Scott Weiland
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images

After weeks of online speculation suggesting the band was on the brink of collapse, the founding members of Velvet Revolver — guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum — officially sent lead singer Scott Weiland packing Tuesday. The rumors of a Velvet Revolver split began soon after Weiland's onstage announcement two weeks ago — during a gig in Glasgow, Scotland — that the crowd in attendance that evening were witnessing something very special: the last-ever Velvet Revolver tour.

Velvet Revolver announced their decision to fire Weiland in a press release issued just as the rockers were playing the last notes of their final performance with the Stone Temple Pilots frontman in Amsterdam. Slash cited Weiland's lack of commitment, "increasingly erratic onstage behavior and personal problems" as reasons for the dismissal. There is still no word on whether the band plans to continue with a new singer.

Surprisingly, an entire night passed without Weiland responding — but really, it wasn't a question of if he would issue his own retort, but when. In an e-mail sent exclusively to MTV News Wednesday morning, Weiland fired back at his erstwhile bandmates, and pulled no punches in his attack of the Revolver.

"After reading the comment by Duff, Matt, Dave and the illustrious 'Guitar Hero,' Saul Hudson, a.k.a. Slash, I find it humorous that the so-called four 'founding members' of Velvet Revolver, better known to themselves as 'the Project' before I officially named the band, would decide to move on without me after I had already claimed the group dead in the water on March 20 in Glasgow," Weiland explained. "In response to Slash's comment regarding my commitment [to the band], I have to say it is a blatant and tired excuse to cover up the truth. The truth of the matter is that the band had not gotten along on multiple levels for some time. On a musical level, there were moments of joy, inspiration, fun ... at times. But let's not forget the multiple trips to rehab every member of the band had taken (with the exception of one member — no need to mention his name).

"Personally speaking, I choose to look forward to the future and performing with a group of friends I have known my entire life, people who have always had my back," Weiland continued. "This also speaks to my commitment to my music and my fellow bandmates in [Stone Temple Pilots] and to the fans who I feel would much rather watch a group of musicians who enjoy being together as opposed to a handful of discontents who at one time used to call themselves a gang."

In conclusion, Weiland warned fans not to be "fooled by veiled trickery," and even wished Velvet Revolver his best. "Good hunting, lads — I think Sebastian Bach would be a fantastic choice." Former Skid Row singer Bach, who has also performed on Broadway and been a regular on VH1 in recent years, was in the running to be Velvet Revolver's lead singer in its early days.

Now, Weiland will turn his energies to the re-formed Stone Temple Pilots, who are expected to reveal details of a full-scale summer tour during a news conference next week. As for Velvet Revolver's future, Slash has said in a number of recent interviews that there would be a third LP from the band, and that Weiland's characterization of the band's European tour as its last was simply untrue.

Who do you think should replace Weiland in Velvet Revolver? Sammy Hagar? Chris Cornell? Courtney Love? Axl Rose? Comment us below!

• Velvet Revolver
• Scott Weiland
• Sebastian Bach

Steven Adler & Sebastian Bach
Photo: Courtesy of Steven Adler

Though he's out of the running for the ex-Guns N' Roses band Velvet Revolver, Sebastian Bach got his GN'R fix recently when he teamed up with former Guns drummer Steven Adler. Adler's band — which also features members of Slash's Snakepit, Ratt and Faster Pussycat — is called Adler's Appetite, to reflect its penchant for playing songs off of Appetite for Destruction. Bach took the mic during the group's set at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas on May 31. ...

Speaking of ex-Gunners, founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin has finished his sixth solo album, Like a Dog. Clips of two songs, "Hammerhead" and "Bomb," have been posted on his Web site. Meanwhile, Gilby Clarke, who replaced Stradlin in GN'R, will perform with Heart on "The Tonight Show" on Tuesday. ... Former Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons joined Eddie Vedder and his old mates onstage in Irvine, California, Tuesday for a cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World." Matt Cameron replaced Irons in 1998, just before the band embarked on a tour to support Yield. ...

Former Smiths singer Morrissey has begun working on his first album in five years. The Mozzer's follow-up to Maladjusted is due on the newly resurrected Attack label. ... "Creatures (For a While)" will be the first single from 311's new album, Evolver, due July 22. The song will hit the airwaves on June 30. ... Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am told the Los Angeles Times he's working on a second solo album, with appearances by KRS-One, MC Lyte and others. The project will be released on the London club label Barely Breaking Even. ... The Wallflowers will embark on an 18-date acoustic tour July 11 in San Diego. Jakob Dylan and company continue to support last year's Red Letter Days on the trek, which wraps July 27 in Boulder, Colorado. ...

Damion Hall of the R&B group Guy called in to New York radio station WBLS-FM on Friday (June 6) to dispel rumors of his demise. "I'm definitely here, I'm alive and awake," Hall said. "It's amazing how people want to make up stories to create a rumor or for them to get some steam. ... Everybody that has been worried or confused, I am here, I'm alive, I'm well." ... The first glimpse of what a reunited original lineup of Duran Duran sounds like is available online, where an unmixed demo of the new song "What Happens Tomorrow" has been leaked. Sample lyrics: "We can't wait for a savior/ Only got ourselves to blame for this behavior." The band has yet to sign a label deal but has booked a few shows this summer, including a July 16 gig at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, and a July 17 concert at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas. ...

Versatile Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5 recently worked with songwriter James Michael on a song for the next Garbage album. Last year Michael and Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx co-wrote the Saliva single "Rest in Pieces." Afterward, Garbage's Butch Vig asked Michael to pen him a tune. ... "The Sopranos" star Jamie-Lynn Sigler will perform the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, while KC & the Sunshine Band will provide three songs of halftime entertainment for Game 4 on Wednesday, including the disco hits "Get Down Tonight" and "That's the Way (I Like It.)" The additions join previously announced performers Lisa Marie Presley, Jewel and Phish for the NBA Finals, which pit the San Antonio Spurs against the New Jersey Nets. ...

Four songs from the last concert John Entwistle played with the Who before he died will be released as a bonus disc of a live double-CD due July 22. The freebie will feature "I'm Free," "Young Man Blues," "Summertime Blues" and "I Don't Even Know Myself" recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall last year. The other two discs will be composed of a benefit show the band played for the Teenage Cancer Trust at Royal Albert Hall in November 2000. Guest appearances were made by Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder, Bryan Adams, Oasis' Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller and Stereophonics' Kelly Jones. ...

06.05.03

Metallica will be the focus of an upcoming car-combat game that will feature music, voiceovers and creative input from the band. The still-untitled game will be created by Vivendi Universal Games in collaboration with Segnana Inc., and will be released sometime in 2005. ...

Korn frontman Jonathan Davis won't just be singing about killers and mutants on this year's Ozzfest, he'll be bringing them out on the road. The tour will feature an exhibit of Davis' twisted art, rare artifacts, weapons and other memorabilia focusing on death and darkness. The exhibition will be called "The End" and will be housed in a mobile facility with almost 1,000 square feet of gallery space. Admission will be charged. ... Several rockers — including Good Charlotte, the Used, the Faint, Goldfinger and the Desaparecidos — are donating tracks to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for its new compilation album, Liberation: Songs to Benefit PETA. The LP — produced by Fat Mike of NOFX for his label Fat Wreck Chords — hits stores this summer. It's available now at www.peta2.com. ...

Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell is scheduled to perform Thursday (June 5) in Atlanta, along with Kelly Price, Cee-Lo and Joi, at the second annual Atlanta Heroes Awards, which will honor James Brown and members of TLC. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy's professional arts education programs and the MusiCares Foundation. ... Jessica Simpson has written a book called "I Do: Achieving Your Dream Wedding," which can be purchased at www.jessicasimpsonbook.com. The hardback, about her recent nuptials to Nick Lachey, also comes with a DVD. ...

America's Sweetheart isn't bringing Courtney Love any closer to her British fans. Love has canceled appearances at the U.K.'s Reading (August 24) and Leeds (August 22) festivals, opting instead to dedicate the time to working on her first album in four years. ... Pulp's Jarvis Cocker has gone goth with his new project Relaxed Muscle. Last week the singer appeared in ghoulish skeleton garb and called himself Darren Spooner at a secret gig in London. The group is expected to release its full-length debut on the U.K.'s Rough Trade imprint in late summer. ...

"Kings of the Road" Fu Manchu will release the double live album Go For It ... Live on July 22. The California quartet, with a decade of meaty, driving stoner rock under its collective belt, recorded the disc in Stockholm, Sweden, and Los Angeles, two stops on their 2002 California Crossing world tour. ... "Damn!," the Lil Jon-produced first single from the Youngbloodz's second album, Drankin' Patnaz, will hit radio outlets June 30. Benny Boom (Nelly) co-directed the video, along with Jermaine Dupri, who executive-produced the album. ...

A London judge ruled Thursday that "shizzle my nizzle" are not offensive lyrics. Andrew Alcee sued the Heartless Crew for their remix of the 2001 garage hit "Burnin," claiming "derogatory treatment" of his copyright. ... Verizon Communications' request to stay, or postpone, a subpoena ordering their Internet services branch to identify two subscribers accused of engaging in illegal file-sharing was denied Wednesday by the U.S. Court of Appeals. The company is expected to surrender the names to the RIAA in a day or two but vowed to continue to fight the recording industry in court over the how to handle online piracy. ...

• Sebastian Bach
• Izzy Stradlin
• Pearl Jam
• Morrissey
• 311

Scott Weiland
Photo: Jason Campbell

Just three weeks after their television performance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," metal and fan sites on the Internet are buzzing about who will be the lead singer of "The Project" — a group composed of ex-Guns N' Roses members who've yet to find a name. On the short list? Sebastian Bach and Scott Weiland.

The band — which features Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum — most recently performed "Paradise City" with guest vocalists B Real and Sen Dog from Cypress Hill at the end of March, and also played a short set with guest vocalist Gina Gershon at a Sundance party in January (see "Gina Gershon Fronts Ex-GN'R Members At Sundance Concert"), but speculation about a more permanent frontman is centering on two top candidates (see "Former Guns N' Roses Members Form Band, Don't Rule Out Courtney Love As Singer").

Bach has the most buzz, since he posted a few oblique comments in early April on his Web site that suggested he was about to join a new band. Following an explanation of why he was no longer in the touring production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the former Skid Row singer wrote that he had been "working with one of the biggest bands in the world and will now pursue that collaboration with full force." He later elaborated with a second post that bragged less and revealed a bit more. "I am jamming with some well-known friends of mine," he wrote, "but I have no control over what is gonna happen with that. We shall see."

Bach wasn't specific, but recent news of his audition for the Project lent weight to the possibility that Bach's "biggest band" and his "well-known friends" from Guns N' Roses were one and the same. The rumor was also supposedly confirmed on a fan site for Izzy Stradlin, who is not an official member of the Project but has been collaborating in their songwriting process. Following the posts on Bach's Web site, in a post on www.izzy-stradlin.com, Stradlin said, "Sebastian Bach has announced on his official web site that he is working with the Project!"

While he never named the band outright, Bach's posts also opened him up to some ridicule for his use of hyperbole. "You're working with Metallica? Linkin Park? Aerosmith? The Rolling Stones? Kiss?," wrote cynical Metal Sludge columnist "Ozzy Stillbourne." "Oh — are you referring to Slash's Snakepit Part 2? Yeah, I know when I think of one of the biggest bands in the world I think of Slash's singerless band (sarcasm mode turned off)."

Despite the conflicting reactions of glee and outrage at the supposed news of Bach joining the band, Slash's camp is quick to note that the band continues to audition other possible singers, and that no one has been selected yet. Slash spokesperson Arlett Vereecke confirmed that Sebastian Bach is in the running along with 500 other hopefuls (see "Not Another Reality Show: Ex-Guns N' Roses Members Document Singer Search"). Another source close to Slash said that while Bach does have a great position, it is not definite and several other singers are on the 'A' list.

According to a source close to the Project, the name at the top of the 'A' list is Scott Weiland. News of the Stone Temple Pilots singer's audition broke late last week. Before this audition, Weiland was said to have begun work on his second solo album with producer Josh Abraham. That could be put on hold if he wins the gig. "You don't bring in Weiland if there is no chance that he would be selected," a source close to Slash said. (Which singer do you think should be the new frontman for the Project? Take our poll.)

One sign that signals Weiland has the lead over other candidates is his inclusion on work submitted by the Project for soundtrack consideration. "They just did some songs and presented it to film companies," Vereecke said. At least one of those tracks feature Weiland's vocals.

One problem — besides Weiland's possible commitments to his band and his solo work — could prevent Weiland's further participation. Sources close to the Project and to Weiland say that the singer is either in or about to enter a 30-day rehab program. "They're leaning toward Weiland," the source close to the Project said, "provided he wants to do it when he gets out of rehab. They're trying to reach out to help with his sobriety."

Weiland's label spokesperson said STP are "on hiatus" and that "we are not aware of Weiland's specific activites at this time."

What about other singers still waiting for a callback? Besides previously reported hopefuls, Travis Meeks (Days of the New), Mike Matijevic (vocals for Mark Wahlberg's character in "Rock Star," Steelheart, Steel Dragon), and Todd Kerns (Age of Electric, Static in Stereo, Todd Kerns Oddity) are now on the list. It was rumored that Mike Patton from Faith No More and Butch Walker from Marvelous 3 were asked to try out, but both supposedly declined.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row
• Slash
• Stone Temple Pilots
• Guns N' Roses

Marilyn Manson recently shot scenes for "Beat the Devil," the next film from director Tony Scott ("True Romance"), which co-stars Gary Oldman ("Bram Stoker's Dracula") and James Brown. "I am proud to have gotten a signature from the Godfather of Soul on my very own Bible," Manson posted on his Web site. ... Sebastian Bach has signed to star in a year-long national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar," beginning November 1 in California, according to the hard rocker's Web site. The former Skid Row frontman has previously appeared on stage in Broadway's "Jekyll & Hyde" and "The Rocky Horror Show." ...

Robbie Williams emerged victorious from a case to evict a cybersquatter who was using www.robbiewilliams.info to direct users to Oasis' Web site, according to Reuters. Howard Taylor of Southampton, England, who said his intention was to use the URL as a fan site for Williams and made the Oasis link as a joke, was required by the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization to transfer the site to Williams. ... Eleven previously unreleased tracks by crooner Jeff Buckley will be released on October 15. The album, Songs to No One, was culled from demos and live performances Buckley recorded with Gods and Monsters founder Gary Lucas. ...

Guitarist Erik Rutan has parted ways with death metal standard bearers Morbid Angel in order to focus on Hate Eternal, a project he formed in 1996. "Being in Morbid Angel for the past nine years has been the greatest time in my life," Rutan said in a statement released via Earache Records, home to both bands. ... Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted will be releasing a split CD from two of his long-running projects — IR8 and Sexoturica — through his own Chophouse imprint, according to the label's Web site. IR8 features Newsted, Tom Hunting of the Bay Area thrash band Exodus and Canadian Strapping Young Lad mastermind Devin Townsend, while Sexoturica includes Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser. ...

The Rolling Stones played a surprise gig in Toronto on Thursday at the Palais Royale, treating lucky fans to such Stones classics as "Wild Horses." The band has been rehearsing at a Toronto school for its upcoming world tour that kicks off on September 3 in Boston. ... Sheryl Crow, Sting, John Mellencamp and Don Henley have been confirmed to play both "Music to My Ears: In Celebration of Timothy White" concerts on October 7 in Boston and October 8 in New York. The concerts, benefiting the family of the late Billboard editor-in-chief, will also feature James Taylor and Billy Joel in Boston and Jimmy Buffet and Brian Wilson in New York, among others. ...

Course of Nature, newcomers who are currently touring with Nickelback, will appear in season premiere of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" on the WB on September 20. In the episode, Sabrina encounters the band (fronted by Melissa Joan Hart's real-life boyfriend Mark Wilkerson) at their rehearsal space, playing their single "Caught in the Sun." ... Glenn Lewis' duet with Amel Larrieux, "What's Come Over Me," will be the third single from the "Barbershop" soundtrack, due August 27. Lewis' Hennessy Privilege Music Tour with Kelly Price and Dave Hollister kicks off September 25, ... Eddie Money, Loverboy and Survivor will hit the road on what is being dubbed the Triple Shot of Rock Tour. Opening night is August 22 in Cleveland. ...

08.16.02

Backstreet Boy Nick Carter has pushed the release of his debut solo album, Now or Never, back a week to October 29. "Help Me," the first single from the LP that features tracks written by Carter, the Matrix, Mark Taylor, Steve Mac, Max Martin and Rami, will hit radio on August 20. ... P. Diddy has started his own market research company, called Blue Mindset, which will release a national survey on a different topic each week, according to the Associated Press. Last week's debut poll was a survey on the national economy, while this week's was about September 11. ... 8Ball & MJG, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Lil' Jon & the Eastside Boys and Lady May are going on the road together for the Grey Goose Vodka Music Tour. Starting on September 17 at New York City's BB King's and ending on October 14 at Club Level in Miami, the tour has 19 confirmed dates so far. ...

LIFEbeat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a benefit concert featuring the Hives, Jimmy Eat World, Sugarcult and Pete Yorn on August 28 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. Tickets and updates of performers are available at Lifebeat.org, the organization's official Web site. ... India.Arie played a free show in New York's Bryant Park on Wednesday night, according to the Associated Press. The thousands of fans who turned out for the event were treated to a preview of some new songs from the songstress' follow-up to Acoustic Soul, due next month. ...

On the heels of the release of their second single from The Guest, "Lonely Day," Phantom Planet will headline an East Coast U.S. tour beginning September 2 in Chicago and ending in Plainview, New York, on September 20. They will then tour as the opening act for Elvis Costello & the Attractions beginning September 23 in Seattle and wrapping up October 7 in Houston. ...Nickelback lead the nominees for the Prairie Music Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with four honors including Entertainer of the Year. Prairie Music Week kicks off on September 26 and ends with a bang with the awards show on September 29. ...

Melissa Auf Der Maur's new project Hand of Doom, a Black Sabbath tribute band that features the ex-Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist on lead vocals, will release their debut album on October 22. The band also boasts Nick Oliveri (Queens of the Stone Age) handling Ronnie James Dio's lead vocals on "Mob Rule," Pedro Yanowitz (ex-Wallflowers/ Natalie Merchant drummer) behind the kit, Guy Stevens on guitar, Joey Garfield as DJ and Molly R. Stern on bass. ... Kevin Murray, the California senator working closely with Don Henley and the Recording Artists Coalition, has pulled back the state bill he introduced in January that would have abolished the music industry's exemption to a state law that prevents contracts from lasting more than seven years. Murray now plans to introduce a broader legislative package on artists' rights next year that will address accounting practices and health care and pension benefits.

• Marilyn Manson
• Sebastian Bach
• Robbie Williams
• Jeff Buckley
• Loverboy

Sebastian Bach
Photo: Spitfire

Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach had a stroke of luck last week when the bartender he was accused of attacking failed to show up to court.

Bach (born Sebastian Bierk) was in a New Jersey municipal court on July 22, facing charges of making terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct, which were dismissed, as well as drug possession charges, for which he was sentenced to one year of supervision.

The rocker was arrested in mid-March in Middletown, New Jersey, where he was accused of escalating a bar fight by threatening to get a gun and shoot a bartender (see ).

After arresting Bach, Middletown police found five grams of marijuana and four packets of rolling papers on him. Additional charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia were then added.

While the charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct were dismissed for "lack of prosecution," the drug possession charges were not contingent on the bartender's testimony. Instead of entering a plea, Bach applied for a conditional discharge.

As part of New Jersey's probation supervision program, which gives courts a sentencing alternative for first-time drug offenders, applicants can have their matter diverted from the normal criminal process by completing a period of supervision, which ranges from a minimum of six months to a maximum of three years. The Middletown Township Court granted Bach his conditional discharge, charging him $860 and setting his period of supervision at one year.

"Barring he has no problems within the next year, the charges will be dismissed," said Bach's attorney, Frank DeSevo.

Probation supervision usually consists of having the offender maintain regular contact via office visits and urine tests. Offenders are also usually required to adhere to rules of regular probation and may be required to complete additional conditions, such as counseling or community service. The terms of Bach's conditional discharge remain to be set, DeSevo said.

According to Bach's Web site, he's currently working on a new album and DVD, but his publicist had no release information for either project. Bach also plans on appearing in a California production of the rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar," his attorney said, though his publicist cautioned that "nothing [is] firm with that yet."

• Sebastian Bach

Sebastian Bach
Photo: Spitfire

After being arrested for drug possession, disorderly conduct and for making terrorist threats on Wednesday, former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach issued a statement on Saturday asking people not to jump to conclusions without knowing his side of the story.

What that side of the story is remains unknown, as Bach, whose real name is Sebastian Bierk, didn't address specifics of the incident, deciding instead to save that story for court.

"There is a report in the press about an unfortunate incident that occurred three nights ago in a restaurant," the statement reads, referring to a bar fight that caused his arrest at the Lincroft Inn in New Jersey (see "Sebastian Bach Arrested For Drugs, Threats In Bar Scuffle"). "In this country, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and I ask everyone to consider that, when reading press reports about the incident. I look forward to proceeding with this matter in a legal setting, where the truth will become known."

Police in Middletown, New Jersey, said that Bach allegedly shoved and threatened to shoot a bartender who had refused to allow him outside with a drink. According to the police report, police also found five grams of marijuana and four packets of rolling papers in the singer's jacket.

Bach posted $10,000 in bail and was released from the Monmouth County Correctional Facility on Thursday. The case was transferred from the Middletown Township Court to Monmouth County Court, which has yet to set a court date.

The Lincroft Inn staff, Bach publicist Carol Kaye and Bach's wife/manager, Maria Bierk, declined to comment.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

Sebastian Bach
Photo: MTV News

Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach was taken into police custody for making terrorist threats and for drug possession on Wednesday.

Police in Middletown, New Jersey, said that what started as a simple bar fight got serious when Bach, whose real name is Sebastian Bierk, threatened to get a gun and shoot a bartender at the Lincroft Inn, a threat police say Bach continued to make even after his initial arrest for disorderly conduct.

Witnesses told police that Bach initially wanted to go outside for a smoke and a bartender wouldn't allow him to take his drink outside. According to witness accounts, Bach then shoved the bartender, and other bar patrons jumped in to stop the scuffle. Once Bach was removed to an area near the kitchen doors, he allegedly told the people holding him that he wanted to go home, get a gun, come back and shoot the bartender as well as others with whom he had the initial fight. "Don't you know who I am?" witnesses say he asked them.

Once authorities arrived, close to 9 p.m., Bach was asked to calm down and lower his voice. According to the police report, he refused, continuing to curse at the bartender and even asking to be arrested. Upon searching him, police found two bags — or five grams' worth — of marijuana and four packets of rolling papers.

At the Middletown precinct, police say Bach continued his verbal tirade, directing it at the detectives attempting to explain the charges against him. Police said he yelled, "F--- you, cops, you're all a bunch of f---ing idiots." Police asked if he understood why he was arrested, and Bach replied, "Yeah, because I like to smoke a lot of weed."

"While he was in the holding cell, though, he had a very serious look on his face," Sgt. Joe Capriotti said. "And he continued to make threats. He said, 'I'm going to go shoot [the bartender]. No, I'm going to go beat him up and then shoot him. Wait 'til you see what I do.' "

Because Bach allegedly continued to make threats, police called a judge who increased Bach's bail to $10,000, Capriotti said. "That's a pretty high amount for a bar fight," he said. Bach posted the bail and was released from the Monmouth County Correctional Facility on Thursday. A court date remains to be set.

The Lincroft Inn staff, Bach publicist Carol Kaye and Bach's wife/manager, Maria Bierk, declined to comment.

Bach was previously arrested and tried on charges of mayhem, two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault and battery following an incident at a concert in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Skid Row was opening for Aerosmith on December 27, 1989. In that case, Bach also faced $10,000 bail, which he posted at the time of his arrest. He later received three years probation.

In that incident, Bach was accused of attacking concertgoers by tossing a bottle from the stage and then leaping into the crowd. One person was kicked in the head, and another, a 17-year-old female, was hit in the face, breaking her nose and skull. Bach returned to the stage to finish the gig after the scuffle, in which he said was antagonized by some of the concertgoers in attendance, one of whom had hit him with a bottle, which is why Bach said he threw it back into the crowd. The incident was caught on videotape.

Five years after Skid Row imploded (see "Bach Skids to a Halt"), Bach revitalized his career by appearing on Broadway in runs of "The Rocky Horror Show" and "Jekyll & Hyde" (see "Sebastian Bach: Kickin' Broadway's Ass"). He's now the host of VH1's "Forever Wild," which airs Friday nights at midnight, and has shows booked at New Jersey's Stone Pony for March 29 and 30.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

• Sebastian Bach

It was the kind of news story that you e-mail to friends for a chuckle: "Sebastian Bach Does Broadway."

Yes, the very same Sebastian Bach whose multi-platinum success was exceeded only by his bad-boy hijinks as the lead singer of Skid Row was headed to the somewhat tamer world of musical theater. But after garnering nothing but standing ovations since assuming the lead in "Jekyll & Hyde" earlier this month, Bach is the one doing most of the chuckling.

"In rock and roll, you get limos, beautiful girls, booze... I miss it," Bach joked as he relaxed in his limo after a recent show with a cold beer in one hand and his wife in the other. The singer, his wife, and some select friends were being whisked off to a cast party at New York's Harley-Davidson Café last week which was staged to welcome Bach to the fold.

While he seems to be easing into the role of Broadway star, Bach never really saw the move to theater as an easy one. The frontman and his lanky, tattooed frame and long, party-ready locks were on the road touring behind Bach's solo album "Bring 'Em Bach Alive" when the call came to audition for "Jekyll & Hyde." After playing the House Of Blues in Hollywood, Bach flew to Manhattan to try out for the role.

"I just walked in, and if you're going to try out five guys and you're going to have a scream-off, I will win," [RealVideo] Bach recalled. The singer notes that he "screamed [his] gonads off" and returned to the road unsure of his Broadway fate.

"We were in New Orleans, and my agent called me and said, 'Can I ask you a question? How does it feel to wake up today and be a Broadway leading man?'" Bach recalled.

But when the party was over, Bach worried that perhaps his golden pipes had written a check that his acting chops couldn't cash. "To be honest with you, I didn't think I could memorize that many words."

He buckled down, rehearsed scenes with his bandmates and crew members while touring, and eventually settled into the dual role, though he notes that he feels more at home in the role of the murderous rogue Hyde than his prim and proper alter ego Dr. Henry Jekyll.

"I realized that if you set your mind to something, dreams can come true... and a couple of nightmares as well," Bach said.

So far, the singer-turned-thespian is garnering rave reviews from his theater-trained castmates, as well as the fans who turn up outside the stage door of the Plymouth Theater each night looking for autographs and snapshots.

"I was a fan of his before this, but oh my God, he was incredible," Lisa Margaroli said after catching Bach's act. Margaroli (who lists "I Remember You" as her favorite Skid Row song, for the record) remembered getting the news that Bach would be hitting Broadway, and said, "I was like, 'I'm going no matter what. Whether it's great, whether it's bad, I'm going,' but he's fabulous."

Bach's unlikely Broadway success is even more impressive given the fact that just across the street, three-time Emmy winner and "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer could not keep a production of "Macbeth" afloat for more than a few weeks.

"Maybe he should start a band, go out on the road for a couple months, and try it again," Bach said.

As for Sebastian, he'll be hitting the boards in "Jekyll & Hyde" though October.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

After making the rounds in support of his recently released solo effort, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach will spend his summer on Broadway.

• 5/2 - Louisville, KY @ Coyote's
• 5/3 - Lexington, KY @ A1A
• 5/4 - Nashville, TN @ 328 Hall
• 5/5 - Chatanooga, TN @ The Bay
• 5/6 - Charlottsville, VA @ Trax
• 5/7 - Pasadena, MD @ Daytona's
• 5/9 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
• 5/10 - Manchester, NH @ Chantilly's
• 5/11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
• 5/12 - Sea Bright, NJ @ Tradewinds
• 5/13 - Plainview, NY @ The Vanderbilt

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row