SLASH (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) has issued the following update:

"Hello out there, a little long between updates I know, but I've been busy with promo, rehearsal etc. But all is well, I just had a great little trip to Europe doing press, everybody was great. It was very productive all in all.

Its my pleasure to mention that I have finally regained control of my website from my old merch company, as I am no longer working with them. That means Slashonline.com will be active again ASAP.

Tour dates are coming together. I will have Europe, Japan & Australia dates to announce by next week. South America, Mexico and US dates will soon follow.

I'll announce the touring band next week as well. Its going to be a pretty fucking cool band to say the least.

The new Slash Model Les Paul comes out April 1st in the USA and Custom Shop limited edition models. The Epiphone version hits the stores August 1st.

The Marshall AFD is in development and coming along fantastically. We'll keep you in the loop at afd100.com. This is definitely one hell of a Marshall!

The first single from my solo record, 'By The Sword' featuring Andrew Stockdale (WOLFMOTHER) is out, so hit up your local radio station and get them to play it. Use what ever means of coercion possible!

That's it for now but I will have all the show updates and band details coming your way this week."

Slash will release the first single from his forthcoming self-titled solo album, 'By The Sword', digitally on March 28th. The single artwork can be viewed at left (click image to enlarge).

'By The Sword' is currently streaming on AOL's Spinner below.

Below is a video preview for Slash's upcoming solo album.

Slash will be released in North America on April 6th via EMI and in the UK on May 10th through Roadrunner Records. The album will be released on March 31st in Japan via Universal with an exclusive bonus DVD.

A major undertaking for Slash, he enlisted services of producing partner Eric Valentine (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS) and compiled a rhythm section of bassist Chris Chaney (JANE'S ADDICTION) and drummer Josh Freese (NINE INCH NAILS). Slash handled the majority of arranging and songwriting duties and hand-picked each guest artist. The album's guests worked collaboratively with Slash to round out the song.

"The idea was really simple in the beginning," said Slash. "These are all artists I wanted to work with – that I thought it would be amazing to do something creative and collaborative. And I was so impressed with what everyone brought to the table. They were all so committed to doing a good job. And we had a lot of fun making these songs."

Slash tracklisting with guest vocalists:

'Ghost' (Ian Astbury of THE CULT)

'Beautiful Dangerous' (Fergie of THE BLACK EYED PEAS)

'Nothing To Say' (M Shadows of AVENGED SEVENFOLD)

'Crucify The Dead' (OZZY OSBOURNE)

'Promise' (Chris Cornell of SOUNDGARDEN/AUDIOSLAVE)

'By The Sword' (Andrew Stockdale of WOLFMOTHER)

'Doctor Alibi' (Lemmy Kilmeister of MOTÖRHEAD)

'Saint Is A Sinner Too' (Rocco De Luca)

'Watch This' (Dave Grohl/Duff McKagan of FOO FIGHTERS/VELVET REVOLVER )

'I Hold On' (KID ROCK)

'Gotten' (Adam Levine)

'We're All Gonna Die' (IGGY POP)

'Starlight' (Myles Kennedy of ALTER BRIDGE)