Examiner.com recently conducted an interview with bass legend Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, LOADED, ex-GUNS N' ROSES). In the interview McKagan talks about Loaded’s new album, the writing and recording process, how getting cheated by record companies led to him starting a business as a financial consultant, why Loaded is more than just a side project and his disdain for Celebrity Rehab.

Listen to the audio interview below:

As previously reported, Duff McKagan's Loaded's new album, The Taking, was released today, April 19th, via Armoury Records. The album is streaming in its entirety via an AOL Listening Party at this location.

The Taking tracklisting:

'Lords Of Abaddon'

'Executioner's Song'

'Dead Skin'

'We Win'

'Easier Lying'

'She's An Anchor'

'Wrecking Ball'

'King Of The World'

'Cocaine'

'Your Name'

'Follow Me To Hell'

On April 23rd, Duff McKagan's Loaded will rock out at Neumos in Seattle, WA to celebrate the release of The Taking and host a silent auction benefiting the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Presented by rock radio station KISW, the show will open with re-united local favorites THE LEMONS.

Auctioned items include:

• Loaded’s The Taking CD package including rare album art and autographed photo

• Original '80s print of Duff McKagan by Marc Cantor

• Blu-ray player plus 10 disc gift pack courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment

• Autographed PEARL JAM poster

• Pearl Jam photo book package autographed by photographer Lance Mercer

• Original ultra-rare Pearl Jam prints

• Deadliest Catch boat tour

• Drum head autographed by Mick Fleetwood, Steven Tyler, John McVie, and Johnny Lang

• SLIPKNOT merchandise and DVDs autographed by Corey Taylor

• Celebrity autographed Epiphone bass

• In-Studio visit to the Gasman’s show at KJR

• Autographed CD/picture package from Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal

• Free shows for a year at Neumos

• Pair of tickets to the Capitol Hill Block Party

• Autographed Elvis Costello Secret, Profane & Sugarcane CD plus National Ransack 7” package

• Autographed Huskies football helmet

• Prestige Records album cover collection coffee table book with bonus CD

• Autographed Alejandro Escovedo CD

• Various items will also be gifted in a raffle

For those not in Seattle, Loaded has still offered a way to get involved! The band encourages fans to donate to the cause by visiting this location.

Neumos is located at 925 E. Pike Street in Seattle. Doors open at 8pm. Auction runs from 9-10:30pm.