Most rock music lovers are familiar with Duff McKagan. A rock icon, McKagan has been in major bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, and now heads his own band, Duff McKagan’s Loaded.
McKagan’s musical prowess as a great bassist, songwriter, and vocalist has earned him legions of fans world wide. His non-musical endeavors, however, have left even the most devoted followers pleasantly surprised, and given him greater control over his life.
McKagan Goes Back to School
After earning both fame and wealth with Guns N’ Roses and becoming newly sober, Duff McKagan began to examine his financial records. Confused by complicated financial statements, he decided to go to college to pursue a finance degree. Although he had never graduated from high school, McKagan was able to discreetly enroll and attend classes at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics.
In a May 17, 2005, interview with Bankrate.com titled “Rocker Hides in Plain Sight Getting Money-Smart,” McKagan tells author Larry Getlen: “I learned a lot. I have an accounting minor, and I learned the meat and potatoes of what you’ve got to know to get around in this business, and a lot more about my personal finances. I’m real happy with the knowledge I gained for my own sake.”
Breaking from the traditional rocker stereotype, McKagan’s experience proves that an education is valuable at any stage of life, whether you are just beginning to build wealth or have already amassed a fortune.
Duff McKagan, Writer Extraordinaire
In an effort to put his expertise to use, Duff McKagan has also entered the world of writing. He authors a national financial column for Playboy and weekly blog, “Reverb,” for Seattle Weekly. In his Jan. 28, 2009, blog post titled “One More Reason to Read Playboy’s Articles … Me!,” McKagan states:
“I think part of my mission statement for Playboy may be to perhaps try and shed some light and maybe even bring down some of the criminals on Wall Street. Wouldn’t that be cool? Maybe be a voice for the people – one that can’t be bought.”
McKagan’s column and blog posts are well written, intelligent, and witty. He is as talented an author as he is a guitarist, proving there is more substance to him than just the external tattoos and long hair.
Welcome to the Radio, Mr. McKagan
While he has decades of experience acting as a guest for interviews with those in the radio industry, Duff McKagan can now add the title Radio Host to his impressive and varied resume. On May 12, 2009, Duff McKagan’s Radio Loaded made its debut on Seattle’s KISW 99.9 FM. His inaugural guests included Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue, Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, and Sean Kinney from Alice in Chains.
Duff McKagan has certainly moved beyond the traditional rock star stereotype. Proving there is more to him than one might think, McKagan has shown the world that he is capable of holding his own in the intellectual realms of academia, writing, and hosting. Having triumphed over the perils of fame, drug and alcohol addiction, and volatile relationships, McKagan’s perseverance has inspired his fans in new ways. A true renaissance man, who knows what Duff McKagan will conquer next!
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