Welcome to the first ever CJ Says Guest Interview, featuring the legendary Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver.
In this episode, Duff shares his personal journey from his humble punk rock beginnings to playing in some of the biggest bands in the world, and the music and experiences that shaped his life along the way.
Duff's love for punk rock dates back to his childhood growing up in Seattle. In this interview, he reveals how one of his early Seattle bands, 10 Minute Warning, inspired local musicians Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, who went on to form a little known group named Pearl Jam.
Duff also discusses the lasting impact that groups like Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash had on his own musical development, and how Ron Reyes from Black Flag nearly became the singer in an early incarnation of Guns N’ Roses.
He recalls attending all-ages punk shows, and the excitement of witnessing live performances from influential acts like The Clash and DOA, and how the the vibrant atmosphere at these gigs helped shape his evolution as a musician, while also solidifying his passion for punk rock, which remains strong and true to this day.
Duff played an integral role in the development of American punk, grunge and hard rock during the 1980s and 90s, as this conversation proves, and an authentic punk attitude runs through every project he’s been a part of, from The Fastbacks and The Fartz to Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, and beyond…
His story is a testament to the power of music and community that sprung from the OG punk scene, kickstarted by the Ramones, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as the first ever guest on CJ Says.
Be sure to check out Duff's books, It's So Easy (and other lies) & How To Be A Man (and other illusions), both of which are excellent and available from all good book stores.
His solo albums Tenderness & Lighthouse are also well worth a listen.
If you want to hear the second half of this interview, and gain access to all of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays
Thank you to Josh Roush for assisting with the filming of this episode. And thank you, as always, to the dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for all of their help and support with the show. Shout out to our social media wizard Bert Gragg as well! It takes a village...and last but never least, thank you to all the Ramones fans worldwide for tuning in.
Enjoy the episode!!!
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