The JANE'S ADDICTION fan website Xiola.org has reported that VELVET REVOLVER and ex-GUNS N' ROSES bass player DUFF MCKAGAN is writing and recording with the band, following the departure of original member ERIC AVERY for the second time in the group's troubled history. After Jane's reunited for a third time in late 2008 -- with Avery on board for the first time since the band originally broke up in 1991 -- and toured last spring with Nine Inch Nails, the band began feuding once again as it tried to record new music, with recent rumors suggesting that Avery was headed out the door.

Avery did not participate in the 1997 and 2001 reunions, but was replaced at different points by Flea, Martyn LeNoble and Chris Chaney.

McKagan, of course, has weathered turbulent times with both G N' R and Velvet Revolver. He told us that many of the things bands fight about aren't important in the long run: "Music is just such an emotional thing and, you know, some of the things you're gonna argue about in music can seem really juvenile. You know, a lot of times you look back and it doesn't stand the test of time, some of the conflicts, you know. You're like, 'Really? We were arguing about that?'"

There has been no official announcement about McKagan from Jane's Addiction themselves, except a brief post by frontman Perry Farrell saying that the band was working with a new "writing partner." There's no word on whether McKagan will also tour as a member of the group.

McKagan's band Loaded issued a new album last year called Sick. He also has a second career as a weekly financial columnist for Playboy.com and a general interest columnist for SeattleWeekly.com.