DUFF MCKAGAN: VELVET REVOLVER Will Happen Again When It's Supposed To Happen

April 16, 2011

Rob Cavuoto of Guitar International recently conducted an interview with Duff McKagan (LOADED, VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Guitar International: Was it a difficult transition from bassist in GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER to frontman in LOADED?

Duff McKagan: I've been playing rhythm guitar in bands since 1980. I did it for my "Believe in Me" CD in 1993 and NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS in 1996-ish. So for me it's easier to sing and play guitar than it is to play bass and sing. I like to feel outside of myself when I'm playing a gig, and if I'm playing bass and signing I'm just too self-aware.

Guitar International: The name DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, is that tongue in check for the years of partying?

Duff McKagan: Yeah, of course. I thought it was really cute in 1997 when I had three years of sobriety under my belt. I was recording some music and I didn't want to call the band "DUFF MCKAGAN." I wanted a band not to be a solo-artist-guy. So I thought DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, that's cute. Looking back it's not that cute or funny, but here I am!

Guitar International: Both VELVET REVOLVER CDs in their own respect are great, yet they are both different. "Contraband" was more popular and well received, yet "Libertad" sees the band coming into their own as stronger unit and writing team. What's your take on the two CDs?

Duff McKagan: In 2004, you had a chance to sell more CDs. By the second record, that new band sheen, and "these guys are going to save rock and roll" had worn off. I don't think people and music journalists gave "Libertad" the chance that they did for "Contraband". I don't think I like one more than the other, there are great songs on "Libertad", too. I look at music that I created as what's fun to play live. I never listen to a CD after I'm done recording it — ever! Maybe for LOADED I'll sing along to the CD to relearn my vocal parts a week before the tour, to get my chops and abs in line.

Guitar International: Why do you think it is taking so long to find a singer for VELVET REVOLVER?

Duff McKagan: I don't know how much I want to say about that. I think Slash is very happy doing his solo thing, and why not. I think if VELVET REVOLVER is going to happen again, it will happen when it's supposed to happen. We played with some good singers and Scott Weiland is tough guy to replace. A lot of singers are daunted by that. You don't want to go out there and fuck up. Some things are better left as is. There's a lot going through you head. Should we fuck with this or leave it alone? The things you put into a band you don't want it tainted. Like I said, if it's supposed to happen we'll do it.

Read the entire interview from Guitar International.

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