Perhaps never before has such predictability promised such popularity.

GNR + STP = VR

Yes, my friends, it's just that easy.

Perhaps already sensing the inevitable meltdown of Velvet Revolver -- catch 'em while you can, kids -- Slash was a strutting, swaggering, all-or-nothing marvel at the 9:30 club Thursday, leading his much-hyped throwback band through a power-chords-aplenty 75-minute set that had a sold-out all-ages crowd of aggressive guys (and a few understandably skittish gals) eager to bang their heads -- and any other nearby noggins, as well.

After all, this is an LA-born band, and its sole function is to sell the naughty lifestyle of the Sunset Strip.

... Here's hoping Slash's next doomed band is just as entertaining.

This band is profiled in the Frontline program "The Way The Music Died."

Something to sample if you are into LA rock.

Axl keeps threatening to release another GNR album. That's unlikely, and if he does it will suck. These guys are certainly good for some drama, and maybe even an overdose. Someone must keep VH1 busy documenting something.

Who knows.. Maybe they will be able to keep it together long enough to make a rock album that doesn't suck, that manages to be unique. Its possible, damnit. I can't deal with anymore of this White Stripes Iggy Pop ripoff shit.

Velvet Revolver, Making a Bang