Rock News

Guns N’ Roses Duff McKagan shares new song that he wrote amidst a panic attack

"I couldn’t breathe and couldn’t see straight."

GnR’s bassist Duff McKagen has shared a new EP called ‘This is the Song,’ in which he opens up about his battle with panic disorder. 

The three-song-EP includes a title track, and two other songs, ‘Pass You By’ and ‘It Can’t Come Too Soon.’

He shared in a letter to fans: "This Is The Song was written in the middle of a panic attack. I couldn’t breathe and couldn’t see straight, and lately, I have thankfully found my acoustic guitar as a refuge. 

“If I just hold on to that guitar, play chords, and hum melodies, I can start to climb my way out of that hole. 

“For those of you who have never experienced something like this, count yourselves blessed. To those of you who recognize what I am talking about: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!”

He sings: "This is the song that’s gonna save my life as I scrape for sanity."

The 59-year-old musician - who released the mini album during Mental Health Awareness Month - shared how he has suffered from panic disorder since he was a teen.

He told fans in his letter: “I have dealt with a certain variety of panic disorder since the age of 16, and in these recent years, my panic disorder has morphed and twisted and brought along some darkness that seems to appear out of absolutely nowhere.

“It can be terrifying."

The songs mark Duff's first new solo music in four years, following his 2019 LP 'Tenderness'.

Have a watch of the title track up top.