DUFF MCKAGAN On ‘Chinese Democracy’
Duff McKagan
Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan was interviewed on Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM this past Friday, November 21. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
On whether he's heard GUNS N' ROSES' long-awaited new album,"Chinese Democracy", and what his thoughts are on it:
"I just heard the single, 'Chinese Democracy', and I heard it at the gym when I was working out. So I didn't give it… It wasn't like I sat down in a quiet room and listened to it and analyzed it. And I probably wouldn't. I think Axl's [Rose]… obviously he's a really talented guy and I shared a big part of my life with him, but that was a long time ago for me.
"I've been asked more about this record, starting about 8-9 years ago, and I probably know the least about the record. It's not like I don't pay attention to what's going on in music. But I've got a really short attention span. You know, I'll hear something… I heard a song by this band SHINY TOY GUNS last week — and these guys are killer; I love 'em — and then that'll be gone in about a week.
"As far as Axl's new record, I'm sure there's probably amazing stuff on there, just know there. I've only got that one song and a listen at a gym to go off, so I can't really say that much about it. But how do I feel about it? Good for him that this record's finally coming out. Obviously, I wish him the best. I'm glad that people that have been waiting for this record have something to finally go get."
"The band that we formed twenty-something years ago is a completely different thing, and that's been over for… wow, 15 years. But I know Axl; he's a perfectionist, in a good way, musically. So I know he's not gonna let something come out that sucks — at least in his mind. That counts for something with me. He and I, we shared a lot of good times, some crappy times, but when you look at the glass, it's definitely more than half full for me."
December 17th, 2008 - 07:50
usually when a bunch of guys bash one and pretend to be saints,( not about drugs or drinking ), but about how they were saints in running a band usually it’s bullshit! Axl has been taking all this shit from these lies while slash, duff and matt are bashing the shit out of him, whats with the piano, illusion tour was bloated, and all this other vh1 bullshit. When has Axl ever tried to gain money from bashing his old band? …… Maybe i’m biased because i do think W. Axl Rose is the greatest frontman of all time! Thank you!