VELVET REVOLVER Drummer Loses His 'Best Friend And Soulmate'

VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum (ex-GUNS N' ROSES) has posted the following message in the "Diary" section of the group's web site:

"Hello all of you loyal VELVET REVOLVER fans. It's Matt here making my second entry into my diary. Have been on tour in Europe around three weeks now. The shows have been amazing.

"We started in Denmark at a festival. Beautiful outdoor gig. Then onto Helsinki, Finland. The weather has been outstanding. The Finish people don't get much nice weather so people were in the streets. Scott [Weiland] and I were walking and listening to classical musicians in the square of Helsinki. Astounding musicians. Then we headed to Stockholm, Sweden.

"To this day in all of my travels I don't think I have ever seen so many beautiful women. Perfect summer there. Out on the town both nights surrounded by stunning Swedish babes. I was loving it. Hit a place called Cafe Opera. Then to my homeland of Norway. Played Oslo, about a hundred miles outside of Oslo is a town called Sorumsand. My father's side is Norwegian so I definitely feel a connection to this beautiful place and its people. After Norway headed to Brussels. Out on the town that night with Scott, Mary, Dave, his wife Christine. A gig in Berlin after that. Great gig followed by the most tragic news I have ever had to hear.

"After finishing the encore Duff walked me outside to tell me that my best friend and soul mate, Drac, my black Lab, had passed away back in Los Angeles. I was crushed. I've had him for over 10 years not even realizing he had died on his 11th birthday. He was always so clever. Needless to say the next few gigs for me were very difficult. I know there are a lot of you out there that understand. I got Drac when he was 8 weeks old while still in GNR. That beautiful boy went through everything with me: The breakup of GUNS, I was married once so he comforted me during my divorce, my drug and alcohol problems, rehab, some bad times. But on a more up note he also lived life like a rock star!!!!!

"At my Malibu house he shared my pool with many naked women. I would say Drac has probably seen more beautiful naked women than most guys I know!!! Not to sound sick but he's probably kissed more, too. When I moved to Beachwood Canyon near the Hollywood Sign I threw crazy parties that became legendary in Hollywood. We would have great jam sessions with members of ALICE IN CHAINS, MARILYN MANSON, Steven Stills, Tommy Lee, Randy Castillo, Slash of course. Any many, many more.

"Drac was there for it all. So by remembering him that way it is easier to deal with even though. His loss is the worst I've ever experience. Being that I can't go home, I've arranged that Drac take his final ride in a black stretch limousine. I know Drac was aware of my happiness with my new band and I think let go knowing that everything is going to be alright with me now. I am going to get his name tattooed on my arm as a reminder of his love and understanding. His sensitivity and sweetness. Long live the greatest rock and roll dog of all times DRAC SORUM!

"Just played Vienna. On our way to Munich.

"Remember. Be good to one another and keep rockin'!"