Duff McKagan Breaks Silence on 18-Year Rift with Axl Rose, Shocking Guns N’ Roses Fans

LOS ANGELES — Nearly two decades of silence finally came to light as Duff McKagan, bassist for Guns N’ Roses, revealed the painful truth behind his strained relationship with frontman Axl Rose. In a candid admission, McKagan disclosed that for 18 years, despite his repeated attempts, “He never picked up the phone.”

This revelation has stunned fans of the legendary band, casting new light on the personal struggles beneath the surface of what would become one of rock’s most improbable reunions.

The Long Road of Silence

Following years of turmoil and lineup changes during the 1990s, Guns N’ Roses’ classic lineup—featuring Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, and Slash—effectively disbanded. For nearly two decades, the idea of a full reunion seemed almost impossible. Rose himself once famously remarked that such a reunion might only happen “in this lifetime,” if he were dead.

McKagan’s revelation highlights just how deep the rift went—not just professional differences, but a profound personal estrangement. Despite McKagan’s numerous efforts to reconnect, the silence from Rose endured, underscoring the emotional distance that existed during those years.

The Reconciliation That Changed Everything

That silence finally broke in 2016, leading to the groundbreaking “Not in This Lifetime…” Tour. The reunion of Rose, McKagan, and Slash on stage electrified fans worldwide and turned into a monumental success, both musically and commercially.

The tour became the third-highest-grossing concert tour in history, amassing an astonishing $584.2 million in revenue. Over 158 shows on six continents, Guns N’ Roses sold more than 5.37 million tickets, with average earnings per show skyrocketing from $617,000 in earlier tours to $3.7 million per night during the reunion.

The renewed collaboration also revived interest in the band’s iconic catalog, with “Sweet Child O’ Mine” becoming the first 1980s music video to surpass one billion views on YouTube—a testament to the timeless power of their music.

More Than Just a Reunion

McKagan’s confession transforms the narrative of the tour from a purely business-driven event into a story of reconciliation and healing. The “Not in This Lifetime…” Tour wasn’t just a commercial triumph; it was a testament to the power of music to bridge even the widest divides.

For Guns N’ Roses fans, this long-awaited reunion carries a deeper meaning—proof that even the most fraught relationships can find resolution, leading to extraordinary moments on and off the stage.