Showbox Theatre Seattle, WA
As the bassist of Guns N’ Roses, one of the most iconic, rebellious rock bands in recent memory, Duff McKagan has toured the world countless times amassing a multitude of unforgettable and sometimes unfathomable experiences. While his early, megawatt journey in the limelight - marked by the Latin Phrase per aspera ad astra (suffering to the stars) - took a toll on his mental and physical well-being, it ultimately helped him discover his true north: being an astute societal observer and, in turn, a talented songwriter and storyteller. This skill not only helped Duff craft material for his solo musical career, but also led him toward becoming a New York Times bestselling author, business columnist, wealth management founder, and mentor to musicians across all genres.
Having fully embraced a Sensei-like role, Duff is continuing to tour the world regularly, but on his terms. Most recently, the Jedi-wise rocker returned to his hometown of Seattle to play the final show of the Lighthouse tour, supporting his third solo release. Knowing longtime fans were eagerly awaiting his presence, the seasoned pro emerged from the shadows of the historic Showbox Theatre at precisely 9 pm. His on-point rockstar styling - fitted suit, sleek black sneakers, and mirrored aviators - perfectly represented his present day rockstar-meets-professor persona. Taking a moment to nod a hello to the audience, his glasses mirroring their excited state, Duff grabbed his gorgeous acoustic Guild guitar and strummed the dreamy alt-country chords of “Forgiveness” from Lighthouse (2023).
This first song served as a jumping-off point, drawing the packed audience into his Hero’s Journey – lyrical voyages mirroring the epic story arcs of the historical novels he is known to devour. Duff’s top-shelf musicianship – blending country and punk chord progressions with catchy, rock-driven choruses – complemented his narratives, providing the perfect soundtrack to the vignettes of his stories.
A few standout songs from the evening were comprised of powerful compositions that explore a wide range of themes, from micro (finding hope through adversity) to macro (how societies can often crumble under the guise of altruism). The sweet and soulful “Tenderness,” the titular track from Duff’s 2019 release, and the wonderfully atmospheric “Holy Water” from Lighthouse were among several tracks tackling these leitmotifs that resonated with the concertgoers, made evident by the loud whistles and shouts of approval heard from the elevated open bar areas.
Additionally, Duff interspersed tracks that reflect both the simple struggles of everyday life, such as “My Name is Bob,” featuring show opener Joe Keithly of D.O.A., and songs delving into more complex historical themes. One of Duff’s reflections, “Longfeather,” examines the malevolent underpinnings of colonial manifest destiny and how the “West was won.”
Fittingly, the show’s denouement featured a rendition of David Bowie’s “Heroes,” which saw Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols joining the rocker on stage to deliver the timeless anthem. Celebrated for its portrayal of star-crossed lovers living in an era before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the song poignantly underscores the brutality of a world on the brink of further division. This formidable track seamlessly segued into the show’s finale: the beautiful ballad “Don’t Look Behind You” from Tenderness. With its Bowie-esque intonations and hopeful message of embracing togetherness in times of turmoil, it offered a perfect uplifting conclusion to the night.
McKagan’s remarkable ability to address universal themes, some laced with controversy, without overt judgment, underscores his strength as a modern-day troubadour. Hopefully, his storytelling will continue to inspire songs that might offer the ultimate Hero’s Journey elixir: compassion for one another.
SETLIST:
Forgiveness
Chip Away
This is the Song
I Saw God on 10th
Tenderness
Feel
Holy Water
I Wanna Be Your Dog – The Stooges
My Name is Bob
I Just Don’t Know
Fallen Ones
Fallen
Wasted Heart
Longfeather
Just Another Shakedown
True to the Death Rock n’ Roll Ballad
I Fought The Law- The Crickets and The Clash
You’re Crazy – Guns N’ Roses
Lighthouse
You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory- Johnny Thunders
Heroes – David Bowie
Don’t Look Behind You
