Duff McKagan On New Album ‘Lighthouse,’ Lessons Learned From The Clash

On his third solo studio album, Lighthouse, Duff McKagan, the iconic bassist of Guns N’ Roses, delves deep into his punk rock roots. While the term “punk” often evokes a certain sound, McKagan emphasizes that the punk rock ethos, attitude, and mindset are equally vital components. This spirit is the heartbeat of the eleven tracks in McKagan’s latest project.

Reflecting on his musical journey, McKagan recounts a pivotal experience from his youth. “I saw Led Zeppelin in ’77 at the Kingdome in Seattle. And it was epic,” he shared during a recent video call. “And then punk rock happened,” he added with a smirk. He contrasted the grandiosity of Led Zeppelin’s performance with the intimate, raw energy of The Clash, whom he saw in ’79 before London Calling at the Paramount Theatre. “That changed everything, man – that moment and that gig. And that’s how I started approaching life. We’re all in this together,” McKagan explained, highlighting a foundational belief that has influenced his personal and professional life.

Lighthouse closes with a reprise of the title track featuring the “Godfather of Punk,” Iggy Pop. The album’s narrative arc connects the songs, addressing themes such as spirituality in “I Saw God on 10th Street” and societal critique in “Just Another Shakedown.” McKagan collaborated closely with producer Martin Feveyear, joined by drummer Jamie Douglass, Seattle guitarist Tim DiJulio, and keyboard player Ryan Burns. Guest appearances by GNR bandmate Slash and Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell add to the album’s richness.

Recording at home during the early pandemic proved crucial for McKagan, resulting in about 60 new songs. Notably, “Hope,” a track from a 25-year-old home demo, was resurrected with contributions from Slash. “We got these back during COVID and I was like, ‘Whoa. This song is f–ing great, man!’” McKagan enthused. The title track of the album doubles as an ode to his wife, Susan Holmes, while “Longfeather” reflects the discipline he has gained through martial arts and three decades of sobriety.

“I Just Don’t Know,” one of the album’s standout tracks, is a poignant reflection on life’s uncertainties. Featuring Jerry Cantrell on guitar and vocals, McKagan on finger-picked acoustic guitar, and a lush string arrangement by Andrew Joslyn, the song captures a sense of wonder and introspection. McKagan recalls the inspiration for the lyrics during a night walk with his dog in Seattle, leading to a moment of clarity about the song’s direction.

“Forgiveness,” another significant track, embodies McKagan’s optimism and belief in human kindness. Inspired by his extensive travels and interactions with ordinary people, the song calls for letting go of divisive rhetoric. “I’ve traveled so much. I read a lot and I go out and I talk,” McKagan explained. He shared his practice of visiting small towns and engaging with locals, which reinforced his belief in the fundamental goodness of people. “So, ‘Forgiveness’ is sort of this reaching out. This divide that they’ve been telling us about? Let’s just let it go. Because we’re all in this together,” McKagan urged.

Lighthouse is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to McKagan’s enduring punk rock spirit and his unwavering belief in the power of unity and compassion. Through his music, McKagan continues to inspire and remind us that, despite our differences, we are all in this together.