Legendary bassist Duff McKagan took over Paradise Rock Club in Boston, for an intimate set filled with all forms of rock and roll. The evening kicked off with a furious performance from iconic punk rocker Lee Ving, getting the crowd all fired up and ready for what was to come.
As the lights went down, the band took their spots with McKagan at the front, looking as cool as ever in his aviators, ready to get the show started with “Forgiveness”. McKagan’s solo work was perfectly suited for the intimate venue, allowing him to connect with the audience at more personal level, as opposed to stadiums. He would share plenty of stories about the inspiration behind the songs, his own personal struggles and his long-standing relationship with wife Susan Holmes-McKagan. The candid quality of his words was reflected in his music, as he slows down and focuses on the storytelling, with intentional musicianship and raw vocals that evoke many emotions.
The set was heavily focused on McKagan’s solo work, seamlessly mixed in with a handful of covers that reflected his own musical influences: from The Stooges to Johnny Thunders, the inclusions added to the sort of biographical feel the show has. He would also invite Lee Ving back on stage, for an explosive performance of “All Turning Loose” that ignited the crowd. From “Fallen Ones” to “Just Another Shakedown”, McKagan’s versatility was on full display, moving with ease from high octane rock to soulful bluesy sounds, a clear reflection of the musician’s style and DNA. Guns N’ Roses fans would get a little treat towards the end of the set, as the band erupted into a face melting performance of “You’re Crazy”. Fans would get another special guest for the night, The Wallflowers’ lead singer Jakob Dylan: they would perform two covers together, “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” and David Bowie’s classic “Heroes”. “Don’t Look Behind You” would bring the set to a close, an unforgettable evening jam packed with the purest form of rock and roll.
Photos and words by Maria Alejandra Mata
