It's So Easy: and other lies

Really enjoyed this book, so much that I hated finishing it. Original and thoroughly readable style. Duff comes across as a sincere, genuinely nice guy who gives us a glimpse into his life with and without GN'R. Plenty of history for GN'R fans. Great read. Highly recommend!

Great book. There are better histories of GNR out there if you want something that concentrates on the music or band, but this is a great story about one man and how he was able to beat his addiction and demons. Easy to read, well written. Not too dense and very straightforward.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Duff is very honest and describes some very harrowing scenes. He doesn't shy away from the things that make him seem less than heroic and he weaves a great tale. He truly is a survivor and has been able to turn himself onto a different path and live a happy, positive life.

This story should have ended, according to what a normal human can stand of alchol/drug-abuse, with Duff dead on page 3.
The book jumps between different phases in his life, but is clearly divided into a part where everything revolves around drugs, alcohol and deterministic behavior, and in a section where Duff turns his gaze forward and manage to turn his life 180 degrees around. Well written, inspiring and impressive.
For GNR fans this book gives a lot of inside information about the band, the music and life on the road. If this is the most important issues to you I recommend Slash 'bio, it is more detailed on these points.
This book tells the story of Duff, for better or for worse, and should be a mandatory book to read for anyone wondering what's behind the scenes of a great personality in the game of rock n roll!

Having read Ace Frehley's, Tony Iommi's, Ozzy Osbourne's, Sammy Hagar's, David Lee Roth's, Slash's, Motley Crue's, Aerosmith's and (of course) Keith Richards' auto biographies, I think this is potentially the best. It has storiets during the GNR heydey that rival the best of the rest and the way Duff turns his life around is inspiring and impressive. He's not another "sober rocker" and he chose to really have a full life. Additionally, he's an excellent writer and great story teller with revealing insights into the playing and business of music that you often don't get from the other bios. It's particularly interesting to contrast the book with Slash's and although the stories jive, Duff provides a little more detail and depth to the "wide-eyed" and optimistic early days and a humorous but caustic sarcasm relating to his darkest days that truly reveals his growth.

I've always been a GnR fan & Velvet Revolver, so I bought this book. What a pleasant surprise. Duff is very insightful and honest. Good story teller and not an easy story to tell. Beyond a rock and roll book, excellent read for anyone. You don't have to be a fan to read it, but you will like Duff in the end

I bought this book for the obvious reason: It looked like fun and other people liked it. Sure, McKagan is a famous name (at least in Seattle, where my High School history teacher said he was Duff's uncle). And I'm drawn to slutty memoirs of partying to hard, and developing self awareness along the way. Bonus that it was written by McKagan himself, without a ghost writer.

So -- was it fun? Yes. And I think that's what counts. The writing was pretty good for a guy who never wrote a book before, nor is a professional writer.

Honestly I had doubts of buying this book cause I had read Slash's and Mustaine's books and I thought that I had read enough of rock n roll sex and drugs. I made up my mind and bought it and I'm very glad of it.

This book is completely different to the others. Duff explains the history of GnR simple without too much sex, drugs ( like Slash). He writes about what was going on inside of him despite of having a lot of money women drugs.

Damn it, the decision of changing after his fall really inspired me and it still does. I really felt identified with this book, there are some things that Duff and I share. Five stars!!!

Most autobiographies seem annoyingly arrogant, with poor writing skills. Not this one.
I was never a fan of the writer's bands, but you don't need to be to appreciate his story.
I admire him. He seems to be a truly good guy who got his s*** together and is grateful.

Brilliant and heartfelt, being in recovery is so hard but once in a while you can stand back and laugh and see that it is more than worth it. Love to hear the stories and know some of the tragedies too. He had an amazing journey and lived to tell us and for us to learn a bit more about how tenuous it truly is. Loved it!

Duff McKagan has lived an incredible and gutsy life so far, from dropping out of high school, leaving Seattle for LA, and playing in numerous bands until the alchemy of Guns and Roses transformed his journey. This book is a great rundown of that journey, and includes in detail the Guns and Roses years of intense musicianship and success, his struggle to dry out and kick his addictions, his newer bands Loaded and Velvet Revolver, his reentry into school for a finance degree, and his fathering and raising of two daughters. It is a very interesting read, and his insights into the dynamics of a band as awesome as GN'R are very special.

During the success of GN'R, the depths into which Mr. McKagen descended, where he was gulping quarts of vodka every day, day after day, and snorting so much cocaine that his nasal passages burned out (requiring two operations), are well described, but, unfortunately, I had hoped for some introspection. In other words, what is it that makes an intelligent and successful musician gravitate to this self destruction (as not only he, but his bandmates Steven Adler (who suffered a drug induced stroke at 31), or Slash and Izzy Stradlin, who both were heavily into heroin)? McKagen gives us some idea of the constant touring and stresses of following up the Appetite for Destruction album with another winner, but I kept asking "Why? He had everything, could play anything, was in the biggest band on the planet, had plenty of money, such incredible success, and smart as well". So why the self destruction?

If you are looking for the 'inside scoop' on Guns and Roses, along with some very touching scenes (like meeting Axl in London a decade after leaving GN'R and being asked to jump on stage and grab the bass), this is a book you should read. I enjoyed every page.

This really was a great read, and far better than other similar rock star attempts like 'Scar Tissue' and Motley Crue biography. The latter tended to be more about when/where and how smashed they got with no real story to speak of, while Duff really pulls you in and lets you know what he was thinking, and covers others aspects of his life which run parallel to the growing fame of GN'R.

Much better book than I expected, and perfects book for long flight while listening to classic Guns.

A great, easy read. Only reason it get four stars is that, as much light as it sheds on certain points / events, other places in the book are not fleshed out enough and elicit more questions than they answer. But hey, for a semi-amateur writer on his first book, it`s pretty darned good.

A very well written autobiography. While it does center more around the early days of GnR it does give us a glimpse into the scene in those days. A large chunk of the book is about drugs and alcohol (as is in almost all rock star autobiographies) but Duff writes it well, at least from my perspective. I did care what would happen to him making it fast read for me.

Reading about Duff going from playing to crash pads to giant stadiums and survive it all shows that Rock and Roll will always be one hell of a ride. His drug use, time playing in bands, his 3 marriages, cheap meal recipes, going back to school, and his fight to live a cleaner lifestyle are all detailed. It's worth the time and money to read his story.

If you’ve read Duff’s writing for Seattle Weekly then you know he is a very engaging writer. His no holds barred account of his journey from down and out punk rocker to being on top of an out of control Guns ’N Roses rocket blasting though world tours that he was not equipped to deal with is honest and chilling. It is interesting that a lifestyle many would envy was actually a living hell that he blotted out with excess. The story of coming out of it to clean up and become a family man and businessman are inspirational to anyone wanting to make a new start.

Very good book. Informative about his time with Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver and he doesn't get into dirt or bashing former band mates. The rest of his life is very interesting and you may find yourself motivated improve yourself after you finish the book.

I had no idea! Very impressed by the writing style, but even more so by the journey Duff has been on and is still on. I learned a lot about success and what it can and can't do for you. Reading this book will definitely help me become a better person and an entrepreneur! Thanks Duff!!!

GNR fans cringed as our beloved band imploded before our eyes. It was even more painful on the inside.

We already knew from his songs that Duff is a great writer. This translates to his bio, which reads as if he's sitting in your living room while he tells his story. The 80s-90s rock era comes back to life for us 40 and 50-somethings who lived through it, and Duff leaves nothing out, however painful.

"It's So Easy" starts at Duff's childhood, his decision to move to L.A. with only a few bucks in his pocket, his musical career and his personal battles with alcohol and drug addiction. I never got how or why artists and athletes got into drugs when so many alternatives for a good time are available to them. Duff's story makes this somewhat easier to understand - drugs in the 80s were simply there, the rock culture's determination to live on the edge, the pressures of fame and constant touring, emotional baggage. His life had them all. I won't go into his biographical details, since this is a review and not a synopsis, but music fans will learn some shocking details about the industry as well. Riches don't just come with the fame - it takes quite awhile for money to roll in despite having a hit, and the industry itself sucks back cashs. Production costs evidently aren't absorbed by the record company - the band had to shell out. The artists were living in cars and dumpy apartments, worrying about their next meal, while their album climbed the charts and Geffen pocketed profits. It took them MONTHS to begin collecting any royalties at all.

Duff, congrats on getting clean and getting your life back in order. I wish you happiness with your wife and children, and thanks for setting an example for all of us in dealing with addiction and going back to school for your education. Peace, brother.

I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while, and it was deff. worth it. A very well written book from Duff's prospective. A insight into early days of Duff and his punk roots, formation of GnR, Loaded and VR. His personal life and trials and tribulations due to addictions that has lead him to become who he is now. A great no actually excellent read. Rock n Roll

Loved this book! I knew nothing about Duff McKagan before reading this except for that he was a wild rock and roll guy from Guns n Roses. I found myself unable to put this book down and was so sorry when it ended!

What a Great writer Duff McKagan is!!! His honesty, struggles and strength to overcome are admirable and empowering! I could not wait to pick this book up at night and learned more about myself in doing so. "Thank you" Duff.

One of the best books from GNR written. Duff really has turned himself around. Really enjoyed his recovery journey. Those things tend to bore me but his was successful and he put in the effort. I have read most if not all books on GNR and this was one of the best. I still think Axl is an ass.

Wow to see all you accomplished without hesitation and still continue to be humble shows a deep soul you can say you really lived life to the fullest and I am glad you wrote this book not only has it given me hope and inspiration it was a good reading experience. Live well

I picked this book up after being amazed by Slash's book. I really had enjoyed reading about GnR and thought, why not, Slash repeatedly said in his book that 'maybe the other guys didn't remember it this way" so many times that I JUST HAD TO see how someone else saw things. Both Slash and Duff admit to being out of their skull so often that I was amazed at the detail in both books. After reading the two, Duff's book was much more entertaining ... I think because it was much more believable.

I was so pleased with this book. intelligent writing that truly let you understand what living was for this band. but more importantly getting to know the man was far more fascinating than the hype of Guns and Roses. kudos to a survivor who won the prize in the end far more than frontman Axle. a family _ loving wife_ good friends_ intelligence.
thanks for sharing the good and bad. you are a good man and that my friend Duff is all that matters!!!!!

Excellent story ......told amazingly well. I always wondered in my teenage years about the dynamics and the actual beginnings of Guns and Roses and Duff does an incredible job of taking you through his entire journey. Amazing life store from the start. Would highly recommend it!

What an inspirational story. Lots of layers. As a writer with a teen/new adult rock series based on Shakespeare I read a lot of rock biographies for 'research.' This is my favorite by far. Floored by the journey musically, intellectually, and spiritually that Duff has traveled. More please.

This book was well and intelligently written. Duff writes succinctly. From the "trenches". I'm 61 years old and was never into Guns. Too busy raising a family, but I sure am now. The "in your face" energy is all right there in the book and inspired me to take a look into their music as well. His struggles to get off alcohol and drugs are so real to me because I've had these troubles, too. I've been recommending this book to everyone. I applaud and admire this man!

Wow. Who would have ever thought Duff was not only a brilliant writer, but so self reflective? He's honest, open and tells it like it is...or was. Even if you're not a GnR fan, you will love this book. I have a new admiration for the guy. He makes you feel like you're his friend and I found myself laughing out loud and truthfully, getting a little choked up at times. Kudos to you big D. Outstanding!

Good, bad and ugly! Ah, Duff, my teenage crush is a brilliant writer. This book was phenomenal! I love the from streets to riches story. He definitely shows his emotions in this book and I am so glad he got sober and is doing so well for himself.

I purchased this book purely on the strength of the reviews. After years of reading sordid and sensationalized tales from a multitude of burnt out has beens I can say that I wish all rock stars had Duff's insight, smarts and willingness to hold back certain details that would have brought down this engaging tome. My interest in GN'R has been fully renewed and I only wish that the book written by Slash and whoever else wrote it with him was as good as Duff's. I even reccemded this to my dad.

Great book. Inspiring to see someone turn their life around! I'm trying to do the same. Thanks for the inspiration. Great read, especially if you were a Guns fan at any point of their career. Or after with VR. Great story! DM

I wasn't really expecting too much from this book when I purchased it, but I have to say that it was excellent. Duff has a very fluid style of writing that goes down easy and quickly. I had no idea that he has lived two disparate lives, and it was fascinating to hear how he pulls it off with gusto. This book with prove to be very motivational for someone who is (or has been) struggling with addiction -- the way that he goes about kicking it is pretty impressive.