VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash (ex-GUNS N' ROSES) has issued an update on the recording process for his new solo album, which he is working on with former NINE INCH NAILS drummer Josh Freese and ex-JANE'S ADDICTION bassist Chris Chaney. Confirmed guest singers so far include OZZY OSBOURNE and AVENGED SEVENFOLD's M. Shadows.

"I've been really busy with recording etc," Slash begins. "I haven't been keeping in touch.

Outside of working on the record things have been quiet. No VR updates as of this writing, but I'm anxious to see something happen with an amazing frontman for the band in the not too distant future, whoever that might be.

My gig at the Quart Fest is coming up in Norway, June 30th. Which, is starting to come together. I'll post who all's playing next week, but it's a great line-up and the songs so far are shaping up to be a really great set.

As far as the record goes, we're almost done with vocals, two more songs left and a couple odds and ends. Then, I can stand back and see what we've got. It is a fucking awesome ensemble, that much I do know, with brilliant performances from each and every singer. I do hope to have a release date soon, but I can assure you, as I said before, it won't be this year. It will, most definitely, be out be very early in the new year. Even though the recording process is almost done, the legal logistics involved with so many different artists takes a minute to iron out.

When the record is released I plan on posting what gear was used on what songs; guitars, amps etc. Although, most of it was done with one guitar and two amps. A lot of interesting mike set-ups though. The record is being recorded analog as well, this might be one of the last rock n' roll records to be recorded that way, no joke. So, of course, I have to release it on vinyl, as well as CD.

Right then, I guess that's it. I'll have the Quart Fest line-up for you guys next week and anything else that comes up as well, have a good one."

As previously reported, the 2009 edition of Norway's Quart Festival will take place June 30th - July 4th in Kristiansand. VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist SLASH (& FRIENDS) will headline the first night of the festival with OZZY OSBOURNE and newly announced guests LED ZEPPELIN drummer Jason Bonham and THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Ron Wood.

Organizers comment: "We are pleased that drummer Jason Bonham and Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood are appearing on the same stage as Slash and Ozzy. This is simply a legendary meeting that we have not seen before."

Hard rock/metal-friendly acts confirmed for Quart 2009 now include: MARILYN MANSON, KORN, CHRIS CORNELL, VOLBEAT and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN.

Further festival details can be found here.