As previously reported, VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash (ex-GUNS N' ROSES) continues work on his new solo album 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.

In a new update Slash says that "Izzy (Stradlin; former Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist) is down here putting some rhythm guitar on a track; sounds fucking cool. This should be seriously over the top heavy."

This past weekend Slash provided the following solo album update: "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. 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."

As previously reported, the 2009 edition of Norway's Quart Festival will take place June 30th - July 4th in Kristiansand. 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.