SCOTT WEILAND Defends Use Of NAZI SS Hat, Says It 'Symbolizes Loss Of Democracy'

Launch Radio Networks is reporting that VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland made the German branch of the band's label, Sony BMG Music, uneasy after executives there learned that Weiland had recently been wearing a Nazi SS hat onstage. According to NewYorkMetro.com, a letter from the German office to the U.S. office read in part, "We absolutely don't want to interfere in how our artists dress (but) any kind of wearing/ presenting Nazi symbols in public is strictly forbidden by law in Germany and can lead to getting arrested!"

Weiland responded, "The Nazi SS hat that I wear in fact symbolizes the loss of democracy and the shift to totalitarianism...one could make an argument that indeed the government of the U.S. is evolving into, or is already, a fascist police state, hiding under the guise of a republic."

Although Weiland's struggles with drugs threatened his involvement with VELVET REVOLVER early in the band's existence, drummer Matt Sorum told Launch it wouldn't be the same group without him. "As soon as Scott came on board, it definitely took on a more contemporary feel, you know, 'cause it could've gone another way if we would've gotten another singer, you know," Sorum said. "That's the reason we waited so long, and it wasn't an easy task, but we knew we had to do the right thing as far as the frontman, because, you know, it could've been sort of a quick 'go out there and do the whole retro vibe' and then it's over, you know."

VELVET REVOLVER has contributed a brand new song called "Come On, Come In" to the soundtrack to the upcoming movie "The Fantastic Four", which arrives in stores on July 5th.

The group is still scheduled to perform at the Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park on July 2.

The band will play some headlining shows in mid-August and appear on the final eight dates of this summer's Ozzfest, beginning on August 23.