Gun’s n Roses’ Duff McKagan Rocks Chicago With A Night of Covers, Originals, and Surprises at Chicago’s Newest Nightclubs- Outset

Nov 11, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By James Currie

Chicago’s Outset Nightclub was treated to a raw, high-energy night of rock ‘n’ roll this past weekend as legendary Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan took the stage for a solo tour concert that had fans on their feet from start to finish. Known for his powerhouse presence in one of the world’s biggest rock bands, McKagan proved once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with—this time, in a more intimate setting.

This tour was a very limited one that saw McKagan only making a handful of stops across the US. Chicago being just one of 6 dates on the entire tour. Seeing this was not only special, it was rare if you are lucky enough to get a stop in your town.

Making this even more a rarity, was the opener. Lee Ving of the seminal punk band Fear, opened this and just 2 other shows of the tour. Ving, joined by guitarist Frank Meyer, brought a stripped down version of his Range War. Ving, now 74 year young, punched up the stage banging out reworked classics from his punk roots and his new country punk (cow-punk) sound. A couple stand out highlights came from crowd joining “More Beer” and “I Love Livin’ In The City”. Don’t let the grey hair fool you, Lee is still a powerhouse of Punk Rock.

The show was a perfect blend of McKagan’s gritty originals, stripped down classic rock anthems, and a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Fans were treated to a set that showcased the bass player, now guitarist, impressive solo work, as well as his ability to breathe new life into rock standards from some of the genre’s greatest hard rock acts.

The night started with an original from McKagan’s latest album, Lighthouse. The opening song on the album, “Forgiveness” also kicked off the night. This followed by several other originals before throwing it back to some cover classics. Punching things up with a punch, McKagan and his band tore into an electrifying cover of The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” with McKagan’s unmistakable swagger filling the room.

At one point, Duff paused and made comments to the sound not being quite right saying, “It’s a new club and we’re giving it a good workout. Welcome to soundcheck.” The venue still working out the bugs with sound feedback, lighting and earlier in the night, door entry backups. Like any new thing, it will take a little time to work it all out, but once they do, it’ll be a great place.

Next, the show took a thrilling turn with McKagan’s new single, “All Turning Loose”, which saw him joined on stage by Lee Ving, frontman of the iconic punk band Fear. The collaboration between the two rock legends was one of the night’s highlights, as Ving’s raw, aggressive vocals meshed perfectly with McKagan’s acoustic welding guitar riffs, creating a sound that was both timeless, electric and powerful.

Just as the mood settled with Duff showcasing his versatility as a songwriter, the band turned the heat back up with a raucous rendition of The Crickets’ “I Fought the Law”—a cover that had the crowd singing along in unison.

Fans of McKagan’s Guns N’ Roses legacy weren’t left out, with a raw and gritty performance of “You’re Crazy” that reminded everyone of Duff’s roots in hard rock. The moment was an instant crowd favorite, with McKagan effortlessly channeling his band’s trademark energy.

But it wasn’t just about the hard-rock hits. The night also featured a tribute to one of McKagan’s musical heroes, David Bowie, with a stirring performance of “Heroes.” McKagan’s rendition paid heartfelt homage to Bowie’s legacy, with his band delivering a slightly stripped-down version of the classic that felt intimate yet powerful.

The Power of the Small Venue.What made the night so special wasn’t just the impressive setlist or the star-studded collaborations—it was the intimate setting of Outset Nightclub. Chicago’s newest club, located in the Elston-Armstrong Industrial Corridor next to The Hideout and down the street from The Salt Shed. This being one of the first shows of the new venue. Unlike the massive arenas McKagan is used to, the venue allowed fans to experience rock ‘n’ roll up close and personal. The energy was palpable, with McKagan interacting with the crowd, sharing stories, thanking the fans for all the support and soaking in the raw enthusiasm that only a live show can bring.

The show was a testament to McKagan’s enduring talent and his ability to bring together his punk roots with classic rock, and everything in between. For his fans of all incarnations, it was a night to remember—a celebration of both his legacy and his continued evolution as an artist.

As the lights dimmed and the band wrapped up the night, fans were left with a sense of awe, reminded of the timeless power of live rock music. Whether you’re a die-hard Guns N’ Roses fan or just a lover of great rock tunes, Duff McKagan’s solo show at Outset Nightclub was a reminder that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and kicking.

For more on Duff McKagan, click here

Setlist: Duff McKagan live in Chicago at Outcast – November 8^th, 2024