Dave Kushner's remarkable music career has traversed a substantial period of time, spanning over three decades, with its genesis dating back to the mid-1980s.
As a talented musician, he had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the influential group Wasted Youth, playing a pivotal role in the creation of their debut album "Black Daze", a landmark release that showcased the band's distinctive sound.
Following his departure from Wasted Youth, he went on to join Infectious Grooves, a band known for their high-energy fusion of punk, rock, and metal, contributing to their inaugural album, "The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move It Say Unh Unh".
Subsequently, he embarked on a creative partnership with the band Electric Love Hogs, an ensemble that would later boast future members of Orgy and Goldfinger. Notably, they shared the stage with an early iteration of Stone Temple Pilots and embarked on a tour with L.A. Guns, despite ultimately failing to release a subsequent album.
Kushner embarked on a musical journey, initially collaborating with the renowned Danzig, prior to embarking on a creative path with 'Cyco Miko'. This stint provided a unique opportunity for Kushner to tour with the influential band 'Zilch', thereby allowing him to cross paths with the esteemed Duff McKagan, who was concurrently touring with his band 'Loaded'. Furthermore, Kushner assumed the role of musical director for Dave Navarro's touring ensemble, tasked with bringing his vision to life in support of Navarro's solo album 'Trust No One'.
Following the disbandment of Loaded, Brian Kushner embarked on a new musical endeavor, teaming up with his former Guns N' Roses bandmates to form 'The Project'. This initiative marked a significant departure from his previous musical pursuits, as he sought to create something entirely new and distinct.
The quest for a lead singer proved to be a lengthy and arduous one, with Kushner and his collaborators scouring the music landscape for the perfect vocalist. Their search finally came to an end when they discovered Scott Weiland, the renowned frontman of Stone Temple Pilots, who was known for his powerful and distinctive voice.
Weiland's past struggles with addiction and heroin use presented a significant challenge for the band, as they worked to help him overcome these demons and rediscover his passion for music. Through a process of rehabilitation and support, Weiland was able to overcome his addiction and regain his footing as a musician.
With Weiland on board, the band underwent a name change, transforming 'The Project' into 'Velvet Revolver', a moniker that reflected their newfound chemistry and creative direction. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the careers of Kushner and his bandmates, as they set out to make their mark on the music world with their unique sound and style.
The band's inaugural album, titled 'Contraband', has achieved a remarkable commercial success, with sales figures nearing the impressive milestone of four million records. This notable achievement has been accompanied by the release of three hit singles, each one contributing to the album's widespread popularity. Furthermore, 'Contraband' has garnered significant recognition within the music industry, earning a total of three Grammy nominations, with one of those nominations ultimately resulting in a prestigious award win.
