Velvet Revolver was a supergroup formed in Rancho Santa Margarita, California in 2002 by former Guns N' Roses members Slash (lead guitar), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums), along with rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner (formerly of Wasted Youth) and late vocalist Scott Weiland (formerly and subsequently of Stone Temple Pilots).

[1] The band signed with RCA Records the next year and released its debut album Contraband in 2004,[1] which topped the US Billboard 200 and has since sold over 4 million copies in the US.

[2][3] The album was supported by the release of four singles, including "Slither" which topped the Billboard Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock charts.

[4][5] In 2005 the group contributed the song "Come On, Come In" to the Fantastic Four soundtrack, which was also released as a single and reached number 14 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

[5] The band also performed on a recording of "Tears in Heaven" released to benefit victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.