Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, has denied that he is set to replace Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver.

Weiland acrimoniously split from the band in April at the conclusion of their European tour.

Since then, there has been much speculation about who would replace the singer, with reports claiming that the band would audition for a new frontman using a Reality TV show.

Speaking to Kerrang, Bennington said that any reports linking him to the position were the result of a misunderstanding.

"I'm friends with all the guys in Velvet Revolver and have played with all of them before. I'm friends with Scott too,” he said.

"I think the rumour that I was going to join Velvet Revolver started because (guitarist) Slash asked me if I'd come play a show with them in Vegas right around the time that Scott left the band.

"Timing-wise, it didn't work out for me, though. Maybe people assumed that invitation meant I was joining the band."

However, Bennington did say that if he was no longer in Linkin Park he would be tempted to join Velvet Revolver.

"If I wasn't in Linkin Park any more and I didn't know Scott, though, I'd say yes. Who wouldn't? The music is great and it would be a really cool opportunity,” he said.

(by Jason Gregory)