Shoot a rose bass player Duff McKagan unveiled a new solo single titled “This Is the Song,” which addresses his longtime battle with panic disorder. The track was released as part of a three-song EP in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month.
In the acoustic song, the veteran rocker sang, “This is the song that’s gonna save my life/ As I scrape for sanity/ Tried Lexipro and what else I don’t know/ But still they cannot agree.”
A message from McKagan posted on his official website reads, in part:
“Just after 2019, of course, COVID hit, and we all looked and looked at our world as we knew it had changed in so many ways.
Mental health for all of us has become more serious, because being cooped up and being a bit scared affects everyone. I have been dealing with a form of panic disorder since the age of sixteen, and in recent years, my panic disorder has changed and twisted and brought some darkness that seems to have never been seen. It’s terrible.
‘This Is the Song’ was written in the middle of a panic attack. I can’t breathe and can’t see straight, and lately, thankfully I’ve found my acoustic guitar as a refuge. If I just pick up that guitar, play some chords, and hum some melodies, I can start climbing my way out of that hole. For those of you who have never experienced anything like this, consider yourself blessed. To those of you who know what I’m talking about: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!”
This is the Song is also the name of the three-song EP, which includes the additional tracks “Pass You By” and “It Can’t Come Too Soon.” The EP follows the release of McKagan’s 2019 solo album, gentleness.
Fans can catch McKagan on tour with Guns N’ Roses this year. After a UK/European run in June and July, the band will embark on a North American outing in early August. Tickets for upcoming shows are is here.
The music video for “This Is the Song” and the entire EP can be streamed via the players below, followed by Severe ConsequencesVideo compilation of rock artists discussing mental health in the music industry.
Editor’s Note: Also check out our podcast Getting There with Dr. Mikewhere musicians speak candidly about their mental health.