Launching his first solo headline tour in five years, the ‘Lighthouse Tour ’24‘ sees Duff McKagan stepping out of the Guns N’ Roses shadow once more to showcase his leading-man side. Celebrating last year’s release of his critically acclaimed third solo album Lighthouse, McKagan’s performance at Manchester’s Academy 2 was the antithesis of the massive rock spectacles he’s used to — think GnR at Slane Castle — with a focus on intimacy, laid-back vibes, and a more acoustic-driven setlist. For those of us who fondly remember throwing ourselves into sweaty mosh pits for Welcome to the Jungle or Slither, it was a bit like watching your rebellious teenage crush turn into a sensible adult who enjoys farmer’s markets and BBC Radio 4.
The significance of Duff’s artistic evolution is underscored by increased recognition in the music industry. His foray into American giving him the confidence to throw his hat into multiple Grammy rings for consideration, including Best Americana Album, Best Americana Performance, Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song for Longfeather (our favourite from the latest record). It’s also a reminder that some of us peaked in high school, while others, like McKagan, keep reinventing themselves well into their buss-pass-eligible era.
As McKagan took the stage, clad in all black and mirrored aviator shades and yes, still cool as f**k, the air fills with adoration and fondness for one of America’s most beloved (and well kept) rock stars . This wasn’t the wild-eyed, blonde bombshell bassist of the 80s, but a mature artist ready to share his evolved musical journey. Launching into Forgiveness, a track rich with plucky guitar, unfussy acoustics and warm optimism it became clear that both McKagan and his audience had grown up, albeit at slightly different paces. Some of us were still wearing our decades-old band tees and battle jackets, stretched a bit tighter around the middle, while McKagan looked annoyingly fit and put-together.
Away from McKagan’s Americana-tinged new material, the crowd find themselves swaying along to the upbeat Chip Away from his last outing, 2019’s Tenderness and the gospel-influenced heart-felt stand alone single This is the Song. Yet, there was a palpable yearning in the air — a push and pull between McKagan’s new direction and the expectations of long-time fans still yearning for the raw energy of 80s rock ‘n’ roll.
This dichotomy became even more apparent when McKagan nodded to his punk roots with I Saw God on 10th St., revealing the edgier side of his recent catalogue – a tune that wouldn’t feel out of place on Green Day’s American Idiot to give you a feel. The audience’s response was immediate and electric (it has a hand clap section after all), a reminder of the rebellious spirit that first drew them to McKagan’s solo music decades ago.
The divide briefly dissolved when McKagan tore into a cover of The Stooges‘ I Wanna Be Your Dog. It was a moment of common ground, where McKagan’s matured artistry and his fans’ nostalgic energy found perfect harmony. We were all dogs for a few minutes, even if some of us were more like old, arthritic retrievers than sprightly puppies.
As the night progressed, it became increasingly clear that while Duff has fully embraced his journey into Americana and role as storyteller come songwriter, a significant portion of his fanbase still clings to the high-octane rock ‘n’ roll of his past. Never more evident than when he launched into a blistering cover of Crickets’ (via The Clash) I Fought the Law, followed by Guns N’ Roses‘ You’re Crazy. The crowd’s frenzy during these moments stood in stark contrast to the more gradual reception of his newer, Americana-influenced material.
The highlight of the night, however, came with an inspired cover of David Bowie’s Heroes. This choice seemed to bridge the gap between McKagan’s artistic evolution and his roots, drawing the largest response of the evening. It was a moment that highlighted the mutual respect between artist and audience, even as we navigate the sometimes challenging waters of musical growth, change, and the realisation that our coolest days might be behind us.
McKagan’s Lighthouse Tour is more than just a departure from the grandeur of his Guns N’ Roses days. It’s a testament to his growth as an artist and his willingness to challenge both himself and his audience. While some fans may still yearn for the unbridled energy of 80s rock, many are clearly along for this new journey. The result is a show that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking — a delicate balance that McKagan navigates with the wisdom of a seasoned performer.
With the cautionary tale of Never Look Back patting them reassuringly on the back the crowd disperse, clear that while artist and audience may not always be in perfect sync, the connection between them remains strong, evolving with each new chapter in Duff’s impressive musical odyssey. And if nothing else, we all left feeling a little cooler by association. It’s freekin’ Duff after all. LAMF.
Duff’s Lighthouse 24 Tour continues now across Europe and America, information and tickets can be found here.
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