LOADED, the band formed by current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan (on guitar and vocals) after he left GUNS N' ROSES, will enter a Seattle studio on June 4 to begin recording its new album, to be released before the end of the year. "We hope to sort of blaze right through it and make a big, live rock-sounding record!" says McKagan.

LOADED was formed in 1999 and has morphed several times, releasing two albums: 1999's "Live Episode" and 2001's "Dark Days". The group's current lineup includes drummer Geoff Reading (NEW AMERICAN SHAME, GREEN APPLE QUICKSTEP), bassist Jeff Rouse and guitarist Mike Squires (both formerly of ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE).

McKagan recently recorded a guest appearance on the next album from his former GUNS N' ROSES bandmate, guitarist Izzy Stradlin. McKagan wrote in a message online, "I got to play on Izzy's new record (on Tuesday, April 22) in Ojai (California). Another stellar outing by that dude, I must say. Always a pleasure hanging with that guy; a true gentleman." There were no further details about the project.

McKagan and the rest of VELVET REVOLVER are reportedly recording demos for their next album while they search for a replacement for singer Scott Weiland.

Duff has been added to the list of performers at the fourth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert honoring legendary artist Alice Cooper and renowned guitarist Slash. The event will be held on May 9, 2008, at The Music Box @ Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Calif. All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Watch LOADED performing the song "Seattle Head" in Tokyo, Japan: