MTV news recently interviewed former Guns N� Roses guitarist Slash about his new band and his take on the Guns N Roses tour that has already sparked some controversy. 

When asked about his new group, that also features former Guns N� Roses members Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Matt Sorum, Slash says that they are still looking for a vocalist.  Lit�s A.Jay Popoff, Neurotica�s Kelly Shaefer and Broken�s lead vocalist Shelly are among those who are rumored to be on the shortlist for the vocalist slot. 

Below is an excerpt from the MTV article/interview with Slash:

"This is f---ing poor man's 'American Idol,' " he [Slash] laughed . "I'll know it when I hear it. Right off the bat, I'll know. We're just trying to find a really great f---ing rock and roll singer, and it's really hard to find anybody that you'd consider genuine, and it's also somebody who's got to fit in with us. It's not impossible, but it's not easy. It could be somebody known, or somebody unknown, who's just a star and doesn't know it."

Female contenders aren't being ruled out, either, Slash added. "If we got a girl that sounded like Janis Joplin crossed with Joan Jett with a bit of Tina Turner, that would be rocking," he said. "That would be an unprecedented move, because no one would expect that. But just not that many girls have actually applied." 

What about Courtney Love, who's got the rock wail down, and might also be looking for a gig?  "It's funny, we were joking about that yesterday," Slash said, "but I just don't see her being into it, all things considered. But you know what? We haven't exhausted that idea, let's put it that way."

What about Axl Rose�s controversial show cancellation earlier this month?  When asked about it, Slash told MTV News, �"Nothing surprises me. When he really has all his sh-- together, Axl is brilliant, so it'll be happening. It just takes him a while to get around to it. As far as showing up to gigs? That's all par for the course. We've all seen that movie. What better way to kick off a Guns N' Roses tour than to miss the first gig?"

Click here to read the full MTV News report and interview with Slash

In somewhat related news Kelly Shaefer has announced that Neurotica is no more. Shaefer who is one of the leading contenders to front the new group featuring Slash, Izzy, Duff and Matt Sorum Posted the following message on the official Neurotica website:

Kelly Shaefer has formally disbanded Neurotica in spite of being named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 10 bands of Ozzfest 2002. Neuroticahad recently asked to be let out of their contract with the WWE's Smackdown Records when it became apparent that Smackdown was unwilling to market and promote music other than compilation and wrestling themed recordings. Shaefer was recently in L.A.'s Rumbo Studios cutting vocal tracks with ex-Guns and Roses members, Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Matt Sorum. In addition, Shaefer has begun writing and auditioning players for his own, yet unnamed, new band. WATCH FOR IT IN EARLY 2003
 

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