DUFF MCKAGAN // THE GARAGE, GLASGOW
Rock legend shows it’s still so easy
★★★★☆ (4/5)
DUFF MCKAGAN PERFORMING AT GLASGOW'S GARAGE
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
During his decades in one of the largest hard rock groups of all time, Duff McKagan has kept himself busy moonlighting in a cavalcade of supergroups. However tonight, among the confines of the Garage in Glasgow the majority of the set came from the rock gods' valiant solo efforts.
Handing off his thundering bass for jangling acoustic guitars, McKagan delivered a performance which showed a different musical pallet than his chart-topping day job. Fitting for a discography which has proven to be a thoroughly introspective exploration of isolation, masculinity and mental health.
It is always a treat to see megastars who have rocked the biggest venues around the world transplanted into the sweaty setting of clubs. This night was no exception and from the opening notes of “Forgiveness” the audience was ensnared.
The set featured heavily from the recent solo albums “Tenderness” and “Long Feather” both providing solidly written 70s-flavoured pop rock. Highlights covered a gambit of styles, with the easy-listening rock of “Longfeather” and “Lighthouse” contrasting well with the emotional ballads of “Tenderness” and “Chip Away”.
Unfortunately, tonight’s setlist didn’t venture far from these two albums. With songs by McKagan toting acts such as Velvet Revolver, Walking Papers and (with one exception) Loaded are not included.
Alleviating this potential setlist fatigue, the band sprinkled in well-known punk rock tunes which were warmly received shots in the arm for the audience. The riff of “I wanna be your dog” instantly lit a fire under the audience, while “I fought the law” proved a delightful singalong. A performance of McKagan’s recently released cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” solidified the 70s essence of the set.
In the same vein, only one Guns N’ Roses track made its way into the set. A breakneck rendition of “You’re Crazy” received the largest response from the audience. Sadly, there were no more tracks from the iconic group performed, it felt like one or two more propulsive rockers could have given the night an edge it otherwise missed.
Throughout McKagan and his band delivered rousing performances. With a powerful rhythm section supporting driven electric guitar and snarled punk vocals.
With a parting round of thanks to the audience, McKagan exited the stage, leaving a thoroughly rocked crowd who were left awestruck by the night. While not a performance that you would immediately expect from an 80’s hell-raiser, tonight’s act had shown a more intimate and vulnerable side to McKagan. Donning the role of frontman is daunting even for seasoned musicians and he has done so with aplomb.
There is no doubt from the collected diehards that any return visit will be hotly anticipated, be that as a band member or centre stage.