Duff McKagan Reveals the Painful Truth Behind Guns N’ Roses’ Epic Performances
Guns N’ Roses are legendary for their marathon concerts, often lasting a staggering three-and-a-half hours. Despite the physical toll it takes on bassist Duff McKagan, the band’s unwavering commitment to their fans keeps them going strong.
In a recent interview, McKagan candidly shared his thoughts on the band’s lengthy sets. “Man, Axl [Rose] loves – you know, I think it’s – g****mit, it’s like, what songs do you take out, you know, if you wanted to play shorter?” McKagan mused. “Don’t get me wrong – my body would love it if we only played two-and-a-half-hours. Most bands, like, play two hours. Two hours and 10 minutes or something, and we’re playing three [hours and] thirty [minutes].”
While McKagan admits he would prefer shorter shows for the sake of his physical well-being, he acknowledges the band’s vast catalog of beloved songs that keep audiences captivated. “I’d love to play shorter because, just, I’d be in less pain the next day. But, there’s just too many songs, and people stay for the whole thing,” he explained. “Nobody leaves, so it’s like, ‘Okay, they must be enjoying this.'”
From deep cuts like ‘Coma’ and ‘Locomotive’ to crowd favorites like ‘Bad Obsession’ and ‘Pretty Tied Up,’ Guns N’ Roses deliver a setlist that spans their entire career. The recent release of the previously unheard track “The General,” recorded during the Chinese Democracy sessions, further showcases the band’s dedication to their music and fans.
Despite the physical challenges of their marathon concerts, Guns N’ Roses continue to push boundaries and thrill audiences with their electrifying performances. So next time you find yourself at one of their epic shows, remember – it’s all in the name of rock ‘n’ roll.
