Rob Cavuoto from Guitar International spoke with Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, LOADED, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) recently about a number of topics. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Guitar International: Was it a difficult transition from bassist in Guns ‘N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver to frontman in Loaded?

Duff McKagan: "I’ve been playing rhythm guitar in bands since 1980. I did it for my Believe in Me CD in 1993 and Neurotic Outsiders in 1996ish. So for me it’s easier to sing and play guitar than it is to play bass and sing. I like to feel outside of myself when I’m playing a gig, and if I’m playing bass and signing I’m just too self-aware."

Guitar International: You’ve accomplished so much over your career. What do you think is your greatest musical accomplishment?

Duff McKagan: "Oh Shit, wow. That’s a tough one! It has to be Guns ‘N’ Roses getting signed to a major label and getting the deal that we wanted. That’s was a magical time when we were being touted by major labels. We got a baby-band deal, but a really good one. LA was a buzz about our band, it was big town. Bands come out of the entrepreneurial spirit, making something out of nothing, so it was truly special."

Guitar International: Why do you think it is taking so long to find a singer for Velvet Revolver?

Duff McKagan: "I don’t know how much I want to say about that. I think Slash is very happy doing his solo thing, and why not. I think if Velvet Revolver is going to happen again it will happen when it’s supposed to happen. We played with some good singers and Scott Weiland is tough guy to replace. A lot of singers are daunted by that. You don’t want to go out there and fuck up. Some things are better left as is. There’s a lot going through you head. Should we fuck with this or leave it alone? The things you put into a band you don’t want it tainted. Like I said, if it’s supposed to happen well do it."

Read the entire interview here.