According to Splat, AVENGED SEVENFOLD frontman M. Shadows has spoken out in support of GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose in his war of words with his former GUNS bandmates and VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland.

Rose lambasted VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan and guitarist Slash, claiming that the latter called Weiland a "fraud" and McKagan "spineless" in an early morning meeting at Rose's house last year. Weiland, in turn, called Rose a "fat, Botox-faced, wig-wearin' fuck." Scott wrote that Rose had an "unoriginal, uncreative little mind, the same mind that had to rely on its bandmates to write melodies and lyrics — who's the fraud now?"

Commented M. Shadows, "I feel Axl is a better singer, GUNS N' ROSES was a better band. STONE TEMPLE PILOTS wasn't ever close to that status. Axl was nothing but a nice, down-to-earth, great guy to talk to when I met him. Very respectful and generous, taking pictures with everyone and just seemed to be having a good time."

AVENGED SEVENFOLD are set to support GUNS N' ROSES on some of their forthcoming European dates this summer.

A VELVET REVOLVER spokesperson told MTV.com that Slash would issue his own response within days.

Rose's initial press release accompanied his countersuit against Slash and McKagan, who have sued Rose over licensing, publishing and royalty issues.