00 tickets I bought from ebay. Support bands such as the Datsuns were also great but I thought the first band really sucked, Biffy Giro or something!