Ours frontman Jimmy Gnecco recently disclosed details about declining an opportunity to join Velvet Revolver. He shared his story in a recent interview with Appetite For Distortion.
In the interview, Gnecco detailed his previous interactions with major rock bands seeking vocalists. These included both an early inquiry about Velvet Revolver and a subsequent offer during the band’s period of internal challenges.
“I had gotten asked about Alice in Chains at one time if I would just be interested. It wasn’t that they wanted me. It was just a question to see if I would be into doing it,” Gnecco said. “And then Velvet Revolver came up, and the timing was just bad for me to go down by when they were starting Velvet Revolver.”
Gnecco then elaborated on why he viewed the later Velvet Revolver opportunity as potentially damaging to his career.
“What was happening was they had a bunch of things booked still, and they were kind of falling apart, and they were looking to see if somebody could jump in to fill the slot to go out and do it,” he explained. “I just thought that for me, that was kind of suicide to do that, pardon the term, but career suicide.”
The singer addressed his vocal capabilities for the potential role.
“I know that vocally I could do it. I can sing those ranges and then some. Whether that’s good or bad. My range is technically a lot higher than Scott’s,” he continued. “So it would make sense that I could do it, but it was always my feeling that it’s a tough crowd.”
The timing of Gnecco’s concerns coincided with a turbulent period in Velvet Revolver’s history.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Scott Weiland’s departure in 2008 stemmed from his erratic behavior and personal issues. These problems had significantly impacted the group’s stability and future prospects.
The search for a new frontman became extensive after Weiland’s exit. Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy documented the band’s numerous auditions during this period. The group even considered Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington as a potential replacement.
The band’s methodical approach to finding a new vocalist reflected their previous achievements. Contemporary music forums noted Velvet Revolver’s significant commercial success with Weiland. This success made finding a suitable replacement particularly challenging.
Gnecco’s decision to decline the offer reflected the complex circumstances. The pressure of replacing a distinctive vocalist like Weiland combined with the band’s internal challenges posed substantial risks for any incoming singer.
