It's So Easy Audiobook By Duff McKagan cover art

It's So Easy

And Other Lies

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It's So Easy

By: Duff McKagan
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
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About this listen

In his New York Times best seller, Duff McKagan, founding member of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver, shares the story of his rise to fame and fortune, his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his personal crash and burn, and his life-saving transformation via a unique path to sobriety.

In 1984, at the age of 20, Duff McKagan left his native Seattle - partly to pursue music, but mainly to get away from a host of heroin overdoses then-decimating his closest group of friends in the local punk scene. In LA only a few weeks and still living in his car, he answered a want ad for a bass player placed by someone who identified himself only as "Slash." Soon after, the most dangerous band in the world was born. Guns N' Roses went on to sell more than 100 million albums worldwide. In It's So Easy, Duff recounts Guns' unlikely trajectory to a string of multiplatinum albums, sold-out stadium concerts, and global acclaim. But that kind of glory can take its toll, and it did - ultimately - on Duff, as well as on the band itself. As Guns began to splinter, Duff felt that he himself was done, too. But his near death as a direct result of alcoholism proved to be his watershed, the turning point that sent him on a unique path to sobriety and the unexpected choices he has made for himself since. In a voice that is as honest as it is indelibly his own, Duff - one of rock's smartest and most articulate personalities - takes fans on a harrowing journey through the dark heart of one of the most notorious bands in rock and roll history and out the other side.

©2011 Duff McKagan (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about It's So Easy

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A very inspiring memoir from a rockstar

I have long been a fan of GNR. Duff has recently intrigued me with his financial business and interviews. He's a very intelligent individual, and this memoir has inspired me in ways I never thought possible.

The life he has lived is uncanny. It's literally unbelievable he is still alive, with how much drinking and drugs he used to do. The transformation he has made is unbelievable.

He goes into great detail about his early years in Seattle working in various punk bands, to becoming one of rock's biggest stars in GNR. He talks about the drugs, the drinking, and the women. He gives detailed information about why GNR broke up (complete lack of communication and egos), and how much he gave up of himself to drinking and drugs.

Now many years sober, he looks back on his mistakes and how he's turned his life around. Though I've never been addicted to anything in my life, it's truly inspiring to hear a firsthand account of how to beat addiction. Duff kicks his butt every single day, and is extremely motivated never to go down that path again.

This isn't a book just for GNR fans. I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from addiction as well. Duff never went through traditional 12 step programs, but found his solace through martial arts, yoga and meditation. It's very inspiring how he's transformed his life. I can't wait to get his new book now!

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23 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Duff rules

Love the stories. Fascinating and well written.
It was good insight to what happened with G and R and VR.

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2 people found this helpful

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grows on you

This book got off to a slow start and until about Midway seemed like a typical rock star memoir with interesting antidotes about other rock stars and how the music was made and road life, but not read by the author which makes it unable to stand up to other's. then it takes an amazing turn. The story changes and gets a life of its own and even the narrator grows on you. I can honestly say I laughed and cried to this well written book by a talented, successful and educated man who also wrote some of the most classic and influencial music of our time.

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Surprisingly good

While not a fan of Guns & Roses I do like to learn about people and I found this book extremely interesting and Duff and to be worthy of the time invested to listen

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Great story

Where does It's So Easy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The story is great. Being a fan of GnR, I already read Slash's book, this had loads of new info that wasn't well known.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hearing about the cast of characters from the Seattle scene.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

A lot of over acting. I know that he must've tried to add another element to the story, at times it worked, other times it was a distraction.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It only LOOKS easy.

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Truely a class act- exceeds expectations and enlightens!

Superb book! Glad I went with my gut and I couldn't stop listening; what a great example for men to follow. Duff- you kick ass and I am inspired... Thank you.

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Really enjoyed listen to this audiobook.

I real enjoyed listen to this book. Duff story is very humbling Really impressed me of what he did after GNR. Got a degree in finance after living the life of a rockstar.

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INSIDE ONE OF THE WORLDS BIGGEST ROCK BANDS

Any additional comments?

I am not a huge rock fan, but of course have heard of Guns 'n' Roses, but this book just made me gasp, "Wow!."

McKagan observes the best years, the finest hours for Guns N' Roses, which was short & after listening to this incredible story is no wonder. A scant three years before whatever combination of egos, not so managers, greed, and addictions swept away one of the worlds best rock bands.

Part of what makes McKagan's memoir different is his tone. He matches the mood with momentum throughout. One can feel his anguish, the bewilderment, his joy & my goodness a whole load of pain, but it is an amazingly amusing book at times, I would even call it uplifting. As it shows no matter how messed up somebody is, you can get through it.

McKagan is brutal with his honesty, but also likeable. I just loved this, it takes you behind the curtain of what this level of global success feels like, & one does really feel it as the book is so very well written,

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Great rock and roll tale

Ive been a gnr fan all my life and this book gave me a answer to questions i had for almost 20 years

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Heartbreak, triumph, inspiration, & motivation

As one of my all-time favorite bands since seeing them play at The Ritz on MTV, I have always enjoyed the history of Guns N’ Roses. Up to this point, that history has always been superficial. This is raw, bare bones honesty from an original. Duff’s life surprises and inspires. Not many get to live that fast and still come out on top at his age with all their faculties. I found Duff to be very candid and honest in the most vulnerable parts of his life. I’m happy for his success and beautiful family, and grateful to him for helping put out some awesome tunes.

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