Duff McKagan, born in 1964, is an influential American musician best known as the longtime bassist for Guns N' Roses, with whom he rose to international fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After first leaving the band in 1997, he later rejoined in 2016. Alongside his work with Guns N' Roses, McKagan has released solo music, fronted the hard rock band Loaded, and played in notable groups like Velvet Revolver and Neurotic Outsiders. He has also collaborated with acclaimed bands such as Alice in Chains, Jane's Addiction, and Hollywood Vampires, as well as Seattle musicians in projects like Walking Papers and Levee Walkers. Beyond music, McKagan is a published writer and columnist, and has a background in business, having attended Seattle University and co-founded a financial firm.