Rock bassist Duff McKagan discusses leaving Seattle for LA, recording 'Appetite For Destruction,' encounters with Prince, and his new solo album. They also reflect on the authenticity in music, personal struggles with addiction, and behind-the-scenes stories of the recording process.
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Quick takeaways
Duff McKagan's latest album 'Lighthouse' represents a new musical direction for him, focusing on reflective, personal lyrics and stripped-down rootsy-rock.
Duff McKagan collaborated with Iggy Pop on his latest album, with Iggy contributing spoken-word vocals to one of Duff's songs, showcasing their mutual admiration and support for each other's music.
The physical demands of touring with Guns N' Roses required Duff McKagan to maintain a disciplined routine, including exercise, healthy meals, and recovery practices like ice baths, highlighting the athletic nature of performing.
Deep dives
Duff McKagan's Latest Album 'Lighthouse' and Reception
Duff McKagan released his latest album 'Lighthouse' and although he hasn't toured it yet, the album has received positive reviews and has performed better in sales compared to his previous album 'Tenderness.' Duff reflects on the personal lyrics and stripped-down rootsy rock sound of the album, which signals a new musical direction for him. He expresses pride in his growth as a solo artist and his aim to create music that is important to him and resonates with his audience.
Duff McKagan's Solo Career and Collaborations
Duff McKagan discusses his solo career, which started in the early '90s and recounts his collaboration with Iggy Pop on his latest album 'Lighthouse.' Duff shares his admiration for Iggy Pop and how he got the opportunity to play in Iggy's band for five shows. He also reveals that Iggy returned the favor by contributing his spoken-word vocals to Duff's new album. Additionally, Duff talks about meeting Prince and their interaction during a documentary project. Although he was too drunk during their first meeting, Duff fondly remembers Prince's curiosity and interest in the reasons behind Guns N' Roses' breakup.
Duff McKagan's Experience in Guns N' Roses and Touring
Duff McKagan reflects on his experience in Guns N' Roses, including their touring schedule and the physical demands of their high-energy performances. He describes his pre-show routine, which includes exercise, a healthy meal, and post-show recovery practices like ice baths. Duff emphasizes the athletic nature of performing and the importance of staying fit to meet the physical demands of the shows. He also addresses the band's decision to take a break from touring to give themselves and their audience a much-needed rest after extensive touring over the past eight years.
The Formation of Guns N' Roses and Finding the Right Band
The podcast episode discusses the formation of Guns N' Roses and the search for the right band members. The speaker describes their journey of finding the perfect lineup and emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive and talented group. They recount the experience of auditioning various musicians, including meeting with Paul Stanley from KISS. Ultimately, they highlight the moment when they found Slash and Duff McKagan, solidifying the band's lineup and creating a deep musical connection.
Axl Rose's Singing Skills and Influence
The podcast episode highlights the impressive singing abilities of Axl Rose and acknowledges him as one of the greatest lead singers of all time. The speaker praises Axl's hard work and dedication, mentioning his rigorous warm-up and warm-down routines. They share insights about Axl's unique vocal style, which combines low and high tones simultaneously. The speaker also mentions other talented lead singers like Robin Zander of Cheap Trick and Ann Wilson of Heart, but emphasizes that Axl Rose's mastery and constant effort make him stand out among the best.
In the minds of many rock fans, Duff McKagan will forever be known first and foremost as the bassist for Guns N' Roses. The band’s white-hot reign in the late '80s through the early '90s is the stuff of hedonistic, hard rock legend. And for anyone interested in reading a detailed account of that wild ride, check out Duff’s memoir, “It’s So Easy and Other Lies.”
After turning 30, Duff got sober, eventually left GNR, and then went on to play stints in Alice In Chains and Jane’s Addiction—and he helped form the supergroup, Velvet Revolver. In 2016, he rejoined Guns N' Roses following their induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.
Outside of his contributions to big name rock bands, Duff has also been releasing solo material since the early '90s. His latest album, Lighthouse, signals a new musical direction for Duff—one that focuses on reflective, personal lyrics and stripped-down rootsy-rock.
On today’s episode Leah Rose talks to Duff McKagan about his decision to leave the heroin-infested punk rock scene in his hometown of Seattle for LA. He also shares stories about Axl Rose and Slash while recording Appetite For Destruction. And he reminisces about the time his musical idol Prince was trying to get Duff to reveal the real reason why Guns N' Roses broke up.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Duff McKagan songs HERE.