The Making of a Rhythm Section
Last weekend, I played a benefit show in L.A. to raise money for teenage runaways in Hollywood. LAYN (Los Angeles Youth Network) is a nonprofit that provides housing and vocational training, along with emotional support, for some of our young who have perhaps slipped through the cracks and ended up on these hardened streets.
Duff McKagan's column runs every Thursday (unless it's Thanksgiving) on Reverb. Check back on Monday when he writes about what's playing on his iPod.
The thing that was exceptionally different at this show, for me at least, was that Slash and I would be playing with original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler for the first time since our Appetite for Destruction days . . . a long fucking time ago indeed! This whole mini-reunion got me thinking back to a time when life just seemed a bit simpler, and my goals, while grandiose, all seemed in some way to be a destiny of sorts.
After first moving to Hollywood in the fall of 1984, I was pretty much left to my own devices to find other musicians to play with, not to mention just simply to make a friend or two in this new and strange place. The luster of that year's Summer Olympics had worn off, and the police presence had virtually vacated Hollywood proper. The floodgates were wide open for criminals and thugs and general unwatched anarchy. This was my new world . . . alone.
For this story's sake, I will skip through the first job I landed down there, working for "the Hungarians," a tight-knit Mafioso group that somehow sensed that I would hustle around town for them and keep all my errands a secret. To this day, I have told not a soul what I did for them. I like to breathe. No, this story should begin after I first met Steven and Slash through a newspaper ad just a few weeks after I arrived there.
It should be known that the bands I'd played in to this point were bands like the Fastbacks, the Fartz, and Ten Minute Warning--alternative music, I suppose, but years before the term "alternative" was actually used, and subsequently OVERused!
Meeting two long-hair rockers from Hollywood was culture shock for me, as I am quite sure that my short blue hair and long pimp coat was a shock for them. But an almost instant alliance was made. I think that we were SO different from each other that our minds were open enough to actually get turned on to to each others' trains of musical thought. One thing DID have to change for me, however, and that was Steven's double-kick drum kit with WAY too many rack-toms and cymbals. Lucky for me, when we formed GN'R a few months later, Izzy Stradlin shared my horror of this "hesher" drum kit. We started our plot to hide parts of his drum kit. Every time poor Steven would show up to band practice, his kit was progressively smaller, until he was left with only the bare essentials--what would become his signature "thing" and influence modern rock drummers a few short years later . . . a GROOVE!
But I hadn't really found my "thing" on bass yet either. It seemed that the timing for Steven and I to sort of meld as an actual rhythm section was perfect. Listening and playing along with things like Cameo, Prince, and Sly and the Family Stone became our gauge and music school. Hours before the rest of the band would come for rehearsal, Steven and I would be there, mesmerized by what seemed to us at the time a visionary and funky quest. We became close as brothers in that first year of writing and rehearsing and playing shitty little dive-clubs.
That mini-era in L.A. music spawned another really interesting rhythm duo in Jane's Addiction's Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins. I suppose competition makes for a better "product," and Adler and I would go watch them play whenever possible. It made us better. I think we made them better, too. Neither band was too far removed from the influence of Led Zeppelin, and when you are looking at John Paul Jones and John Bonham as a benchmark (no mater how unattainable), you will push yourself as hard and far as you possibly can.
When Steven came to rehearsal last Friday for that benefit show, the scars of his hard-lived life faded instantly, replaced by his kid-like grin. The drugs over the years had done every diabolical trick they could, but they did not steal his talent and backbeat. It was a pleasure and an honor to play with my brother again after a 20-year absence. He absolutely killed it last Sunday night at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood. I pulled for him. Slash pulled for him. The whole audience pulled for him. In that short instant, three teenage runaways from the past paid it forward to a wide-eyed audience of kids who could see what can be achieved when the strains of life are eased and replaced by dreams and hope.
60 comment(s)
Janean says:
Nice timing on the latest installment of your story! It's like a little holiday gift for fans. Speaking of the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your's.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 4:26PM
Jackie says:
That was heart-warming and the insight into young men, gone astray , and perfecting , their crafts , and now of age...were life is a commodity...Nice to here and I bet a pleasure for the audience....Happy Thanks-giving...Jackie
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 4:32PM
Billy says:
I tell ya; I watched the clip of the performance of 'Paradise City' and was smiling ear to ear. Steven nailed it ! A great performance from everyone. I am really pulling for Steven. On that note have a great Thanksgiving to you and your family Duff.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 5:44PM
Teri Troubadour says:
Really a Beautiful Day To See U Guys Playin together..even if it is only one show, I knew it would happen ... Just didnt Know when...and Ahhh..WHAAATS Up with the "playing shitty little dive-clubs" I hope U R NOT Referring to the Troubadour..
Another FLASH BACK.... That Night You were Standin at the Bar...Complaing About how it's not fair that...While I was counting a gallon Jar of $1 Bills, that I got all that money and you guys got hardly anything... and I told You... You Gotta have a little Patience, when U R Sittin La'Balage drinkin Wine Livin the Good Life I would Likely still be sittin Here Counting my $1 Bill, So Stop Complaining.... You Should Have seen the Look On Your Face when You Started to Fantasize it...I'll Never Forget that Look... I Knew it Would happen... and...
Rock On
Teri Troubadour
(And NO Iam NOT still sittin there counting $1 Bills) :)
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 5:57PM
Roberta Wichmann says:
Your consideration by Steve is really touching. " It was a pleasure and an honor to play with my brother again after a 20-year absence". What can I say? I've had the honor to see you playing live in Loaded, see Slash playing live at Velvet and Axl singing live more than once, but I never could see Steve or you three (Steve, Slash and Duff)playing together. This meeting should really have brought many memories. Good memories. I bet!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 6:17PM
Sophia says:
That was a cool story - I've heard the hiding Steven's drums thing before and I can just picture his face :D In fact, we had to do something similar with our drummer because he just wouldn't lay off the chimes, haha
I've yet to find my thing on bass as well. I love so many things from the Red Hot Chili Peppers funk style to Aerosmith to your playing, and all the music I like just sort of gets meshed into one. It's melodic, rhythmic, almost syncopated playing.
Anyway, that was a perfect addition to the previous story. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, and enjoy the holiday! :)
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 6:19PM
shelley klaner says:
funny, i am full blooded hungarian and my dad has often joked about hiring the mafiso to take care of my ex husband.... ha. ha. have you ever gone to the hungarian deli in Burbank? I was gonna visit when I am down for the Camp Freddy show on the 18th. Hope you are gonna play that one.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 7:01PM
El Hugo says:
Want to give props you Duff for showing in the spirit, content and tone of your weekly writing here that gratitude is cool with a capital 'C'.
Important message to hold on to in this day and age. I like the reminders and hope you keep them coming.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 11:16PM
Zana says:
Don't you think, Duffy-boy, that mentioning those Hungarians or whoever they were isn't too reasonoable? Not only beacause of people wondering what kind of job was this and probably thinking it was something much worse than in real. Everybody has their guessings now. Whatever...
The point is that writing about it in the Internet, while having wife and kids is simply stupid. Rethink this.
Best wishes
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 25 2009 @ 11:55PM
Andrea says:
It must have been a great experience to hear you play! Great cause and great music, hope you raised a lot of money.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 12:16AM
Suzanne says:
A bit crushed I missed the show, but I was thrilled to hear that you, Steven and Slash played together. Been many, many years since I've had the opportunity to see that. Hope it won't be the last!
Thanks for sharing your stories and all, Duff- never know when I'm going to be left laughing my butt off or tearing up needin' a tissue. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! Cheers.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 1:02AM
Nicole says:
Thanks for sharing these memories with us.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 1:28AM
Federico Pascual says:
Very good article! Thanks duff!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 6:02AM
Chanti B. says:
Hej Duff,
Just looked at the gig on YouTube; great vibe, just awesome!
Stevens drumkit looks just perfect right now ;-)
I really enjoy reading you columns. Thanks for sharing you life/thoughts with us. Will try to respond to them more often though...
Take care and happy thanksgiving!
And...is there any change Loaded is coming back to the Netherlands for a gig? The last time is waaaaaay too long ago ;-)
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 7:38AM
Fla says:
Wow!! It was very touching to read your words about that great moment ... and I am very happy that the public have fallen at the feet of steven! he is a very emotional man, thanks to your great story I could enjoy this great night!thanks for sharing with us.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
love from argentina
fla
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 9:22AM
Alex says:
I really like reading your columns, Duff! You should do an autobiography, or something.
Just a thought :)
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 10:52AM
Brad Cox says:
Great performance of Paradise City - awesome to see you playing with Steven.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 1:46PM
Karamouche/Karoline says:
This idea behind a benefit show like LAYN is such a great idea. And It's nice to see everyone wins on it. The people going to the show having a great time, everyone playing there having a great time, and of course everyone the money gets to.
Wish I could've been there, but as I live on the other side of the world it unfortunately is too far away. But after what I've seen on youtube, it looked like a badass show!!! Awesome to see you and Slash play with Steven. You all looked like you were thrilled, hope you had as much fun as it looked like.
Thanks for sharing that story, great reading! Would be awesome if it ends up like a book one day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 3:26PM
nayara brasil says:
Duff I love you, your words came into my heart. I already knew you was a great man, but now I know I want to be like you.You has a strength and goodness greater than this world and I thank God for you there.
duff eu te amo, suas palavras entrou no meu coraçao. eu ja sabia que voce era um grande homem,mas hoje sei que quero ser igual a voce.Voce tem uma força e uma bondade maior que esse mundo e agradeço a deus por voce existir.nao sei se voce vai entender o que digo, por isso escrevo em portugues tambem. O meu sentimento por voce é muito grande.
I love you and sorry for bad ingles.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 4:03PM
Pancho (Chile) says:
Hey... Im so glad you guys played together again.. i wish i could be there for that amazing gig... I met Steven on 2007 here in Chile.. He´s a really nice guys and he missed playing with you guys... He´s an amazing drummer, and the three of you.. ROCK!!
From Chile Duff.. Hope you liked the keychain. :D
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 5:50PM
lena montes says:
This is a great article Duff ... very touching. You guys did an amazing thing for the youth -they need U all so bad. It is so cool that U all played together again. Watching U play, it seems U haven't missed a beat since GnR- U r all so talented. Slash is an amazing man to have asked Steven on- we are all routing for him so bad and I know he wont let us down... I love all U guys so much.. keep on rockin - your fans need U .
Thanks for sharing the story Duff - keep writing .. hoping to read the book someday !!!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 6:04PM
Eduardo says:
Duf....i grow up with your music..its very important for me to see a friends playing together again....reminds me the best times of my life
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 6:06PM
Maira says:
Hi, I m Maira, I live in Joinville - SC - BRASIL, I love all the history about Guns n Roses end all that happens after that...
I have 30 years old.
I love the contemporaneous time at we live, and the love of rock in roll that peoples can play.
I love all of part of history, I LOVE YOU GUYS.
I WANT TO SHOW WITH YOURS, WITH DUFF, SLASH,STEVEN AND SORUM.
Sorry my english is very simple...rsrs
But I'll aways love theirs...hehehh
I LOVE SLASH, I LOVE DUFF - LOADED - I LOVE YOU SO MUTCH!!!!!!!!!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 6:13PM
erin says:
nice article duff. man that was probably one hell of a show. too bad i missed it. maybe next time. btw happy thanksgiving.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 6:43PM
Anonymous says:
my god this was a moment that seemed so right, i hope one day you guys will reunite permanently. fans deserve to see it especially the younger fans. even if its not with axl. i mean izzy is great on vocals so izzy+slash+steven+duff=great fucking music. long live the legend that is GNR. btw i met steven in june, such a heart a really one of a kind guy, keep rockin.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 9:00PM
SENTIMENTAL MOVIE says:
wow, that's beautiful dogg. i have to admit to you duff: i've never heard paradise sound like that EVER! and you know why? cause everytime it's played by snakepit, vr, new guns, or some other formation that hasn't the core of it: you and your 2 brothers! there is no secret to the chemistry, you guys were made for each other. i hope this serves as a great revelation (kinda like what you guys had with matt) but this time it is the real deal duff, THE REAL DEAL! can it be only us-the fans- that can see it??
5 cats that were made for each other.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 9:01PM
Anonymous says:
can you say supergroup to the guy/girl above me. that would be badass with izzy,steve,duff and slash. let axl be a pansy but you guys can do so much better without him, god bless.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 26 2009 @ 9:02PM
dominik says:
figyelem, megmondtam neki on hoz lenni csendes, feher fiu
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 1:04AM
AxlReznor says:
Like most people here, I only got to see any of this show on Youtube. But it looked fantastic, and like everybody was having fun. I've never been a big fan of Steven's, but I've got to admit on that performance of Paradise City he was dead on! He might just be able to change my prior opinion... and I'm happy to see him healthy.
Another thing that stood out for me was how awesome Chester Benington sounded singing it (I'm glad it wasn't Cypress Hill this time, who are good in their own right, but not so much on that song), and the way he sang and moved made me wish he hadn't already counted himself out of the running for the Velvet Revolver job.
The Slash song with Andrew Stockdale is also awesome. I didn't know whether or not I was looking forward to Slash's solo album, but hearing that song has made me excited for it. Slash sounds like he's been reinvigorated... and without meaning offense to VR (Contraband is still one of my favourite albums), if all the tracks on the album are as good as that it could be the best record he's been involved in since '91.
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 3:42AM
Katy says:
Duff you really need to write that book! The way you tell stories is brilliant. (Including anything about the Hungarians is of course optional.)
Like everyone else I wish I could have seen that show, especially since I've yet to see Steven live at all and going on the videos it was one of his best performances in years.
Ah well, maybe next time.
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 4:14AM
Iris Angel says:
"Karma" is such a Beautiful Thang!
Life is too short for any Animosity between such talented Brothers! Ya'll Should make one hell of a Documentary that has a Happy Ending! ;) xoxoxox
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 4:48AM
Janina says:
Hi Duff,
this last sentence is really really poetic and heart-warming, it really moved me. Thank you for this article!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and eat some turkey for me, too, since we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Germany. :o(
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 5:22AM
David R says:
Hey... I was unaware of your gangsta background LOL! It’s amazing to see how little I knew about how a band works, and eventually how much I learned after reading Slash’s book, and now your comment. It’s a little embarrassing to acknowledge how I had never thought that there should be chemistry with your band mates. The passion of just playing cover gigs of your hero bands’ what kept us moving.
I couldn’t write last time but I think a lot of the South American passion and faithfulness is directly related to poverty. Two major issues related to poverty are the fact that Paraguay’s in average 1500 miles of the nearest usual “big concert” arenas where big bands come to play (Argentina, Brazil, etc.). Putting the money together and getting through expensive paperwork to travel just made it impossible for the minority rock population to go see “the real thing”, hence making it like a thing from planet Krypton, rationally unreachable.
Another problem’s the lack of radio support and CD supplies. Since in Paraguay music (any form of art) doesn’t sell shit, and the little that comes’ from piracy, the industry’s reluctant to make the art available. We’d only have a limited supply of the latest stuff and when it ends, it ends forever. We’re just this little snake in the grass, forgotten by God, nobody – gives – a – shit – bout – u wonderland, kinda like the stray dog u took a picture of in the Argentinean backlands.
10 yrs ago when internet was something of another universe here, we’d struggle to get tapes and would become city – wide notorious if we ever had the chance to get big band music that isn’t available. That personally happened to me when I landed Metallica’s Garage Days, $9.95 – a headbanger’s Holy Grail back then. I managed to get a copy of a copy of a copy from this dude’s friend who came from Argentina. The tape sounded like shit but served me the throne for a while.
These facts, I think, make the South American crowds so passionate. To be able to actually go to a live concert of the band you’d only watch in your neighbors’ MTV because you can’t afford cable. If there’s the slightest possibility, you’d pawn or sell your property, lose inheritance, be fired from your job, but it turns into an unmatched once – in – a – lifetime personal event which becomes a tale to be told from generation to generation.
Paraguay rocks 2!
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 6:59AM
kimi says:
just watched it from youtube, fucking amazing..... hope steven has got his shit together for good, cant wait to hear his banging on slash`s solo album
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 7:29AM
Gaz O keeffe says:
this is one of the best things i have heard in many many many years, been a guns fan from the beginning and starting out as a drummer in my own musical journey i have always felt that the rhythm section on the early guns stuff was the bench mark, as the D man so eloquently put it "the groove" goes a hell of a long way to making AFD what it is. I would have given anything to see Steven, slash and duff jamming together. Here's hoping for another opportunity.
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 7:31AM
Kris says:
"I like to breathe."
LMAO. Well said. Your instinct for self-preservation is appreciated. ;)
Thank you for sharing this part of your story. Very groovy.
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 8:41AM
ximena says:
I saw the video on youtube and it brought me to tears. It was so emotional. Not only because Paradise City is my favorite song EVER. But seeing the three of you playing together was MAGIC.
The last paragraph is beautiful, you are a wonderful writer.
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 3:06PM
MF says:
Wow! A single tear runs down my cheek....
See, kids? If there's one message you can take away from the sleazy, narcissistic, drug addled, L.A. glam/butt rock music scene of the 80's this holiday season, it's hope... hope and setting an example for the children. I know my kids will be in the front row!
Thanks for paying it forward, Duff!
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 27 2009 @ 4:38PM
Sue from Honey Brook, PA says:
I have only comment one other time, it was a story about drugs. I wrote about how my son was getting in a little to deep. Happy to say I pulled him in and he is doing very well. But I am writing to say that I am so glad that Steve is doing well and playing well. I have been trying to find out how he has been since the VH1 thing. I think it is awesome that you guys got to play again and for a great cause that you could relate to. I wish Loaded could play out this way, you guys are awesome!!!
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 28 2009 @ 7:05PM
mad_mama says:
Just got to read this now! Made my day, as always. Thanks, Duff! We had a weird Thanksgiving this year, in Portland at Rick's folks. He ended up in the hospital with a ruptured appendix! So, sitting here at almost 11:30 on Saturday night, reading my favorite columnist's insight, made my long day a little easier. Thank you for all of this... just, everything.
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 28 2009 @ 11:25PM
Julie says:
Like most of the others here, I wasn't fortunate enough to see this show live, but I've seen the many videos on Youtube and I was just amazed by the performance of "Paradise City." There's a video that particularly struck me, where you're right up in front of the drums and Steven is looking at you with the biggest grin possible. All I can say is "wow!"
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 29 2009 @ 6:08AM
Eric says:
Now just add Axl and izzy and you REAllY would have something. Thanks for sharing Duff, your words mean more to people than you realize!
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 29 2009 @ 12:06PM
Kim Caprara says:
Duff on the past & present of his brothers and their magical connection. Adler as he said "his kid like smile" boy, do I know that smile. It is the happiness in Stevens heart, I feel, for the love of his music the love he feels and appreciates from everyone. I know playing with Duff & Slash again was like heaven because they ARE like brothers and they all felt the brotherhood connection and love of their music craft, with one another!!!! With the a greatest charity was the cherry on top!!!!!!
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 29 2009 @ 4:59PM
Brad Cox says:
Finding the right blend takes [what feels like] a freakin' lifetime, sometimes -
But, once you have the chemistry - it's undeniable.
If you have passionate individuals [that you can play well with] they can always improve on their abilities - but, you can't really improve on chemistry [it is or isn't].
I hate to use this example, but I kind of have to:
Axl has worked with some really talented cats [since Interview with a Vampire], but his biggest roadblock seems to be generating a feel/vibe that connects with the audience [the way it once did].
Sure, the guys are playing the right notes - but, each incarnation is a little different. And there's always this sense of forboding or insinserity from the members (through no fault of their own) - as if the members see themselves as hired guns and not true members.
GNR '09 still sells tickets because Axl is just that intriquing, [And is really great at marketing himself] - but, you get the idea.
Bottomline, people have to believe you can make a difference, create social change - revolutionize music or you're just another group of guys playing music.
Have you ever heard or seen a band booking and promoting their 'last show...' Well, attendance is usually dismal.
People don't want to remember the band [as such] - there is no excitement or reason to go. It's over.
I relish in the chemistry in that video, with the likes of everyone else - it was cool to see.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 30 2009 @ 10:45AM
Duff says:
Thanks all for the kind words etc.. as you can tell, it was just one of those victorious moments that very well could have never happened....because of the obvious obstacles all 3 of us dealt with!
thanks again!
Duff
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 30 2009 @ 11:44AM
AxlReznor says:
@Brad - It's purely objective to the individual whether or not Axl has found chemistry with the different line-ups of GN'R. I for one think there is an amazing chemistry between everyone in the current line-up (possible exception of DJ Ashba, as I haven't seen him live yet). Ron Thal, Richard Fortus and Tommy Stinson in particular have a great thing going on, and are some of the most genuine musicians out there right now. Of the times I saw that band in 2006, they had me in awe of how they'd managed to pull it together against such overwhelming odds to become one of the most "together" live bands in the world.
Regardless... I'm not sure why every single conversation about musicianship that in any way can be linked to former members of Guns N' Roses has to suddenly turn into a conversation about the current members of Guns N' Roses, and how they're not as good. Does it really have anything to do with them what Duff, Slash and Steven have been doing? I don't think so really.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 30 2009 @ 2:04PM
Brad Cox says:
@ AxlR. - I'll give you that, it IS subjective, but this is a forum, so of course I'm speaking from an editorial perspective.
I don't think my post said the latest incarnation of Guns isn't as good, technically - just that I don't see the same chemistry; a lot of chemistry [as it were] comes from the memories associated with writing the songs, playing them live, the crowd reactions, your personal feelings toward the songs, recording and so on - can you tell me that they'll all be feeling PARADISE CITY or JUNGLE the way AXL does or SLASH, DUFF & STEVE would (in this case). They can't - they were simply NOT there.
I saw them in 2006 in Baltimore and it was a great show! Axl rocks.
Maybe if I saw them communicate in interviews (together) or I saw more shows, I'd feel differently - but, I stand behind my post.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 30 2009 @ 6:04PM
AxlReznor says:
Actually it is NOT a forum. It is the comments section of a blog, designed for comments on the subject of the blog... for a forum go to www.duff-loaded.com/community or www.velvetrevolverforum.com
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 1 2009 @ 1:48AM
Kids Video says:
Wonderful Post!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 1 2009 @ 3:58AM
Brad Cox says:
It's all semantics @ AxlR., but a forum is any public meeting place for an open discussion - a public blog is a forum.
That said, I'm pretty sure a nice chunk of this blog was about Duff performing with Steven and Slash of Guns n' Roses - am I wrong about that?
Am I also wrong about the title, 'The Making of a Rhythm Section?'
Sorry, you're right, I was way off base. ha.
Have a good day, man!
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 1 2009 @ 6:36AM
Reenie says:
Duff,
Great column. Awesome to see three survivors enjoying themselves and thrilling the crowd!
@mad_mama I too spent Thanksgiving in the hospital undergoing surgery to remove my appendix. Who knew it would be a popular activity this year!!
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 3 2009 @ 1:48PM
Reenie says:
Duff,
Great column. Awesome to see three survivors enjoying themselves and thrilling the crowd!
@mad_mama I feel your pain (literally). I too spent Thanksgiving in the hospital undergoing surgery to remove my appendix. Who knew it would be a popular activity this year!!
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 3 2009 @ 1:50PM
Andrea says:
Shit...got tears in my eyes on the last paragraph...
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 4 2009 @ 2:19AM
Miguel Passos says:
I would love to watch this show. Where can I find it?
Guns N' Roses' story is really sad. You were the best band on the planet, with lots of style, and in my opinion, you had the life I always wanted to have. Playing music for the whole day! What a dream... I play the piano since I was 8 (I'm 16 now), and every day when I get home, I run to the piano to play 'November Rain'. What a classical song! I wonder how you could compose such a pretty piece. You're my favourite band, and that's weird, because when I was born the band was destroyed... Since I first heard 'Sweet Child O' Mine', I wanted to get more information about you, and now I know all your discography.
I really liked this article, it's very touching when you call Steven your brother. If you could reply me, I would be very grateful.
Miguel Passos, from Portugal
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 4 2009 @ 4:14AM
lisa says:
Loved the blue hair from your alternative days - really looked good on you too. You had the pimp jacket BEFORE Matrix - ha!
Must of been an awesome reunion and to pay it forward (Instead of "fastback!") for such a worthy cause was really a caring gesture.
"And they say he had a heart 10 times the size of the littlest Who....."
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 4 2009 @ 4:32AM
Lee says:
Its crazy I found this from Steven's myspace. I just started reading Slash's book for the second time yesterday and I just read the part about you meeting Steven and Slash for the first time at a deli I believe. Its funny what they thought about you when you came walking up and they saw you through the window. lol
Posted On: Sunday, Jan. 3 2010 @ 4:18AM
Tuomas says:
Very insightful description of what makes a band so great. It isn't about how expensive gear daddy has bought or how splendid solos can be played.
It's about the shared vision, comradeship and, most importantly, connection between players and listeners.
I agree 100% on everything Duff sez here.
Posted On: Thursday, Jan. 7 2010 @ 12:19PM
Dave says:
I am so glad to here steven sounds well. When i met him he was such a nice guy and im glad you all got along and ripped the roof off. Im just a bit pissed off i live in england and couldn't get there, aww well !
Posted On: Monday, Jan. 11 2010 @ 5:34AM
i'm crazy says:
Craaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzyyyyyyyyyyy, i'm gunner!!!!!!!!!I don't speack english...
Posted On: Thursday, Jan. 14 2010 @ 10:22AM
Guns I love says:
it's the best!!! I like... I live in Brazil, but I forever love rock.........
Duff, Steven, Slash were handsome, but now.... I love they
Posted On: Thursday, Jan. 14 2010 @ 10:25AM