It's So Easy: and other lies
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It's So Easy: and other lies Paperback – March 20, 2012
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"You’ll read this memoir from the former Guns N’ Roses bass player for the sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but you’ll remember it for what comes after—recovery, family, and fulfillment.” (Los Angeles Magazine)
“In a book that mourns friendships and talent lost to drugs, his transformation is a relief and an inspiration. McKagan writes with honesty and even humility, seemingly refreshingly devoid of rock star egomania.” (Shelf Awareness)
“Honest, well-written…McKagan is surprisingly self-aware and candid, and he doesn’t let himself off the hook easily.” (Publishers Weekly)
“In his solid debut, the author…proves himself to be a legit writer.…McKagan has a nice eye for details and a surprisingly good memory. He’s proudly raw and harsh, refusing to hold back in terms of language and content…fans will be thrilled by this honest, detailed memoir."
(Kirkus Reviews)
“Fans will love the descriptions of the struggles and early triumphs of GNR, but McKagan's descriptions of his equally driven efforts at self-transformation are just as compelling (particularly his meditation on the redemptive power of reading and the satisfaction he receives in his intellectual as well as physical revitalization). Verdict: Rock fans—and would-be rockers—will find much to savor here. McKagan has packed a lot into his life and a lot of his life into this book. Readers will enjoy the ride.” (Library Journal)
“McKagan recounts his (tale) with flamboyance and an engaging wit.” (Booklist)
“In a book that mourns friendships and talent lost to drugs, his transformation is a relief and an inspiration. McKagan writes with honesty and even humility, seemingly refreshingly devoid of rock star egomania.” (Shelf Awareness)
“Honest, well-written…McKagan is surprisingly self-aware and candid, and he doesn’t let himself off the hook easily.” (Publishers Weekly)
“In his solid debut, the author…proves himself to be a legit writer.…McKagan has a nice eye for details and a surprisingly good memory. He’s proudly raw and harsh, refusing to hold back in terms of language and content…fans will be thrilled by this honest, detailed memoir."
(Kirkus Reviews)
“Fans will love the descriptions of the struggles and early triumphs of GNR, but McKagan's descriptions of his equally driven efforts at self-transformation are just as compelling (particularly his meditation on the redemptive power of reading and the satisfaction he receives in his intellectual as well as physical revitalization). Verdict: Rock fans—and would-be rockers—will find much to savor here. McKagan has packed a lot into his life and a lot of his life into this book. Readers will enjoy the ride.” (Library Journal)
“McKagan recounts his (tale) with flamboyance and an engaging wit.” (Booklist)
About the Author
Duff McKagan played bass for Guns N’ Roses for twelve years and co-wrote many of their most iconic songs. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Duff formed Velvet Revolver with his former band mate Slash and fronts his own band, Loaded. He writes weekly columns for Seattleweekly.com and ESPN.com. McKagan lives in Seattle with his wife, supermodel Susan Holmes McKagan, and their two daughters. Visit Duff-ItsSoEasy.com.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
75 of 81 people found the following review helpful
By
Amazon Customer
on October 6, 2011
Format: Hardcover
1 Comment
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Duff, dude, you tell a great story! I was a little leery of a buying this book, but I am such a fan of the genre of biographies and I do know the lyrics to a couple of GN'R songs, so I thought... what the heck! I was pleasantly surprised. I had no idea this guy could write, much less tell a story in such a way you find yourself not wanting to put the book down. The book flows very well, it's nicely put together and edited. I've even recommended my 60 year old mother read it (she's a big fan of bio's as well). This is the best book I've read in a while. From living in filthy back-alleys of LA to rocking the largest stadiums in the world... it's a fascinating story and McKagan tells it well. I was hooked after the first chapter, I was so surprised. I really didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I bought this book on my Kindle the first day it was released (Oct. 4) and here it is 2 days later and I finished it already. Buy this book, especially if you are a fan of GN'R or a fan of well-written biographies.
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48 of 54 people found the following review helpful
By
Kris
on October 9, 2011
Format: Hardcover
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3 Comments
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I the course of his reflections on his life so far, McKagan observes that the best years--the finest hour--for Guns N' Roses was short--perhaps terribly so. A scant three years before whatever combination of egos, not-so-managers, greed, and addictions swept away whatever spark had been lit on that fateful afternoon in 1985. Unsurprisingly, his memoir features much from those three years, though he also carries readers through it quickly--a whirlwind of energy and possibility-before the tone shifts to one of bewilderment.
Part of what makes McKagan's memoir different from others that preceded it--two memoirs having been published by AFD-era band members already, after all--is his tone. He matches the mood with the moment throughout. One can feel his anguish over the deaths of the fans in 1988 at Monsters of Rock (I would have like too have seen acknowledgment of the the band's subsequent choice to capitalize on the story in the inclusion of the footage of that particular show in the Riefenstahl-esque video "Paradise City" video, but that' my hang up) and the trepidation that it could happen again. All of the memoir, even as we head toward a predictably successful end (there are, after all, really only two ways to end a memoir that centers around addiction--and autobiographies generally do end on an upswing), has a wash of vulnerability, particularly in the ever-present threat of panic attacks, but he deftly matches mood and moment throughout--one can sense the discomfort in telling some of the tale. He recounts stories that are terribly familiar to addicts of all stripes--propelling through life on fear and just reacting to stimuli over and over again (or, conversely, drowning the stimuli--turning the volume down on life as far as can be managed).Read more ›
Part of what makes McKagan's memoir different from others that preceded it--two memoirs having been published by AFD-era band members already, after all--is his tone. He matches the mood with the moment throughout. One can feel his anguish over the deaths of the fans in 1988 at Monsters of Rock (I would have like too have seen acknowledgment of the the band's subsequent choice to capitalize on the story in the inclusion of the footage of that particular show in the Riefenstahl-esque video "Paradise City" video, but that' my hang up) and the trepidation that it could happen again. All of the memoir, even as we head toward a predictably successful end (there are, after all, really only two ways to end a memoir that centers around addiction--and autobiographies generally do end on an upswing), has a wash of vulnerability, particularly in the ever-present threat of panic attacks, but he deftly matches mood and moment throughout--one can sense the discomfort in telling some of the tale. He recounts stories that are terribly familiar to addicts of all stripes--propelling through life on fear and just reacting to stimuli over and over again (or, conversely, drowning the stimuli--turning the volume down on life as far as can be managed).Read more ›
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23 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By
CGM
on October 7, 2011
Format: Hardcover
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I was at the Strand Book Store in NYC the day this came out on Oct 4th and had a chance to meet and listen to Duff talk about the inspiration for this book with Rolling Stone writer David Frick. I am a huge fan of GN'R, Velvet Revolver and Loaded but musicians are not always that interesting on paper. I was happy to learn upon reading this book that Mr. McKagan is a fantastic story teller. This book is an enjoyable and incredible journey to super stardom with many of the pitfalls that plague rock stars. I was impressed to learn that he studied business at Seattle University and now contributes to columns on finance that include Playboy. If you are fans of any of the bands Duff was in or just enjoy to read a personal journey on the rock n roll highway then read this book.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By
Daniel Baars
on November 9, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
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To say I was pleasantly surprised by this book is understating it. I am not a fan of Guns 'N' Roses or Velvet Revolver at all but I found Duff McKagan's book both fascinating and inspiring. Unlike other rock stars (Slash & Ace Frehley for example) he truly takes responsibility for the way he messed up his life (and for the effects his actions have had on the people close to him). The way he climbs out of the deep dark hole he is in and then turns his life around is awe-inspiring.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By
Benjamin Piper
on November 27, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
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This is much more than a book about a musician. Its a book about an inspirational life story. And it is a great deal of fun to read - I could not put it down! Duff's story will appeal to fans of Guns N Roses, sure, but it will appeal to anyone who enjoys a well written story of an interesting life. One of the things I found most enjoyable about the book is the feeling that you really get to know Duff. Having seen him in concert before, it is only after reading his book that I felt like he'd be someone I would really enjoy meeting and spending time talking to. A very compelling book. Way to go Duff!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By
Danijela
on December 3, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
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Duff was always my favourite Gun. After reading this book, I admire not only his music skill, but him as warm-hearted, honest, unselfish and very intelligent man. His writting skill is very good and never vague and boring. He told his story in the such a way that I trust him completely. I am especially touched by the nice words he said about others, especially Axl and Steven. This is not G'N'R story, this is the great story about journey of man who to find himself and rise his spirit high. It is the story of constant learning how to be a better man and how to love yourself. I absolutely loved it. Thank you, Duff, good luck to you, your family and to your band. Hope to read some of your writing soon.
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