Duff McKagan: Things I Am Thankful For This Year
By Duff McKagan in Duff McKagan
Tuesday, Nov. 25 2008 @ 10:30PM
Duff McKagan's column runs every Thursday on Reverb.
It's that time of the year that we all either love or hate. For me, Thanksgiving has always been a special time of year.
Growing up in a family of eight kids--with humor as its main ingredient--has most certainly been exciting and interesting. In my adult years, however, touring and living in Los Angeles has mostly kept me from coming back home to Seattle for this first part of the holidays. The spirit of my family has thankfully always remained with me (even in my 'dark' period!) and this spirit has kept me sane. This spirit gently nudges me to think of how fortunate I am, and how some others may not be. With that being said, here is a quick list of things of some of the things I am thankful for.
Last Saturday I did my weekly grocery shopping at my usual store. This store happens to have a recycling center that will give cash for your cans and bottles. Every Saturday I would see the usual 8 to 12 homeless guys in line there. These fellas go through the neighborhood recycle bins basically to make their living. No big deal. Last weekend though, I saw a rather big commotion at the end of the parking lot where the recycle center sits. When I started to walk past it I saw why; instead of the usual 8 to 10 homeless guys, there was a long line of residents of the area. This is the first time I have witnessed this in the 15 years that I have lived here. I am thankful that I can still provide for my wife and kids this year.
My wife is really sweet in the morning, usually getting up earlier than me just to make the toad venom (this is what we call our morning brew). By the time we walk to school together, everything smooths out and our collective stress levels wane. I am thankful that my youngest daughter HAS two feet on which to hate putting shoes on. I am thankful that my wife understands my addiction to strong coffee. I am thankful that my wife and kids love me unconditionally.
The world has been getting pretty crazy in the last decade. September 11, the war in Iraq, and this latest credit crunch leading to recession. America was given a choice a few weeks back and I believe that we were extremely prudent and wise. I am thankful that we now have a President (elect) that I have faith in to lead us out of these woes. I am thankful that we have a president that is smart. I am glad that we made this choice together.
I am thankful that I have a dog (he shows, every day, that he is thankful that he has me!).
A bunch of years ago, I moved to LA and formed GNR. When this band became successful and my world started to spin out of control, my three best friends from childhood would call and/or come down to visit. These visits had the result of keeping me grounded. My best friend, Andy, took me to the emergency room in '94 when I suffered acute pancreatitus, effectively saving my life. I am thankful that I have always had my three best friends from childhood. Andy, Eddy, and Brian, I know you read this column, and I love you guys.
I am thankful that Mike F reads this column and calls me a 'butt-rocker'. I like inter-action with the world, good or bad.
I am thankful to be alive.
I am thankful that Krist Novoselic wrote about 'What Really Happened at the '92 VMAs, because I don't really remember.
Kim Warnick and Kurt Bloch were and are two of the coolest and most informed musical people one could ever hope to encounter on this planet. They are also both my friends. I am thankful to have grown up in an area and in a city that fosters individual thinking and oddball trains of thought. I am thankful for growing up with Kurt and Kim.
I am thankful that there may be a plan to bring our troops home safely soon from Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am thankful that a new season of 'Flight of the Conchords' is almost here.
I am thankful that I no longer have the shakes from alcohol. I am thankful for Pulitzer Prize-winning non-fiction. I am thankful that I can afford health insurance for my family. I am thankful that I had a loving mother who shared with me, lessons hard taught to her. I am thankful that I had a mom who loved me (she loved me most out of all 8 kids, of course). I am thankful that I have been able to travel around the world a good 10 times playing rock music. I am thankful that I can remember 3 of those trips (the others, while I have proof by the stamps in my passport, must be filed in the "All the Shit I Don't Remember' file).
I am thankful that the Seattle Weekly lets me write whatever I want and that people actually read it!
I grew up under the watchful eye of seven older siblings, a couple of which are more than old enough to be my parents. As a result, I was an uncle when I was 2 and many of my nephews and nieces have been having kids of their own (For a while now actually. My oldest great-nephew, Dexter, is 16, I think!). When my wife married me 10 years ago, she also married into the fact that she was suddenly a great-aunt! My family is huge and varied and we all really love one another. I am thankful to my brothers and sisters for having children, and for their children doing the same. I am thankful and honored that I got to be your uncle Kyle McKagan...
I know that the basis of this holiday is rooted in a fable about pilgrims and native people. Hey, I read 'Mayflower'. I can be as cynical as the rest. The spirit that I feel around the time of this holiday, however, can never be scrutinized. It has been taught to me by loving people. This spirit will be lived THROUGH me to show that love myself, to others.
Happy Thanksgiving.
54 comment(s)
Stacy says:
My occupation puts me every year into a position to see how obsessed people can get with perfection and how stressed out and angry they can get when they don't achieve it, so it's nice to read this article and see that there are still people out there with a level head on their shoulders and true thankfulness in their heart. Keep rockin and give the dog a scratch on the ears from me (I love any pets cute and furry, so that was my favorite part).
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 12:15AM
Aron says:
Hey Duff, why are you and Mick Wall still on bad terms? He and Slash "made up" why not you?
http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/11/mick-wall-takes.html
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 2:12AM
Tattooed Angel says:
I am also thankful to Andy-if it wasn't for him, I might not be reading about what you are thankful for! THANK YOU ANDY! ;-)
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 4:40AM
Carol says:
Duff,
You are a beautiful person. When I read this blog I felt so thankful for my son, husband and all that I have . Latley, well for longer than lately life has been difficult in our house. After reading your blog you made me realize it will pass. Thank you! Your Mother must have been very special you have mentioned her in some of your other writtings, for her son to have loved her as much as you do was a true blessing to her. Happy Thanksgiving and
God bless you.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 5:50AM
Lori says:
Family and friends are what make Thanksgiving so special. Every year as I sit around the table (wherever I am) it warms my heart because it is where people love me.
One year my friends in Scotland were struggling and my boys were in college and not coming home. I was sad, but decided instead to pack my bags. To fill the void in my life, I flew over and became part of another family full of love. It was special and gave me someone to cook for!
This year my boys are home, both married and my new grandson. He has a chromosonal disorder that affects his development, vision and hearing...but I am thankful because all he has to do is smile and world is a brighter place. Also joining us are my friends that lost their 5 year old son to cancer 5 years ago. I was there for the 1 and 1/2 journey he took fighting to live. I also was with his parents as we watched him take his last breath. Perspective is everyone around the holidays, even if hurt is lingering in a soul. Love covers so much! When they asked ME if they could come to MY house...I just knew it would be a sweet sweet year in my home!
Family and friends are relationships greatly designed and to be cherished. We all share this as something we are thankful for! Enjoy everyone and Bon Appetit!!! Lori
PS - Duff I am so glad you are sober and remembering this time in your life. The kids are gone before you know it and this is the time to soak in all the memories you can. All parents can give children are good childhood memories...I say it all the time!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 6:21AM
Jesse says:
I am thankful for blueberry pancakes.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 9:24AM
Duff says:
You are right Aron> I guess I have to mend some fences with Mick, I had no idea that he felt this 'divide'. Thanks for the heads up.
Duff
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 12:38PM
ydna says:
Yes I am very thankful for your friendship, Brian’s and Ed’s. You guys have been very great to me over the years putting up with my quirks and my big mouth. I am also very thankful that I know first hand that your mother was one of the greatest persons I have ever known and your brothers and sisters are as crazy as mine. Im very thankful for your and B&E support over the last year for Bryce for I don’t think I could have come out the other side with out it.
Ydna
PS yes also Kurt& Kim
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 2:02PM
Ynda says:
PSS
who is Tattooed Angel
Ydna
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 2:04PM
Tattooed Angel says:
Ydna,
I'm just a girl who appreciates your efforts those many years ago ;-)
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 2:40PM
Mike says:
I'm thankful that Chinese Democracy was finally released!
I'd love read Duff's thoughts on the album (hint) :)
Duff is the coolest dude, very friendly and easy to talk to... I'm thankful for randomly meeting Duff one day. Duff, I was the die-hard fan you met in Downtown Boston while you were buying a sweatshirt for a Red Sox game you were going to on a cool night last year.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 2:50PM
Mike F. says:
Well, I have to admit I was touched by the acknowledgment from Duff. I don't think I've been touched like that since sunday school! Awwww!
It made me realize exactly how lame the old Nirvana Vs. Guns beefs really are. Even if I still can't stand your bands!
With all that's going on in the world these days, it's easy to let stress get the best of you. So respect to you Mr. Duff. Your spirit shone through and helped me transcend my negativity. And that's a tall order with a cynic like me.
So Happy Thanksgiving to all the Weekly readers and especially to the McKagan family. We all have plenty to be thankful for!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 4:54PM
Mike F. says:
By the way, Webster's rock dictionary defines a butt rocker as a heavy metal/rock musician or fan to come out of the 1980's Los Angeles based, excessive, debaucherous, cheesily macho, misogynist, shallow song writing scene that so shamed the radio airwaves and MTV during my formative years. Just watch the documentary "The Decline Of Western Civilization" and you'll see what I mean.
So I hope anybody who didn't quite get that reference didn't think that was some kind of sexual or homophobic slur or anything. It's all in good fun.
So again, Happy Thanksgiving butt rockers!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 5:05PM
Myla S. says:
Thankful, among many things, for the musicians and artists who rock my world like you, Duff. Thankful for the continuing inspiration from other artists and musicians and those who took the high road from dark periods.
Thankful for the incredible luck I've had to be safe, healthy,well fed,warm, when so many are not. Thankful for the same for my children.
Thankful for the simple love of a dog.
Myla S.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 7:19PM
Kdiddy says:
Duff, you are a great writer. You should cut back on the music thing and write a book. Autobiography?
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 10:18PM
Marie says:
The first thing that made me laugh so hard, was about your youngest daughter Mae!
I hated shoes as well as a child and walked around on bare feet whenever I could!
I'm 26 now and still do it whenever i get the chance! haha
Happy thanks giving to you and your loved ones!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 @ 10:45PM
srubys says:
zzzzz ... trying to get yourself ready for the day ... zzzzzzzzz...I grew up under the watchful eye...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...that love myself *phone rings...I'm now fully awake* *Starts reading from the beginnzzzzzzzzzzzz*
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 5:26AM
Matej says:
zzzzz ... trying to get yourself ready for the day ... zzzzzzzzz...I grew up under the watchful eye...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...that love myself *phone rings...I'm now fully awake* *Starts reading from the beginnzzzzzzzzzzzz*
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 5:26AM
Melina says:
How could not your family love you if you are such a great person.
I am thankful that I admire someone like you. Someone that can and does recognize all the great things there are in his life.
¬.¬ you forgot to mention your fans. Ain't you thankful to them?
Here in Argentina, there isn't a Thanksgiving day. So I don't know what it feels like but, well, you did a great job putting it into words and letting us know.
"I am thankful that the Seattle Weekly lets me write whatever I want and that people actually read it!"
It's a pleasure.
Bye, Duff. Take care.
PD. Great news, I got graduated from high school last night. It's great and I wanted to share it.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 7:47AM
Brian says:
Duff
Happy Thanksgiving. GO HAWKS!
Brian
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 8:14AM
Andy C says:
Duff first time reading your blog. I admit I had low expectations but I thoroughly enjoyed. Happy Thanksgiving to you and to all. Cheers! -andy casey
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 9:24AM
NikoTes says:
I am thankful for humanity.
I am thankful that our government is going to put us an extra 7.6 Trillion in debt.
I am thankful that that everyone feels progressive.
I am thankful that we were duked again into thinking we actually have a choice.
Freedom is what we need bud. Not more government.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 9:43AM
jon mckagan says:
Hey bro, what a joy to watch your development from space cadet rocker to the man you have become. Your the dude.
brother Jon
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 11:04AM
Jeremy says:
Duff,
I live in Seattle and just found out that you wrote this blog! I'm thankful for that. I've always been a big fan- I saw you in '91 at the Tacoma Dome when I was 11- life changing. Still have the ticket stub. I've always been proud that you're a Seattle native, and also, my aunt used to tell this story about how you were friends and how she drove you to the airport when you moved to LA. Her name is Lynette, any chance you can verify this so I don't feel like I'm kind of lying when I tell that story to my kids?
Thanks man, have a nice turkey day.
Jeremy
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 11:05AM
Tim says:
I am thankful for music Duff and the artist who make make it. There is one thing that can cross all boundries and bring people together and that is music. Music is my drug, really good songs can bring you back to a certain place in time. I will never forget shooting hoops with my friends when I first heard "its so easy" it was 11th grade and looking back, I did have it easy....Happy Thanksgiving
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 11:08AM
Claudia says:
Duff, we all know that I was Mom's favorite!
Claudia
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 12:48PM
Claudia says:
Duff, we all know that I was Mom's favorite!
Claudia
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 12:49PM
Azrael says:
' I am thankful that Krist Novoselic wrote about 'What Really Happened at the '92 VMAs, because I don't really remember. '
i hope you remember atleast bits of the performance with elton john tho
btw I'm happy that no turkey has to die for me because im vegetarian... I'll be eating mac & cheese...
*drools*
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 1:39PM
Dan says:
Great read Duff. God bless you.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 4:50PM
Lindsey says:
Reading your list cheered me up, there's true gratitude in there. Mine is short, I'm just thankful to be in good health right now. I contracted Lyme this summer and was horribly sick for a few months. It's amazing how it'll take a devastating blow to finally cherish something after the fact.
I've experienced the sudden long lines at recycling centers too, it's a little scary to see. I'm a regular cans/bottles returner, started while I was in college as I'm thrifty as all hell and it was good for gas money and food. :) I'm hopeful things will turn around in the next few months!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 7:23PM
Glen says:
I'm thankful that I just discovered this blog! If someone had told me back in the day that I could write something and Duff might read it, my head would have exploded!
What an awesome holiday discovery!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 8:57PM
Carol Charles says:
Duff,you and Claudia both have it wrong...Mom liked me best.
Carol
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 27 2008 @ 11:10PM
randy focazio says:
I am thankful for the art I can make which keeps me sane in a insane world, I am thankful that I grew up in the 80s/90s, when music was at its best. I remember coveting the " Lies " album and how I played it over and over again. glad to see you survived the hurricane of your success. I live in L.A. and hope to see you play some time ....
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 28 2008 @ 12:06AM
aisha says:
hi, i visited your blog by chance. i am not a fan and i am not a Christian. i am a Muslim Turkish. Although i am far away, i relate with your thoughts. for the sake of your special time of this year, i would like to say, i am also thankful to know you exist. i hope each day and each year your happiness grow with your loved ones. there is a place for everyone in a loving heart.
so thankful to be thankful.
goodbye
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 28 2008 @ 4:52AM
Duff says:
Welcome Aisha. I hope that you become regular here! I think that we would enjoy a perspective from Turkey.
Duff
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 28 2008 @ 9:44AM
Beelzebooze says:
clicked columns by accident, wanted to click movies, but clicked columns and saw your name between the columns lol
i was at a GNR concert in 1992, flashed my titties at Gilby, he didn't look though but you did -.-
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 28 2008 @ 10:50PM
Duygu says:
Hello Duff!
First time to read your column. I really enjoyed it-funny but also very touching.
Though we don't have thanksgiving here in Turkey, I can understand how it feels and truely share it. It is nice to stop a moment and be thankful for all we ve got in our life.
I ll keep following your writings and tell this to other people here. Just know that people from all around the world read your column! :)
Love,
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 29 2008 @ 2:19AM
suemsel says:
Well, first of all thanks for writing this column. It moved me deeply since I even feel compelled to comment – something I have never done before.
I was rummaging through my cd collection recently and started reminiscing. With the internet and its depth of information I thought it might be cool to look up what had happened to the heroes of my teenage days. :-) Long story short that's basically how I ended up here.
Like others before me I'd like to add a few things I am thankful for:
1. This column. Reading it puts a smile on my face and I'm already looking forward to next thursday. Please keep on writing.
2. The modern media and means of communication. It's great to have the opportunity of commenting on something someone wrote almost 5.000 miles away – I live in Germany.
3. Lots of other things: my boyfriend, all of my friends, my job...
Best wishes to all of you
suemsel
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 29 2008 @ 7:54AM
Max says:
Hello Duff. I also found your blog by chance. As busy as you are, it's nice to see you take the time to jot a thought.
I'm thankful you, izzy and slash left on your own terms. While it destroyed the band it also showed who was truly responsible for its success.
Happy Holidaze!
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 29 2008 @ 9:05AM
peaceful dude says:
hey duff really cool to read your words. i live in the uk and grew up listening to your music. you're a mighty cool dude, i'm pleased you got your life together peace
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 29 2008 @ 1:59PM
piromanka says:
Haha great post :D spare the life of a poor turkey.
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 30 2008 @ 1:07PM
Jim Basnight says:
Good to see you out here on the net Duff. We should get together and play some covers again on one of our shows. I do "Patience" all of the time and think of you when I do.
Posted On: Monday, Dec. 1 2008 @ 2:45PM
Ian V. says:
I am thankful that the Seattle Weekly lets you write whatever you want, too.
Everyone, be safe this holiday season, especially if you go shopping.
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 2 2008 @ 5:57PM
Amanda says:
Hey Duff,
I was so glad to run across your blog; I enjoyed reading it. I hope that you get the oportunity to read this comment. I am also thankful that there may be a plan to bring the troops back home for good as well. I lost my husband, Rodney, to the war in Iraq in May 2004. He was only 28. We had been married for three and a half years. I am very thankful for the time I was able to have with him. I want the troops home so that no one else loses a relative or friend. THANK YOU so much for thinking of the troops. I have been a fan of yours from the 80s to the present. There probably isn't a day that goes by that I don't listen to your music, whether its at the gym, in my car, or at home. Music has been some of the best "therapy" for me. I think you are a very admirable person and talented musician. I hope to see you play live at a concert one day....until then, keep rockin'!
Amanda M.
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 2 2008 @ 7:17PM
Matej says:
zzzzzzz...ugh...me to show that love myself, to others.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Ha!!!
Duff, you are the champ ... reading your column is like reading War and peace
*uh, it's now past 3 AM* *must go to sleep*
It's that time of the year that we all either love
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 3 2008 @ 6:38PM
just me says:
I've got 3 wonderful boys and am still struggling with what you've overcome--aka alcohol. I hope I can say the same thing next year about the shakes and actually beating that nasty monster. Thx for this very nice article. Alcohol seems to cloud the awareness of the good things you have in life--job, kids, family, etc. Thanks for the nice weekly thoughts.
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 3 2008 @ 7:11PM
susan says:
Duff McKagan is the greatest man on Earth! I truly feel forever grateful that he is my best friend, husband and confidante every single day.
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 11 2008 @ 9:06PM
Iranian idiot says:
Well, as it is for me, I am so thankful that you came to dubai so that I'd see you guys not only on stage, but in person! I dont know if you remember me or not Duff but that turned out to be such a great memory of mine! taking me away from what was meant to be homeland to where I always wanted to be! hope to see you again sometime, somewhere in this big, small world!
regards and honor, Bob
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 19 2008 @ 10:25PM
iranian idiot says:
Well, as it is for me, I am so thankful that you came to dubai so that I'd see you guys not only on stage, but in person! I dont know if you remember me or not Duff but that turned out to be such a great memory of mine! taking me away from what was meant to be homeland to where I always wanted to be! hope to see you again sometime, somewhere in this big, small world!
regards and honor, Bob
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 19 2008 @ 10:27PM
iranian idiot says:
Well, as it is for me, I am so thankful that you came to dubai so that I'd see you guys not only on stage, but in person! I dont know if you remember me or not Duff but that turned out to be such a great memory of mine! taking me away from what was meant to be homeland to where I always wanted to be! hope to see you again sometime, somewhere in this big, small world!
regards and honor, Bob
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 19 2008 @ 10:39PM
MR.BROWNSTONE says:
Hey Duff, you're great man, i miss you!Don't you never want to feel again the power of GUNS N ROSES?We miss you all.
Play again the intro with MATT!!!
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 26 2008 @ 1:42PM
dmac says:
Duff, I used to despise you but now after these readings, your good shit man. It would be my pleasure to meet you someday. In vancouver, give me a shout.
I am thankful for all the badass music you have made over the years
Posted On: Tuesday, Feb. 3 2009 @ 5:27PM
Anastasia says:
I love all your thankfulness it is beautiful. I ran across it while I was Google-ing Kyle McKagan. I was in band with him in Middle School, he was always a sweet and funny young man and I always wondered what happened to him after Portola. I'm sorry to hear he is no longer with us.
Anastasia
Posted On: Friday, Mar. 6 2009 @ 6:02PM
Anastasia says:
I love all your thankfulness it is beautiful. I ran across it while I was Google-ing Kyle McKagan. I was in band with him in Middle School, he was always a sweet and funny young man and I always wondered what happened to him after Portola. I'm sorry to hear he is no longer with us.
Anastasia
Posted On: Friday, Mar. 6 2009 @ 6:03PM