Duff McKagan: Inspiring and Painful
Duff McKagan's column runs every Thursday on Reverb.
So I have finally arrived back home in Seattle after being on the road for the last two months. Traveling and playing gigs sometimes gives me a chance to witness or be a part of some pretty spectacular events. Whether getting a chance to see another inspiring band play or slipping and falling in a unfamiliar shower, life on the road is never without a daily event, it seems. Here I will list a few events that have highlighted my last eight weeks:
1) As I have previously written about, I had a chance to see Soundtrack of our Lives twice in Germany. If you are looking for music to set a tone for your summer, may I suggest getting Communion, SOOL's new double record. Super-cool and vibey.
2) Was bestowed the honor of sitting at the "big kids' table" with Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck at the MOJO Awards in London: Whoa...! Was also given the pleasure of presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Manic Street Preachers that night. Pretty damn cool for sure.
3) Lost a bag: Well, in truth, I didn't lose it, Iberia Airlines did. It's been gone for some 12 days now, and the chances of ever getting it back are looking bleaker and bleaker. I have made four in-person lost baggage reports at various Iberia counters across Europe. It seems now, however, that they have no record of me OR my bag. Friends, don't let friends fly Iberia. The worst customer service I have ever witnessed. GIVE ME MY FUCKING BAG BACK!!!! Oh...sorry, Weekly readers.
4) Lost a tooth: Yep, the same day I lost my bag, half of one of my back teeth just broke off. That same day we played in 70 mph winds in Zaragosa, Spain. The wind was so strong that it blew me off the microphone a couple of times and blew cymbal stands over, etc. . . The sound out front must have been atrocious. I attribute this triumvirate of bad luck to the fact that my wife and kids had just left after their visit to me out there on tour. I was sad and apparently vulnerable to asshole bad luck.
5) Fell in the shower: Or maybe it was a "quartet" of bad luck. A couple of days later in Cologne, Germany, I decided to get a hotel on my own and fly to our next gig (as opposed to staying on the bus and getting more bedbugs . . . you heard me right). I was going to sleep in a nice bed, work out in a nice hotel gym, and take a soft, warm shower with real soap. I had had a tough weekend prior (what with the winds, lost tooth, lost bag, and all), and just wanted a little "me time." Well, I slept great, had an awesome workout, AND the shower rocked! As I stepped out, however, my foot landed on a wet part of the bathroom floor, and I went flying. I broke my toe and banged the back of my head. Glamorous . . .
6) Saw NINE INCH NAILS: The reason I spell their name with all large caps is certainly not because I didn't spell-check. These guys are certainly the best live rock band out there this summer. Stripped down to just four members, they are raw and made me want to break stuff. Last summer's NIN show at KeyArena was amazing because of the scope and enormity of the undertaking (eight band guys and the biggest light show on the road back then). Last Friday's show in Milan, as I watched from side-stage, shed light on just how good their musicianship and songwriting is. The new drummer kid from the UK is nothing short of prodigious. I could easily write a whole article alone on just the first two songs of that evening. A truly great show, and it didn't suck to be me that night.
7) Visited Amsterdam and didn't get high: If you can get through this town and not have at least an urge for a hit off a hash pipe, then you are indeed superhuman. For a guy like me, who has a king-sized sweet tooth, the number of chocolate and ice-cream stores per capita are a great bonus of having a largely high-on-weed environment.
8) Czech this out: While visiting a very old church in Prague with my wife and kids, I found out that the 1300-era Czech army was one of the first to use psychological warfare. When the Czech army were at the gates of the then-walled city of Milan, they made babies shaped out of dough to roast over their open fires in sight of the petrified Milanese. The Italians surmised that these brutish Czechs ate their own babies and must be heathen animals. The gates to Milan went down REAL fast, and the Czechs won without a fight. Sick, but genius!
9) Got the secondary security check . . . again: Hey, U.S. Immigration Services, I got one question . . . PROFILE MUCH?! It is only when I re-enter my home country (which I LOVE), that my stomach tightens when the plane lands. My port of entry was the Detroit airport on Monday, and the result was no different. I got sent to "secondary inspection." When you come into a new country, you must first get your luggage and then proceed through customs (you recheck your bags afterward if you have a connecting flight, which I did). Usually they wait until you have your bags and are standing in line for a cursory look-through of your passport. This time they didn't even wait for me to get my luggage before the officer came up to me and put a blue line through my entry paperwork. The officer probably thought he had a "live one" when he scoped me out. He was truly bummed when he found nothing in my baggage or clothing. I smiled and wished him an excellent day.
10) Got home to my family: This part for me is simply the best part of the story.
43 comment(s)
Jesse says:
I was at the NIN show in Seattle and energy wise one of the best shows I have been to. They do rock hard. The Czechs roasting babies is great! I might try that with my neighbors cat. Been to Amsterdam a few times but never left sober. If it makes you feel any better my wife and I got married in Venice Italy and the night before the wedding I jumped off the Rialto bridge and lost my wedding ring and all our money in the canal. Then we spent the first night of our honey moon on the beach because all the rooms were overbooked in the town we were in, then our bag got lost on the way home (never to be seen again). Moral is love is more important than things.
Also I posted something about it last week but not sure if you saw it. My wife and I are putting on a benefit concert to fight breast cancer at the Crocodile July 10th. It should be a great time if you can make it. Here are the details. http://sites.google.com/site/racknrollbenefit/
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 2:31PM
katie says:
.......i stept in gum today....
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 2:47PM
Mad_Mama says:
Ah jeez... once again, my workmates know when I'm reading your Weekly column! This time, due to my expressions of sympathy and horror, followed by a sharp intake of breath, then a bust-a-gut duffaw (guffaw induced by a Duffism)! And, yep, even before I read today's column (posted at 2:00 this afternoon, and it's now just after 3:00), it was copied and pasted to about 30 of my closest friends around the world! Already getting the kudos pouring back to me, like, "Good one! Poor guy!!" from Leigh in Florida. Hey, dude! You're frickin' FAMOUS! As a damn-funny writer! And pretty damn-smart too. Who knew??
(Okay, we always suspected it...)
BTW - Happy Fourth! Would you go over to my house and hang out with poor Kiska? She's awful scared of the noisy fireworks, and we're gonna be in Sonoma, CA for the weekend. The neighbors will check in on her, but she's a sweet, pretty husky girl who would appreciate some companionship... Just make sure your girls don't wear black when they're petting her. She's nothing but a cinnamon and white fur-bucket this time of year!
Rock on!! And we're glad you're home!!
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:07PM
Cerys says:
Oh goodness ... I've read all columns now since no. 1, but I never dared to comment until today.
But today I sort of have to.
I'm SO SORRY about that shower accident turning your day in Cologne probably into some really bad day while for me it was one of the best days in my whole life EVER. Seeing one my the heroes of me youth perform live only a few meters in front of me compeletely blew me away.
I'm totally "fanish" since then, my boyfriend commented.
Secondly, it's kind of strange to read your thoughts on the NIN concert since I, too, saw them live (for the first time), although not in Milan, but in Düsseldorf.
Third, I have been to the Netherlands while you were in Amsterdam. The parallels never end ...
So ... now I made a complete idiot of myself and will hide again somewhere.
Best wishes
a fan from Germany
(P.S. I didn't download anything, last week I bought ALL Loaded CDs, your solos, even Neurotic Outsiders and UYI II which was sort of missing from my personal collection for no real reason than that I was to poor as a teenager ...)
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:11PM
AxlReznor says:
You forgot about the part where you met the awesomest fans anyone has in the world ever (who didn't stay sober in Amsterdam the entire time). lol
Sounds like there's been a few tough times on this tour, but after a show like the one on Sunday, I'm glad you're willing to make that sacrifice even when shit like that has probably happened to you a million times.
Really psyched up about my NIN/JA show in London in a couple of weeks now... haven't seen NIN since 2007's amazing Reading Festival performance. Looks like this one is going to be very different. Shame it's their last tour. I'll miss them.
Have a great time with your family over the next few weeks... I'll be seeing you on the 10th October in Birmingham. :-)
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:14PM
Mad_Mama says:
Oh! Yes, AxlReznor - you're right! Duff! What about Tony's Ryan-a-licious lapdance and birthday party on stage? And, all those dedicated, loving, adoring Loaded fans who gathered for a Loaded Love Fest in Amsterdam? They came to see each other, and to cheer you on!
Well, maybe between us we've said the important stuff, right AR? I've seen the vid - I didn't know that's what you looked like - hadn't pictured you SO HANDSOME! Tee hee!!
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:25PM
Katy says:
I think the bad luck is catching! As Tony and I were taking turns reading this he broke a plate and then I cut my knee sweeping up the pieces! I hope the great NIN experience is equally catching, although I can't quite imagine them doing a bad show.
As Tony already said we're all very glad you're willing to make those sacrifices. I'm still on a high from the Amsterdam show. Having seen Loaded 4 times in 3 countries (always amazing) I can safely say that was one of the best.
Also thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us all when I know you guys probably just wanted to sleep!
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:47PM
Beanie says:
Salut! Long time reader, first time poster.
Sounds like you had quite a time on tour! I winced reading about your shower mishap - take care! Hotel bathrooms can be lethal with all those tiles and not a handrail in sight. I try to navigate them like an old woman.
I'm bummed I missed you on your tour, but I'm a cash-strapped student and unfortunately couldn't spare the expense. You guys did come to Scotland, right? Saw you with VR a few times in Glasgow, you all were great. I have to recommend you hit Edinburgh next time you're here in Scotland - it's a lovely city, far nicer than Glasgow (and closer to me, hehe).
I hope you get your bag back. It's probably in Ulaanbataar by now though...
Anyway...now I need to sleep. Ciao!
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:47PM
AxlReznor says:
I just think I'd better point out that Katy meant she was still on a high figuratively, and not literally.
@Mad Mama - There was a young couple from Colombia at the Amsterdam gig who succeeded in making all of us who came from the UK (and other places around Europe) look like locals... THAT'S dedication.
Oh, and handsome? I think you watched the wrong video. :-P
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 3:56PM
Davis says:
sorry to hear about the bad luck Duff. Hopefully you are enjoying this great Pacific Northwest weather!
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 4:19PM
Billy says:
Glad you made for a safe trip home Duff. I hate Detroit airport, i got a secondary check there myself. Must be a spiky blonde hair thing there ? The guys was a jerk especially after he did not find anything although he did question if my aftershave was Absinthe. I told him to take a swig and see. I totally enjoyed the gig i saw in Nashville and it was a pleasure meeting you all. I loved Tony's lap dance from Ryan in Amsterdam..Hilarious video! Enjoy your 4th of July weekend.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 6:11PM
Nevermind says:
Lost a bag? Lost a tooth? Fell in the shower?
More exciting things happen to me when im at the supermarket, trying to remember what kind of pancake mix i bought last time
Nevermind The Bollocks
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 7:38PM
nostraboris says:
Me Too!! Went to Amsterdam and didn't get high, but instead ate Nutella sandwiches.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 9:52PM
Lia says:
Thanks for the interesting update, Duff.
I saw Loaded in Helsinki and you guys rocked. The best gig I've seen for many many years! (And I've seen many) It was also cool to see Michael Monroe on the stage, and he sang It's so Easy - WOW!
Another great thing was that I was lucky enough to meet you after the show. My longawaited dream came true. You talked me for a minute - thanks for your kind words, when I left the place it felt like my feet didn't touch the ground. You can't believe how much it meant to me.
Please come back to Finland soon!
By the way, what happened with your bag is just unbelievable. How can they just lose it like that, without a trace? Well, I hope you'll get it back eventually...
I'm planning a trip to South Europe, and was considering flying with Iberia from Spain to France, but I'll have to keep looking for alternatives.
Lia
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 10:46PM
Karen says:
@Lia - I'm a flight attendant, I'm not scared of flying. But Iberia is the worst airline ever ! Never again, I'd rather take a train from France to Spain than flying with Iberia.
Duff, I'd love to have you on one of my flight ! I'd treat you like a king and check you have a seat with enough room for your legs. What about an upgrade ? ;)
Enjoy your time with your family
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 11:54PM
Anonymous says:
Iberia? Worst airline ever! Really, I had to fly with them from Cologne to Barcelona in 2003 and they lost my luggage. When it finally arrived at the hotel where I was staying I noticed that the chain was broken and that they had stolen some stuff. Endless complaints without any result! Same happened with AirFrance. Since then I promised myself to fly never ever again with them and man I kept my promise! Btw, you should come to Istanbul. That would be great for the fans here. New CD rocks!
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 12:17AM
Big J. 1963 says:
Wow, what a trip. Thanx for sharing it with us. I was one of the lucky guys who had the chance to see you in Munich, Germany. Been there to a Motley show with a friend, and after Loaded finished, he said to me "I really like the singer of Loaded" and I told him, "Sure you do, it's Duff the old Gunner" and he said "WHAT ??? that guy don't look one day older than 25" ... I agree. Can't wait to see you again, with a full show and not as opener hopefully.
Thanx
Big J.
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 12:34AM
muraterol@hotmail.com says:
Btw, went to Amsterdam 4 times and didn't get high! No, I'm just kidding..no superhuman here!
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 12:37AM
remcognr says:
AR had a point there... ;)
but as far as the Loaded tour, it was a great experience for me, even though I've only witness the last day of it. the amsterdam show rocked & all the meeting, greeting and talking about nothing was great! Remember you mentioned you had an aching back, but on stage noone's noticed!
but isn't it a bit exaggerated, 'a high on weed environment'. have you been to a coffeeshop then? but hey, this is a column, exaggeration doesn't count!
And def goin to see NIN in amsterdam soon!
take a good rest and hopefully see you in October!
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 12:44AM
Sarah says:
Awh, I'm sorry for you about the bad luck! But I hope/ think it's over now you're back home.
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 4:05AM
Chris says:
Yo Duff!
Dude, I'm with you on the U.S. Immigration Services! I got laid off of work so I went to Costa Rica for a little over 3 weeks to visit my girlfriend. When I came back into the country, I had to do the secondary inspection thing too! Keep in mind I'm not the most GQ looking fellow in the airport, plus I was in Central America for 3 weeks. They probably "knew" I had drugs on me!
Of course I didn't, I'm clean and sober for almost 5 years now, but it was such a hassle - the security guy ripped all my bags apart and left me standing there at the metal table to clean up the mess...I just got a kick out of it...
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 5:50AM
Jon says:
Hey Duff !!! Great concert in Zaragoza. Iberia sucks. Spain is a 3rd rate country you know?
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 6:20AM
Brad Cox says:
Just curious, because this came up the other day, when my wife and I were talking. You brought up, 'Czech' and it spawned an old memory.
Was 'Velvet Revolver' [the name] a nod to the Velvet Revolution in Czech., as a response to Chinese Democracy? Or just something that felt right and rolled off the cuff?
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velvet_Revolution
'was a non-violent revolution in Czechoslovakia that saw the overthrow of the Communist government.[1] It is seen as one of the most important of the Revolutions of 1989.'
If not, it certainly makes for a fun analysis.
Cheers,
Brad
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 10:47AM
Sophia says:
Sorry to hear about your bad luck, but at least you're at home with your family now. Lucky, you got to see Nine Inch Nails! I've always loved the lyrics Trent Reznor writes, and I've heard they're explosive live. I've been having a great concert summer so far, I saw you guys in May and then on the 26th my dad got free tickets to Aerosmith and ZZ Top (the only thing that sort of sucked was that we were in the suites and I kind of felt seperated because there were a bunch of spoiled kids my age playing with their cell phones the whole fucking time. And the tickets said no cameras but they didn't even check and these kids had their cameras and I didn't, and I was actually there to see the band. They took pictures of themselves the whole time too.)
Then on the 28th, my dad and I drove down to Pennsylvania to see Def Leppard. We found out we were in the same hotel as the band, but we didn't see anyone. The only thing that sucked about that was that I had to sit through Cheap Trick and Poison (I don't mind Cheap Trick but no one was standing for them, which kind of pissed me off because I'm the type of person who actualy likes to STAND at concerts. And I really don't like Poison.)
Next I'm going to Cruefest in August. I heard rumors that Loaded will be joining Cruefest. Is this true?
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 11:06AM
Sharon says:
OUCH! What hurts worse than a broken toe!?!? I would have loved to been there to hear the colourful "Duff-isms" that were uttered after breaking said toe. LOL
S :)
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 11:28AM
Duff says:
A thing that I didn't add was the great time we had with our amazing and very intelligent fan 'forum' crew in Amsterdam. These delightful people came in from various locales in Euro and UK to help us celebrate a rigorous and succesful tour. My hats off to them.
Thanks to everyone too, that responds to this column..you fuckers are hilarious and interesting.
Cheers!
Duff
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 7:37PM
Jens says:
Hi Duff,
I love your column and I read it almost every week. Sorry to hear that you broke you toe in Cologne. I saw the show and I think you guys were awesome. I hope that you will come back and tour Germany in the future.
Cheers,
Jens
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 10:37PM
Patty says:
Hello Duff! I just wanna share a little about my dad. He just got home two days ago and I couldn't have been any happier that day! Seeing him back from work just makes me smile and we have another chance to bond with him. I don't know how long he's going to stay, though. He goes home every six months.
God, one of the best-est feelings ever is having being with your family- just being at home and with each member by your side.:)
DUFF! GET YOUR FUCKING BAG BACK!!
Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 4 2009 @ 4:10AM
Jess says:
Hey Duff! Since you're back home, how about giving an interview to an unknown & unimportant Seattle writer! Check out the feature I did on you a few weeks ago, "Duff Mckagan: Renaissance Man, & let me know. I know it's pathetic, but I'm not above shameless begging! LOL!
Rock On,
Jess
http://rockmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/duff_mckagan_renaissance_man
Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 4 2009 @ 9:39AM
Carly says:
Duff,
I know how you're feeling with the lost bag situation! I flew into Detroit a few hours ago after a Florida vacation (during which we were warned of tornadoes 3 separate times) only to find that my bag had been 'misplaced.' The worst part of my little dilemma was that EVERYTHING was in it seeing as I use my carry on for books and other in-flight entertainment essentials. As of right now, I have no damn toothbrush. Stupid airlines.
Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 4 2009 @ 3:39PM
Andrea says:
@Nevermind: ha ha!
@Duff: Hope you get your fucking bag back!
Posted On: Sunday, Jul. 5 2009 @ 3:13AM
SONNY says:
Hey man, I know what you mean about American customs. I'm not muslim but am of south asian descent so I too get hassled more often. Some tips to avoid getting the third degree: comb hair neatly, shave, wear conservative clothes(neatly pressed shirt,dress pants) make sure NONE of your tatoos are visible, don't chew gum, no sunglasses (eyeglasses are good tho). Also, speak clearly and concisely, be polite but don't make small talk.
Posted On: Sunday, Jul. 5 2009 @ 9:42AM
ROB says:
HEY. DUFF. ITS ROB, FROM BUENOS AIRES. FOLLOW YOUR RECOMENDATIONS... I HEAR TO THE SOOL ALBUM... AND LIKE IT... ITS LIKE A LOADED'S ALBUM (SIMILAR) ... CHEERS.--ROB.
Posted On: Sunday, Jul. 5 2009 @ 6:59PM
Kris says:
Eeegads, man. Fabulousness on everything except 3-5 & 9. Ouch. Feel that I should apologize for the "what pain?" response on Twitter last week--as it sounds like you managed more pain than I of late. So, apologies for unrealized boneheadedness. I blame the run.
Czech it out...Oi. Interesting tale, though.
Posted On: Monday, Jul. 6 2009 @ 1:39PM
Ron says:
Hey Duff,
Great article. I enjoy reading it. We are "neighbors" in the EW sunshine. Would like to say "hi" some day on TRR.
Bummer about your bag. Might show up though, I've had lost luggage show up weeks later.
Take care,
Posted On: Monday, Jul. 6 2009 @ 5:07PM
Mike F. says:
zzz...obscure band references and name dropping. zzz...geriatric shower falling. zzz... seeing played out 90's synth bands. zzz...losing luggage and losing teeth. zzz... not getting high in Amsterdam. zzz... family tourist vacation. zzz... celebrity worship comments. Snooze-Fest '09
Sounds like pretty soon, the only rockin' you're gonna be doing is in a rocking chair. (yawn)
Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 8 2009 @ 5:44PM
Duff says:
Hey Mike F - M.F.,
you want to antagonize me?
antogonize me M.F.
get in the ring M.F.
and I'll kick your bitchy littles ass...PUNK!
Posted On: Monday, Jul. 13 2009 @ 10:27AM
Tattooed Angel says:
@Duff-NICE ONE!LOVE IT!
Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 15 2009 @ 6:52PM
Anonymous says:
duff lets get to the point tell slash to buck up and forgive axl already you guys were the biggest band in the world when you left and think about what the fans want no more velvet guns n roses must reunite forgive axl
Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 18 2009 @ 1:05AM
Dylan says:
duff
just reunite the band and talk to axl and slash. get steven back on drums. the talent you guys had shouldn't go to waste. DONT LET IT
p.s. i did send the other message about reuniting
Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 18 2009 @ 1:13AM
Mike says:
@ Dylan
WTF? Gun's 'n' roses are still going, they just suck pretty badly now - Loaded rockznrollz!
@ Mike F - hahaha i`ll be in Duff's corner!
Duff, saw you at download dude, utter class!! Can't wait to see you guys again, maybe you can return the favour and come see my band one day. Heck we might even let you guys support us! haha, sorry - bit of a daydream there.
Peace out,
Mike
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 21 2009 @ 6:08AM
Dylan says:
Mike
Get this strait they were the last great rock supergroup. they need to reunite loaded is good but gnr reunited would be amazing.
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 5:16AM
Slipping, Tripping or Falling Accident Claims says:
Recently my neighbor got tripped over my cat. She has hired a lawyer and asking for compensation.Is she right?
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 26 2009 @ 2:47AM