Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan on Getting Sober to Save His Life

Duff McKagan opens up to Sammy Hagar about how he only drank alcohol for 12 years and landed in the hospital. He became sober and turned his life around.
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[@mccloysong]

Duff affected me while I was still heavily drinking. His interview on a talk show (Dr Phil?) was a wake up call. He described things I thought only I did. In two weeks I'll be 12 years sober, partly because he helped nudge me.

[@wot4me2]

Congratulations!!! Duff just makes so much sense and he's SUCH a good guy; I'm sure you're not the only one he's inspired. Keep up the awesome work.

[@rocketboy9127]

If it's true...👍

[@sdean4816]

Good for you man, congratulations..

[@ChannelEleven59]

Im a bass player musician and around 16 years sober when I read Duff's book. It inspired me to keep going. Im 24 years sober now,. Congrats on getting sober my friend. It's one of the hardest things to do. Inspiration can come from anywhere. I am glad you and I both found it in Duff's story. Keep up the good work.

[@markmatkovichjr]

I am so fucking proud of you. However and whoever got you there👍

[@bindilove3899]

19 years sober here! Best thing I EVER did! Good for Duff. ❤️

[@sabevabg]

Congrats .

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇

[@kp4588]

Sobriety is pretty cool. I’m on day 97 today and really digging it. Rehab was a good thing for me and I was ready to get clean.

[@mccloysong]

proud of you. It only happens when we're ready. Only when we're done.

[@danrobinson9344]

Hold Fast! Congratulations, 11 years sober!

[@petermerison4002]

22 years sober for me, I tip my hat to anyone who is brave enough to do it or to try to do it.

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer 😇

[@petermerison4002]

@@JC-du6sn Will do, thanks

[@Topper_Harley68]

55 years here

[@davidlafond8327]

Damn bro! You’re lucky to be alive! I’m glad you were able to turn things around. I’m 2 years sober today! One day at a time! ❤

[@anthonyfox1436]

Almost 2 years of freedom for myself. Keep it up man life's better without it .

[@davidlafond8327]

@@anthonyfox1436 Thanks!

[@andrewfresquez1152]

30 years sober. I love myself and my life now. Best decision in my lifetime. My son is my world and addiction. ❤️

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer 😇

[@deckert618]

Can relate. I just got sober at 53 and I was definitely going to die

[@kimcrews1721]

Congratulations to you. You should be very proud. Same for me. I'm 59 now living my best life. I never looked back.

[@bradadam7127]

Help me quit alcohol please Jesus I'm gonna be 54 soon

[@RG-ds8pd]

Sober from alcohol for 22 months. Was going to die.

[@deckert618]

@@bradadam7127 ​ @bradadam7127 I can't tell you exactly how to do it. I just woke up on Nov. 1st last year and knew I could not survive another hangover or another bottle, so I put it away. The first week was a stone cold bitch, laying on my couch, shaking and sweating, thinking I was going to die. Somehow, I lived. Each day after that got just a little bit easier. Now, 5 months later, I still have urges and cravings every now and then, but I fight through them, and I feel so much better than I have in several years. My blood pressure and pulse rate have dropped to completely normal, healthy levels, and I feel like I have another 20-30 years in me, easy.

[@pauljstod8804]

I’m 53, quit 3 years ago, was killing me. Best move I’ve ever made

[@john.carlson23]

I love Duff's book. As any addict can relate, he put it as "I am a f-ing addict and always will be." Great book, I highly recommend it!

[@therosabella67]

Great book!

[@risboturbide9396]

Mark Lanegan's book is amazing, too!

[@john.carlson23]

@@risboturbide9396 Thanks, I need to check that out as well!

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

I have to read it. 👊

[@user-fo7ed2pt1f]

Its so easy it a great read

[@ericbrooks8573]

Not a big GNR fan, but anyone who can win this battle has my utter respect...hats off to being sober.

[@davidhaynes3126]

Getting sober saved my life. 21 years now.

[@downtown4028]

Very respected bass player in my opinion.... so glad he got help. Blessings Duff... always.

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

Duff is an excellent base player, no debate about it.

[@judywormell3289]

I saw a car on the road. License Plate said AAIOU✋🏿

[@haydnpaull5447]

GnR really are better than ever. It was a dream come true to see them perform in Brisbane ANZ stadium some years back. As a teenager I watched the Use Your Illusion I & II VHS and the performance I witnessed live surpassed that in every way.

[@kylesmith9944]

I remember hearing that Duff had gotten sober. I was starting to go down hill with my drinking towards the end of University. I decided to get sober and it was the decision I ever made. Duff telling his story helps people.

[@joshua.snyder]

Duff is amazing and inspiring. He saved Scott Weiland's life too, for a time.

[@jeffrussell777]

yea and by random chance he ended up seated next to Kurt Cobain on his final fight before he did himself in....

[@miolindstedt2920]

He kind of saved Mark Lanegan as well.

[@jelenaprotic2324]

🖤💔

[@iamthelazerviking23]

5 years sober this month & lookin' up to my (sober) heroes more than ever these days. Thanks for all the music & wonderful memories tethered to those tunes, Duff. Much respect.

[@ScarlettEmerald4]

His sobriety journey is so incredibly influential and raw❤

[@andreas_trnka_photography]

GnR is one of the greatest RnR bands ever ... I hope they all live a long live ❤️

[@jonvia]

You know Sammy is a caring person when he's so sad about Duff thinking he was gonna die at 30. Great interview! Duff is a great example of how to be a touring musician and not be a junkie or a drunk. There are sadly too many examples of great entertainers using on the road and paying the price for it.

[@tbd407]

who else poured a big glass of water when he said he didn't drink water for 12 years lol

[@brandocalrissian3294]

Even at my worst when drinking I still always drank atleast one glass of water a day. I just genuinely love water and it was how I started my day. I can't imagine going 12 years without any.

[@Thomas-fk3cw]

I had a beer.

[@michaelhart2715]

Straight from the faucet lol

[@jamiew1664]

im an alcoholic, and i think my saving grace is, that at the end of each night when im drunk , i eat a big meal and fill a bottle up with cold water that i chugg through the night.. If i didnt do that id be F'ed in the morning because of the big pours of spirits i do after work the day before. i want to give up drinking but the thought of going without it makes me so anxious.

[@MoEMoE-oo9gw]

Stay strong!

[@BerserkersBattle-816]

I met duff here in Seattle after he got clean and for a man pushing 60 he's in terrific shape and his state of mind is incredible.

[@miketexas4549]

After a decade and a half of moderate to heavy daily drinking, I decided enough is enough and I have been completely sober for 2 months. I can't get over how great I feel, like I had been going through that entire time just a shell of myself. I'll never go back.

[@Pauls-World]

These 2 guys are class acts.

[@janiceg7661]

I'm happy for Duff and all that get sober. I lost my love a year + ago and every day i struggle with loss and grief. I beg all addicts to get help. If you cant muster it for yourself think about everyone who loves you. I'm physically still alive but in every other way i died that day too.

[@carriesitar9155]

Love the interview with Duff Mckagan with Sammy Hagar he is an awesome guy love Guns N Roses Duff is a great guitar player he is a Cool guy love him always

[@goodpainlive]

Love Duff. How he is still alive is beyond me.

[@benbridwell9991]

I've known people who only drink beer and they think they are sober.

[@joehernandez6260]

and other substances

[@vinzen14]

​@@robertjohnson5893uh, I'm assuming he's referring to people who drink a lot of beer and think that.

[@BLD426]

Hey! Easy there..😁

[@user-gj4hn1hl2q]

Why are you gae? Who's says I'm gae?....u r gae.

[@andrewshea5130]

Dude just seems chill and fun to be around

[@actual_john_doe]

Life is a precious gift. It's even better clean and sober.

[@greasytriple2497]

17 years sober for me. Quit by decision. No A/A nothing.

[@mrki731]

He is such a cool guy and gentleman. All the respect to Duff!

[@Johnballess]

RIP Axl’s voice

[@F.S.111]

It’s always amazing to hear guys stories about getting clean. Also makes me realize when it’s not your time you can survive anything. Flip side when it’s your time nothing you can do about it. These type stories give me hope for my son’s recovery. He’s been to rehab many times.

[@slide_drexler]

Must be tough being sober when you own the finest beer in Springfield.

[@bobloblaw6205]

[@johnambers]

Duff is class

[@robertlouis.8826]

AA saved my life! Thank you for sharing your story brother!! You give up everything for one thing.....then give up one thing for everything!! I got sober at 53....7/7 will be 6 years!

[@Daneiladams555]

I’m not sober but my relationship to substances has improved and I never go to far

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

Life is crazy… great bassist. Keep 🔥👊

[@IdealX-fr4eg]

His Book is great, the minute I left rehab I started re reading it and have been sober ever since. really talented and smart guy..

[@rob9340]

Legend! Interviewed by a Legend! Lots of love to you both, and thankyou!

[@one-stopgodshop2171]

Great job Duff! Very commendable - he is talking about it.

[@michaelburnside4947]

I am glad that Duff is still around. He has some very cool solo material that is quite different than the G'n R' stuff.

[@robertbordevik5072]

2:44 this is the point in the interview where Hagar realizes "sh**t, this is not good commercial for my Santo Spirit Tequila alcohol” so he’s like: hey hey, dude, I ‘ve heard enough 😅😅😅

[@leechurchill1965]

Mas tequila! 😂

[@mike7696]

So stop promoting your booze Sammy. Wait…, it not illegal so it’s ok.

[@chriswells6747]

Sounds about right

[@louisepeacock3953]

Duff's great. Thanks for the interview.

[@thomasmarlow1254]

Believe in me was a great album, I was 12 years when i listened to that album

[@autonomousindividual7780]

Jesus, is Sammy Hagar really 77. Looks great. How many times I came home from school and listened to the 5150 album on our fancy new CD player. Man I miss youth and those days. I think heaven might just be going back to the age when you were happiest. I also remember when Appetite hit. Like a BOMB. We were floored.

[@Jeff-wb5rt]

God has had his hand on your life , stay grateful and free and sober 😎👍

[@MissCassie1113]

I love Duff his music and struggle helped me fight breast cancer and I kicked its butt thanks to Duff mckagan and GNR and Slash much love support and RESPECT for Duff and his beautiful family 💜💯

[@tomasaguirre1764]

Duff is a Legend. ♥

[@D6EH]

I’m glad Duff got sober and kept rockin’. I don’t really pay attention or care about celebrities in general, but Duff always seemed like a genuinely good dude.

[@TheGothKing]

yes i been sober for years its the best way

[@holyfireholdingspace888]

Guns doesn't get old! ❤ love you guys❤

[@mattysquizzato7094]

I'm celebrating 2 years clean 2nite, strangely. I just clicked on this because I saw Duff and Sammy.

[@clinteast7476]

I just had my pancreas cut out ,NO FUN, Very pain full..

[@holyfireholdingspace888]

Duff is super talented on his own! I love so fine. 💗

[@cr528]

His book is really great 👍

[@000fuyt]

Most badass bass player in rock'n'roll

[@adiohead]

Legend!

[@chuck197]

We love you Duff!! Hell of a story!! What a comeback. Congrats!! God bless you, your family and GunsnRoses!

[@bretlenhart8280]

Duff said "thank you Tommy" at the end... Sammy was like uhhhh what??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FrostedSeagull]

Like that interview where Ozzy both vehementliy and repeatedly says 'I'm sober. I'm clean and sober." He then proceeds to pour himself an orange juice and spills it all over the table and completely misses his glass. I laughed so hard I fell off the couch.

[@TacoGrande007]

Fun fact...Duff beer was named after him.

[@SlowHandism]

Thank you Duff

[@corycanada97]

Great Job Duff love ya and GNR

[@anthonybelliveau-ANYONE-2024]

Almost 2 years clean, thank you for sharing this story Duff. You've always been an inspiration in terms of music, but always in terms of recovery dude. I watch the Kurt Cobain story all the time, and the part with you hits me so hard every time.

[@terrykochmann3646]

Sammy in addition to being an awesome musician and singer, you do outstanding interviews.

[@user-wy9vx9pp5w]

Good for you brother God bless you

[@yensilluap]

Good interview- real men in real conversation.

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Easily my favorite G'n'R member. A class act, and not a half bad bass player too.

[@thomasconnell1556]

Spot on. I went hard on the drugs and alcohol while my parents always had my back. I realized around 26 or so that my main goal in life should be outliving my parents. Most of us have friends that passed way too early and we recognize the absolute pain their parents go through. If you’re struggling right now, think about the people that love you.

[@theodoreconstantini2548]

Duff is such a great ambassador for clean living he's so positive and full of life.

Good job pal, and helped others too. Sober years now. Would have died.

[@starbright1256]

Keep moving forward ❤

[@byergo]

Two of the best guys in rock!

[@licksnkicks1166]

13 years sober and counting. Life is good now!

[@evypettersson6513]

Strong story, man ! You should be proud of yourself. All lLove and best wishes. 😊✨️🙏❤️

[@archangel_josh]

591 days sober here. I've read Duff's book and his story is one of the most hardcore I've ever heard. No water for 12 years? His pancreas exploding and he lived?!!!

[@myphd-myprisonhistorydiplo691]

Best thing I ever did was walk into those rooms!! Life saving moment! Also I tell people the best church I ever attended was in those recovery rooms!

[@Barkeroni]

27 days in. I need the energy for my kids 😊

[@maidenfan237]

Steve Harris And Duff my favorite 2 bass players

[@cate4338]

Nice session ... dear Duff - some people help those around them and well beyond ... I've been anti dr8gs and booze since I was a kid - seeing my older siblings truly lovely friends' out of their minds was frightening - frightened for them and their lack of control - like a truly fragile elderly person who couldn't help themselves...

[@shapelessX]

I wanna look like this fuckin guy at 60!

[@wardzaza768]

I remember seeing a interview with GNR years ago I think it was at the awrds and Duff just cussed and cussed and cussed he was so gone, Im so happy he made it . Two great guys ~

[@chrish5500]

I’ve got the same problem as he had but I don’t think it’s that serious yet but I will look into it after watching this Thank you for this

[@chs665]

You can tell how Hagar looks sober, he looks healthy and clean.

[@Hardworkandrealestateprofits]

Good for Duff.

[@masterspin7796]

Quit in 2010 after 35 years previously 7-day a week drunk rocker the party never ended... went back to Table Tennis I was going to die if I stayed drinking I was sick AF! rolling along pretty athletically at 65.

[@luxavier2899]

8 yrs here, it must be harder when u have the money, me i went so broke and homeless it actually helped.

[@diesel1586]

I’m watching this after doing a bunch of shit last night that I shouldn’t have been doing and thinking that this is never gonna stop

[@nr24130]

God bless you brother 🙏

[@Nemo71340]

I drank everyday but I had to have water. I don’t know how he would deal with all the dehydration and hangovers without water between benders.

[@robg915]

I'm 50 and currently trying to get clean again. Although I don't party as hard as I used to my body tells me I can't hang anymore.

[@garystefan8550]

I've been listening to GNR since 1991 and that was the first time that I've heard Duff speak 😂

[@johnlyndem228]

I first came to know Guns n Roses in 1994 when I was in class 7

[@nathanholmes1905]

Good for you buddy! I don't know you but but I know who you are and I'm proud of you.

[@yardsausage]

the other sunday i drank 37 beers and still walked and talked normal..maybe i need to take heed from this.

[@bodhixxx1]

in your mind you were talking and walking normal but other people could tell you were intoxicated you have to quit because those are levels of alcohol that will give you a massive heart attack or liver failure.

[@vinzen14]

Holy shit dude I drink a lot and I wouldn't have made it even close to that far. It's crazy how different everyone's body is

[@barrywagoner5191]

Is that you Wade Boggs?

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Lol prove it

[@wrektalica]

You talk about beers without alcohol?

[@Austinlivin]

Buckets the Drummer! 🤘

[@kathleenmiller516]

Great.

[@Berrycool56]

WY to go duff Read ur book and u are amazing

[@grindle1234]

why did the interviewer stop duff mid story, was really fascinating about what had happened to him. poor job that

[@christopherjones-hu9fe]

I''m 48 and have been drinking and using off and on since I was 15. The last few years I haven't really drank however I convinced myself weed was alright as long as I didn't do this or that. Well about two weeks ago I ended up at the dive bar and got kicked out, not even sure why. Must have blacked out. I'm ready to stop. Going to a new church in the morning. I got fired from my job and can't find another. Part of me just wants to give up because when I do find a job it will be a crappy. one. Kind of figured I would have been dead years ago but it never came. Addiction is brutal. The guilt is what got me.

[@hdknz]

Sober at 36, bottle of vodka a day. It's been 6 weeks, and I feel great.