Renowned for his electrifying performances, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan has graced stages globally for decades. It’s intriguing to hear him admit that he still experiences pre-show nerves, even when performing in massive stadiums with his band.

“You just feel honored,” he expresses during an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock. “When I step on stage, my first thought is, ‘Will anyone show up as I come around my amps? Is there going to be a crowd here? Wow, there are people here. Amazing.’ Performing at smaller venues amplifies that feeling, as you can see everyone’s faces and energy.”

Recently, McKagan kicked off the latest leg of his ongoing Lighthouse tour in Boston, with a performance scheduled next in New York City. Exciting photos from his New York show are available below. His next concert is set for tonight in Chicago (Nov. 8).

On Halloween, he connected with Ultimate Classic Rock Nights host Matt Wardlaw as he prepared for his tour. During their discussion, McKagan reflects on his touring experiences and shares insights about what he learns from each performance. He also discussed three new songs he recently released, including his cover of “Heroes” by David Bowie, featuring his long-time collaborator Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols.

Exploring the Joys of Touring: McKagan Reflects on His Journey with Lighthouse
Sharing the stage with Steve Jones has been a remarkable experience, rich with history. While he’s now a close family friend, he remains a legendary figure in McKagan’s life. “He’s like an uncle to my daughters and my buddy,” McKagan shares. “I learned to play guitar listening to him. When we started Neurotic Insiders together, I thought, ‘He’s going to realize that every riff I know is his.’ Yet, he was incredibly supportive, saying, ‘All right, mate.’ Performing “Heroes” with him during the European leg of the tour felt magical. I have an incredible band composed of top-notch musicians from Seattle, and their talent shines through every performance.

All the shows have been well-attended, with the venues often nearing sell-out capacity. After releasing a record just ten months ago, I was apprehensive about the response. Would anyone show up? It turns out, waiting allowed people to connect deeply with the songs. Many fans knew the lyrics, and their emotional reactions during the performances were heartwarming. The experience has been truly fulfilling.

Watch Duff McKagan Perform David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ With Steve Jones

Understanding the Connection with Your Audience: McKagan’s Insights on Performance
It’s refreshing to witness that you still experience that uncertainty about audience turnout. It highlights your genuine investment in the music and the fans.
Absolutely! Even during Guns N’ Roses shows, I still feel that nervous energy. A realization hit me about a decade ago: everyone has a story. Each person in the audience might have faced significant challenges or achieved remarkable things in their lives. When I perform, I remind myself that these individuals chose to spend their time and money to be at our show. The energy from the crowd is palpable, and it amplifies the performance.

When I look out into the audience, I see countless stories. Some fans sing along with tears in their eyes, and I wonder what personal connections they have to the music. It’s a profound honor to share that moment with them. At that moment, it becomes clear: there’s no barrier between us. I’m on stage, and they’re in the audience, but we’re all part of this shared experience.

The Energy Exchange: Why Each Performance Matters to McKagan
I often converse with other artists who view performances as just another show. However, it’s evident that you perceive it differently.
Exactly! No matter the venue size, I absorb the energy from the crowd and those I perform with. I consciously connect with the audience. Collaborating with artists like Guns N’ Roses, Iggy Pop, Jerry Cantrell, and Ozzy Osbourne means engaging with those who also value this connection. I wouldn’t associate with anyone who doesn’t feel the need to connect authentically. Music is about truth; every song holds a piece of that truth, and it’s essential to stay plugged in.

Watch Duff McKagan Interview Lee Ving of Fear

Reflecting on Conversations with Legends: Lessons from Lee Ving
I enjoyed your discussion with Lee Ving. I doubt teenage Duff would have imagined that Lee could have such a down-to-earth persona. What stood out to you from that conversation?
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Lee, and it’s been incredible. I’ve been fortunate to meet and connect with my heroes like Henry Rollins, Iggy Pop, Lee Ving, and Steve Jones. Lee, in particular, scared us all back in the day; he embodied a real presence and was truly intimidating. Yet, beneath that fierce persona, he’s one of the kindest individuals I’ve encountered. He’s such a gentle soul.

When Slash and I covered “Nice Boys”, we recorded in Orange County, and he was the perfect host. “Oh, guys, can I get you anything?” he asked. No, Lee, just being Lee Ving is enough! I remember attending a FEAR show in Orange County around that time. Backstage, he asked about my family, and it felt surreal. Then he took the stage with FEAR, and I instinctively stepped back, realizing who I was standing in front of! I look forward to collaborating with him on stage. I’ve created two punk songs, one co-sung with Lee and another with Joey Shithead, and I hope we can perform them together.

Taking on the Challenge of Covering a Classic: McKagan Discusses ‘Heroes’
Earlier, we touched on Steve Jones‘ involvement in your version of “Heroes.” How did you approach the challenge of covering such an iconic song?
I approached it without fear; I simply dove in. I was in the studio recording a variety of songs and had a working title for one called “Heroes.” My producer, Martin [Feveyear], suggested I cover the classic, and with Jamie [Douglass], my drummer, present, we tracked it. I learned the song quickly and realized that it fit my vocal range. The music resonated with the style of my albums Lighthouse and Tenderness—simple yet powerful.

There’s a rich historical narrative within the song, from the Berlin Wall to star-crossed lovers, and I’m captivated by those themes. The line, “And the guns shot over our heads” resonates with my passion for history. I immersed myself in the lyrics and the song itself. It’s a universally loved piece, and I started layering guitars, recording vocals, and adding bass. It felt right, so I decided to release it. It wasn’t daunting; it flowed naturally, and the studio version was released before our European tour. Performing it live has been rewarding, especially with Steve Jones joining us in London.

Bucket List Moments: McKagan Celebrates Milestones with Family and Friends
Let’s wrap up with this: you’ve accomplished so much throughout your career. This tour with Lee and Joey must feel like another significant milestone…
…and my daughter is opening for me! She finally agreed to join me on stage. While she has kept her distance from any perceived nepotism, she loves the message of Lighthouse. Having Lee Ving, Joey Shithead, and my daughter all part of this tour feels like fulfilling a bucket list. I’m grateful for these experiences, and I know there’s more to come.

Listen to Duff McKagan’s ‘My Name is Bob’ With Joey Shithead of D.O.A.