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

[@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 .

[@MOAB-UT]

Some damage likely already done though. Hopefully you are healthy. Look into KETO.

[@Lerenthial]

Con-FRIGGIN-grats, bro! ❤

[@DavyVandenkieboom-hv3tr]

Respect 🙏

[@zekelucente9702]

I stopped drinking three weeks ago and it’s been an epiphany and I have no desire for a drink. I’m feeling so much better physically and emotionally and I’m filled with gratitude.

[@michealophigoid6215]

Well done your at the pink cloud stage Hang in there,it may get tough soon,keep on keeping on

[@LDacic]

Still going?

[@zekelucente9702]

@@LDacic Yes it’s going great thanks for asking.

[@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.

[@petermerison4002]

@JC-du6sn Will do, thanks

[@Topper_Harley68]

55 years here

[@lotuscabrio2937]

27 yeras old. I never drank before nor have I tried tasting it. Props to you 🙌🏼🙏🤟

[@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!

[@MOAB-UT]

Statistically it won't stick...but I am pulling for you son.

[@kp4588]

@@MOAB-UT I’m on day 147… getting my 5 month chip on Monday. Still loving being sober.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@kp4588 I hope it sticks. I guess it also matters your why- why you started drugs in the first place. There is physical addiction but also mental as well. Maybe replace it with something positive like working out, back to school, work, etc.

[@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. 👊

[@DavidKrajcovic-o5s]

Its so easy it a great read

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. ❤️

[@ericbrooks8573]

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

[@anthonyvaccari4607]

Don't think you need to be a GNR fan to like Duff. He does some good solo stuff, should give it a shot. His bass playing is quite melodic.

[@davidhaynes3126]

Getting sober saved my life. 21 years now.

[@Pauls-World]

These 2 guys are class acts.

[@hdknz]

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

[@wassomebody2386]

You Got This, Friend.😊

[@DavyVandenkieboom-hv3tr]

Respect 🙏

[@rileyhurst3180]

Congratulations!

[@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.

[@Myke664]

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!

[@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

[@ScarlettEmeraldASMR]

His sobriety journey is so incredibly influential and raw❤

[@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.

[@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

[@andrewshea5130]

Dude just seems chill and fun to be around

[@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.

[@dpelpal]

If you keep it up, you'll get pancreatitis just like Duff (and just like me...and I only drank beer). You DO NOT want pancreatitis....my doctor said it's the second most painful thing that can happen to a person other than being severely burned.

[@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.

[@Margarinethebutterlover]

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

[@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.

[@francis802us]

A prime exmaple for that, look what happened to the members of The Ramones, (God Rest their souls) they didn't even make it to 50 or 60, with the exception of Tommy and Marky Ramone.

[@nicksterp2805]

I've read his book. Incredible. I don't know how you survive a burst pancreas and not die from sepsis. I'm glad he's still here

[@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..

[@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 💜💯

[@goodpainlive]

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

[@mrki731]

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

[@tedweeks4236]

Yes sobriety is great 21 years for me love being sober

[@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.

[@Rhubarb237]

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.

[@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]

🖤💔

[@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.

[@RobertNewYork24]

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!

[@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.

[@JoeyCrown-r4g]

I think what you don't understand when young is the older people areound you are just a bunch of teenagers whose bodies hurt in the morning. Your youth is never that far away. The time goes by in the blink of an eye. My son prob doesnt believe my stories about the 80s and 90's. We had quite a time then. We still had things to believe in and to rebel against. And no cellphones. It was glorious. We are now entering the era of corporate enslavement.They got it locked down and now everything...including the people...are just products to be bought and sold.

[@andreas_trnka_photography]

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

[@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.

[@louisepeacock3953]

Duff's great. Thanks for the interview.

[@hectorponce9881]

I'm 62. Years young 7 months sober I finally wised GOD BLESS ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS. ONE DAY AT A TIME FELLOW ROCKERS

[@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.

[@paulquick8806]

Nope,,,exactly my funkin life and work overtime, not fun anymore

[@slide_drexler]

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

[@bobloblaw6205]

[@thomasmarlow1254]

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

[@judywormell3289]

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

[@cesaraugustop]

I cried watching this...God bless you Duff...

[@one-stopgodshop2171]

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

[@digitaldesigner5284]

12 years sober for me. Thanks God.

[@chuck197]

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

[@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

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

Life is crazy… great bassist. Keep 🔥👊

[@xxthesarcasm]

I'm 5 years sober! Can't believe i did it. Years and years of abuse with the worst diet possible. Just like Duff I should have been dead but i had enough will power to quit. If you are struggling please know that you can quit and anything is possible! Good luck

[@johnnyguitar6697]

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

[@TheSupercharger1981]

Duff has said in past interviews that since stopping drinking he has had issues with benzos so he hasn't been completely sober all this time but from 1 alcoholic to another that's still pretty good going.

[@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.

[@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.

[@theodoreconstantini2548]

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

[@tg0186]

Love these interviews! Thanks you Sammy, AXS!

[@ax3r0]

Sober at 39, Haven’t had a drink since December 31, 2022. Best thing I’ve ever done. I also quit soda at the same time and I’ve never been better. My life have changed so much that I don’t even think about having another drink again.

[@Jeff-wb5rt]

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

[@holyfireholdingspace888]

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

[@danielparsons2859]

I'm over 25 years clean and sober and it is always inspiring to see someone come back from the brink. A miracle he survived.

[@TacoGrande007]

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

[@g-mac6846]

Good for you Duff Look forward to seeing you on your. Amazing progress

[@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?!!!

[@yensilluap]

Good interview- real men in real conversation.

[@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..

[@tomasaguirre1764]

Duff is a Legend. ♥

[@terrykochmann3646]

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

[@holyfireholdingspace888]

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

[@johnambers]

Duff is class

[@mdemartile]

Eveeyone always talks about Slash, but if you listen closely to any GnR, Duff carries allnthe songs. His bass solo in "Sweet Child O Mine" is epic.

[@tedweeks4236]

21years sober for me and I’m loving life

[@licksnkicks1166]

13 years sober and counting. Life is good now!

[@000fuyt]

Most badass bass player in rock'n'roll

[@adiohead]

Legend!

[@Daneiladams555]

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

[@Thailand-mt9op]

Until it isn’t. Tread carefully

[@glutitis]

20 years, sober and clean, here. I wanted to tell you, it does not matter. The biggest day, of them 7000+, was the very first. Embrace that, everybody. The first day , is the biggest day of your life, everything from that point on, including rehab, PAWS, withdrawal is just you, writing your new future.

[@grindle1234]

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

[@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.

[@DJTFalcon]

He looks so much like David Bowie nowadays. Great job on him getting sober, I'm still struggling with addiction unfortunately. Good luck to everyone who's in the same boat as us! WE CAN DO IT!! 💪💪💪💪💪

[@TC8787-yq7og]

Life is so boring without drink and all the carnage and chaos that comes with it. I commend anyone who is sober and has a great respect for the strength of character it takes to do it. I just know it’ll never be me and it’s better to admit that than to continue living a lie. 🙏

[@johnvandommelen6998]

Saw a fella at a concert with a T-shirt that said..."drugs saved my life"...while not sure about the carnage and chaos part, I get your honesty but the shirt, totally.

[@fredericklockard3854]

I can tell you how much better they sounded and looked when we saw them 3 years ago as opposed to when we saw them in the 90s. That’s the power of sobriety.

[@cr528]

His book is really great 👍

[@markbosley-w9n]

Good for you brother God bless you

[@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 ~

[@byergo]

Two of the best guys in rock!

[@greasytriple2497]

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

[@37HD]

Crazy how everyone is different. Some can't quit. Others no issues. Stuff is poison

[@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...

[@Barkeroni]

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

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

[@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.

[@ev25zv]

He said Sammy. You need to get your ears checked

[@SlowHandism]

Thank you Duff

[@luxavier2899]

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

[@evypettersson6513]

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

[@premiumGenX]

I never blew up my pancreas, but i can relate to the mindset of "I'm gonna die young but who cares, I'm not dead yet" which is the mindset that will get you to where, well places like where Duff has been. I've got so many war stories from my meth use where i really pushed my brain to the absolute limit of tweaking, and many times. Until i went to jail enough times to make the suffering and isolation no longer worth it. To this day i am still mostly a loner, with no friends, and no close relationships other than the one i have with my son, and that is honestly enough. He is the spark of hope that keeps me going and always has. He doesn't know all these stories, he knows I've used drugs in the past and that it had a bad effect, but that's all. Now he's a 20 year old and he's trying to be all grown up and independent which is great,i just live for the moments that we bond

[@sgenetti77]

"Team Player", says the guy in the band laying the groundwork for everyone else. 😆 Great segment on sobriety and Duff's legacy as a member of GnR. I won't let anyone else let me have a drink either, I'll never go back. Problems are surmountable now.

[@starbright1256]

Keep moving forward ❤