On a night of buzzing anticipation, Duff McKagan performed a masterclass in rock and roll at The El Rey, captivating fans with a performance that showcased his musical prowess and his deep connection with his audience. McKagan’s set was a rollercoaster of energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments from the thunderous applause as he stepped on stage to the roaring finale.

The show began with a powerful opening that had fans on their feet, roaring in approval. McKagan wasted no time diving into his catalog, his guitar solos drawing ecstatic screams, particularly from female fans who seemed mesmerized by his every riff. The crowd clapped to every beat, creating a communal rhythm as McKagan jammed alongside his bandmates. The energy was palpable. Fans headbanged furiously to “Come along with me,” as McKagan’s chant of “Come on, Los Angeles!” set the room alight with hands waving in the air, contributing to the band’s energy.

The setlist was a journey through raw rock energy and fantastic storytelling. “Rotten to the Core,” the fourth song, turned the venue into a sea of recording phones and swaying bodies as fans danced to the infectious beat. Before launching into “Tenderness,” McKagan took a heartfelt pause, reflecting on the unity of the moment: “It’s amazing to see this gathering of people. We’re all in this together. We all have depth. There’s no divide, fuck you, you know.” It was a sentimental yet humorous sentiment that resonated deeply at times, grounding the performance with a sense of purpose and unity.

Guitar solos punctuated the night, drawing cheers and headbanging. “Now I Wanna Be Your Doll” turned the theater into a frenzied rock haven with red lights flashing and heavy riffs. The mood shifted for “Fallen Ones,” where blue beams illuminated the crowd as McKagan dedicated the song to his wife, Susan. The moment felt intimate and heartfelt, embodying his sentiment: “If I can do anything now, it’s write songs to bring us together.”

The show’s energy never wavered. “Just Another Shakedown” paired a storm of flashing lights with an infectious beat, while a brand-new song, “True to the Death,” engaged the crowd with rhythmic clapping. Fan favorites like “I Fought the Law” and Guns N’ Roses’ “You’re Crazy” had the audience singing, headbanging, and throwing their hands in the air under vibrant light displays.

For the encore, McKagan brought out Steve Jones for a raw, nostalgic rendition of Johnny Thunders’ “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory” and a stirring cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes,” empowering fans to pump their fists in unison. Closing with “Don’t Look Behind You,” McKagan left the stage in a blaze of white and gold lights, greeting fans in the front row as the night ended triumphantly. The band bowed and thanked their fans. McKay en delivered a celebration of unity and rock, proving the timeless power of music.

Duff McKagan Setlist 

1. Forgiveness
2. Chip Away
3. This Is The Song
4. I Saw God On 10th St.
5. Tenderness
6. Feel
7. Holy Water
8. I Wanna Be Your Dog (The Stooges cover)
9. I Just Don’t Know
10. Fallen Ones
11. Fallen
12. Wasted Heart
13. Longfeather
14. Just Another Shakedown
15. True To The Death
16. I Fought The Law (The Crickets cover)
17. You’re Crazy (Guns N’ Roses)
18. Lighthouse
19. You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory (Johnny Thunders cover)
20. Heroes (David Bowie cover)
21. Don’t Look Behind You

All photos by Colin Hancock