Duff McKagan Unveils Upcoming Solo Releases and Teases New GUNS N' ROSES Music

In a recent interview, GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan discussed his plans for new solo music and hinted at the possibility of fresh material from the legendary rock band. McKagan, who is gearing up for a tour in support of his third solo album "Lighthouse," shared insights into his creative process and the evolving music industry.

Duff McKagan's Solo Ventures and the Enduring Allure of the Album Format

Duff McKagan, the renowned bassist of GUNS N' ROSES, is set to embark on a tour in support of his third solo studio album, "Lighthouse," slated for release in 2023. In a candid interview, McKagan revealed that he has new solo music on the horizon, including a single with a B-side, set to debut on the same day as the tour's kickoff in Dublin on September 30.

Embracing the Album Format in a Digital Age

Despite the industry's shift towards a more singles-driven landscape, McKagan remains steadfast in his commitment to the album format. He believes that the experience of listening to a full-length record, from start to finish, is a cherished tradition that has endured the test of time. "To me, and I'll never give this up, it's just the way I came up — albums you listened from side A, song one, flipped it, listened the whole way," McKagan explained. "And those records became these soundtracks to your life."The bassist's appreciation for the album format extends beyond the music itself, as he values the artwork, packaging, and the overall storytelling that an album can convey. "And it's really nice for me to see vinyl really coming back, in a real way. And my daughter's looking at albums now, like, 'Wow, look at that.' It's not just a little thing on your iPhone screen, like the record cover's this little…" McKagan said, highlighting the tactile and immersive experience that vinyl offers.

Crafting a Cohesive Narrative with "Lighthouse"

McKagan's latest solo effort, "Lighthouse," exemplifies his commitment to the album format. He describes the record as a journey, with the opening track "Lighthouse" setting the tone and the closing song, "I Just Don't Know," pondering what's next. "There's hope in the middle of the song, with an actual song called 'Hope'. There's peaks and valleys to the lyrics, lyrically. So it's important for me. I'll always put out albums, no matter what anybody else thinks," McKagan stated.The bassist's dedication to the album format extends beyond his solo work, as he remains committed to delivering a cohesive listening experience for GUNS N' ROSES fans as well.

Teasing New GUNS N' ROSES Music

While GUNS N' ROSES have not released a full-length studio album since 2008's "Chinese Democracy," McKagan hinted at the possibility of new music from the iconic band. "There's new material. I don't know how we're gona put it out. I think that's a question too. Like, do you put out a record? Do you just keep putting out singles? I don't know what the right answer is there in this day and age," the bassist revealed.The band has, however, released several standalone singles in recent years, including "Absurd," "Hard Skool," "Perhaps," and "The General," all of which were written during the "Chinese Democracy" sessions. This suggests that GUNS N' ROSES may be exploring different approaches to releasing new music, potentially opting for a more singles-driven strategy or a combination of singles and a full-length album.

Navigating the Evolving Music Industry

As the music industry continues to evolve, McKagan acknowledges the challenges of determining the best way to release new music. "I don't wanna put out a record while GUNS is doing a thing. I try to stagger all of that stuff. So when that record will come out, the next record, I don't know. I could just put three records out at one time, but that'd be too much," he said, highlighting the need to carefully coordinate his solo and GUNS N' ROSES releases.Despite the changing landscape, McKagan remains committed to his artistic vision and the enduring appeal of the album format. His dedication to crafting cohesive listening experiences, both in his solo work and with GUNS N' ROSES, underscores his unwavering passion for music and his desire to connect with fans on a deeper level.