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It's So Easy
- And Other Lies
- Narrated by: Christian Rummel
- Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins
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It's So Easy
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Summary
In his New York Times best seller, Duff McKagan, founding member of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver, shares the story of his rise to fame and fortune, his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his personal crash and burn, and his life-saving transformation via a unique path to sobriety.
In 1984, at the age of 20, Duff McKagan left his native Seattle - partly to pursue music, but mainly to get away from a host of heroin overdoses then-decimating his closest group of friends in the local punk scene. In LA only a few weeks and still living in his car, he answered a want ad for a bass player placed by someone who identified himself only as "Slash." Soon after, the most dangerous band in the world was born. Guns N' Roses went on to sell more than 100 million albums worldwide. In It's So Easy, Duff recounts Guns' unlikely trajectory to a string of multiplatinum albums, sold-out stadium concerts, and global acclaim. But that kind of glory can take its toll, and it did - ultimately - on Duff, as well as on the band itself. As Guns began to splinter, Duff felt that he himself was done, too. But his near death as a direct result of alcoholism proved to be his watershed, the turning point that sent him on a unique path to sobriety and the unexpected choices he has made for himself since. In a voice that is as honest as it is indelibly his own, Duff - one of rock's smartest and most articulate personalities - takes fans on a harrowing journey through the dark heart of one of the most notorious bands in rock and roll history and out the other side.
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What listeners love about It's So Easy
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- C Noon
- 25-07-19
rarely review
I listen to alot of autobiographies, probably 2 or 3 a month (depending on length). I dont often find my self composed to write a review but this book was brilliant. So good infact that, like Duff felt if he wasnt touring, I have a hole now that needs filling.
brilliantly written, am now a huge fan of the man that is Duff McKagan
9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- PerrieBelle
- 15-09-16
Fantastic
Duff's a great bass player and tells a good tale of lows and highs and lows and highs of the life he has had so far. Very cool, and oddly, the narrator sounds like he could be Duff's brother or something. Really similar voice if a little deeper.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- colin thomas
- 13-02-20
Awful
Terrible voice reading the story, I can't believe there is an American anywhere that speaks in this awful drone.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Solaire
- 08-11-19
Loved this
The GnR stuff is great, and so is Duff's story of how he got himself sober and into biking and martial arts. An inspirational story. The narrator is fantastic, a perfect choice.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 21-08-19
Great listen for any music fan
As a GnR fan I thought this would be of relative interest and some easy listening. What actually happened is once I started listening I couldn’t stop! A great story (and humble) on the rise, peak, fall and redemption of not only a great musician but also a very interesting and dedicated guy.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ms CT Clarke
- 23-05-19
I don't even LIKE GnR.
I had no idea who the guy was before I read the precis. I don't like GnR. How did I wind up with this? Well my sister mentioned Russel Brand's biography, I had a look at that (alcohol addictions being a mutual interest), didn't like it and this popped up as a similar book. I listened to the sample and thought "wow". So I got it.
It's an amazing ride from nothing, showcasing a lot of work, good luck, bad decisions, good decisions and moments of "that's just wow". This guy definitely put some work in and he takes you on this journey via some truly "WTF" moments.
The narrator is excellent and gives a real feel for someone talking "off the cuff". I couldn't fault him and I'll look for other things he's done as a result of listening to this book.
The last 5th of the book seems a bit rushed and I do wonder about a sequel.
Fantastic book and you REALLY don't need to like GnR to enjoy it.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MJDR
- 28-03-23
Duff Rocks
If you like all things G’n’R like me this will give you a proper inside look at the band and how they came up together. Along with that a great story of a guy who lived the lifestyle became an addict and then came out the other side. Great story, great musician, I really enjoyed the story.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs. Nicola Cass
- 24-08-23
what a life!
I'm a similar age to Duff and have gone through life with GNR and his other bands' music in my life. I wasn't watching his life closely and take little notice of the tabloids, but this raw account of his experience, additions, life changing events and becoming a husband and father, a complete 180⁰ turnaround is a testament to the character of this man.
I hope he does another to update us now GNR are on tour again.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jeff Green
- 24-06-23
Interesting story.
An interesting listen to a bass player story I truly admire not just for the music but for the pushing himself out his comfort box.
The story tellers voice does drag from time to time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Thomas Hugh
- 23-06-23
What a life
Duff McKagan’s life story is pretty incredible. There are times I wondered how he was alive long enough to write an autobiography. At times hilarious, it’s a must for any fan of his many bands. Highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Katrina Hamilton
- 16-10-16
This book just may save a life.
Duff, I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This read just brought my hope back. Boxing, Biking, Climbing. (meditation), which I'm familiar with....
My son and I used to practice Buddhism. I now know your aware of its teachings.
Buddhism sees life as a process of constant change,. I believe that one can change for the better.
My son is an addict. Heroin.
You just gave me a great idea for my son's recovery.
Duff, you're the real deal. Thankyou so so much!!!
27 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- NicbachDVM
- 09-09-16
A very inspiring memoir from a rockstar
I have long been a fan of GNR. Duff has recently intrigued me with his financial business and interviews. He's a very intelligent individual, and this memoir has inspired me in ways I never thought possible.
The life he has lived is uncanny. It's literally unbelievable he is still alive, with how much drinking and drugs he used to do. The transformation he has made is unbelievable.
He goes into great detail about his early years in Seattle working in various punk bands, to becoming one of rock's biggest stars in GNR. He talks about the drugs, the drinking, and the women. He gives detailed information about why GNR broke up (complete lack of communication and egos), and how much he gave up of himself to drinking and drugs.
Now many years sober, he looks back on his mistakes and how he's turned his life around. Though I've never been addicted to anything in my life, it's truly inspiring to hear a firsthand account of how to beat addiction. Duff kicks his butt every single day, and is extremely motivated never to go down that path again.
This isn't a book just for GNR fans. I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from addiction as well. Duff never went through traditional 12 step programs, but found his solace through martial arts, yoga and meditation. It's very inspiring how he's transformed his life. I can't wait to get his new book now!
23 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- marie popick
- 14-10-16
Pleasantly surprised,not just a rocker story!
I listened to GNR music, but would not call myself a super fan. I saw an interview with Duff a few years back and thought the book might be interesting. Being my first 'life of a rocker' book, I did not have high expectations. Wow, I was wrong, it is a well written journey of his life, choices, mistakes... He should be extremely proud of his accomplishments in life! Nice job Duff.
14 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jr
- 22-02-17
Great book!
Fantastically well-written book. I only wish it was read by the author. The narrator sounds strained and un spontaneous which makes the book and some of the stories lose the feel the author intended. it's a great story of a man who's much more relatable than his rock star status would lead to believe.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 13-03-17
Great Read!
This book was so much more than I thought it would be. Thanks for sharing your life and the honesty. Thanks to your wife also for sharing you with all us fans.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Steve Hurry
- 20-01-17
Just the high level
This book contains a lot of personal info about Duff's personal journey but I was hoping for more stories about the crazy stuff that went on during the early GnR years. He admirably took the high road in not calling out or embarrassing anyone else in particular, but you know some crazy stuff went on and I would have liked to hear more of it.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Richard
- 18-01-17
Down to earth
Great book, it takes the listener on a journey from strung out to health guru.
All the usual stories of trashing hotel rooms to groupies but done with class. Duff showed respect to everyone from managers to fans. Nice to see his love for family, education and nature not to mention music. Great read it won't let you down.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wild Bill
- 18-12-16
An amazing story!!!
I started reading, well... listening to musician biographies last week with Sabastian Bach's new book 18 & Life on Skid Row. My recent discovery of the Audible app has helped me fill the sometimes long void while driving from job to job all day for work. Being a product of the 80's I have always had much love and admiration for the bands of the era. I find the story of Duff's life amazing. Good times , bad times and experiences not unlike those of my friends and myself back then. Though on a much larger scale. I put this book away with an even greater respect and admiration for Duff McKagan. The story of his life gripped me from chapter one all the way to the end. He made it out the other side of a dark place where most people don't make it out alive. Congratulations on life Duff and thank you for all the great music. Rock On!!!
3 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Lindsay
- 06-04-17
Rock and Roll and OK
Would you try another book from Duff McKagan and/or Christian Rummel?
I probably wouldn't try another book by Duff McKagan, and I wouldn't not consider a book because Christian Rummel narrated it. Christian Rummel was a decent narrator. It took a little time to get used to the gravel tones in his voice.
Would you be willing to try another book from Duff McKagan? Why or why not?
Duff's story was interesting enough, but beyond this book, I don't find myself particularly curious about his life or writings.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
I guess so. I don't have any problems with the narration, once I got used to the voice.
Do you think It's So Easy needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
Not really, since this book seems to cover the entity of Duff's career thus far. Maybe in 20 years it would be neat to see where his life has gone since this book.
Any additional comments?
Ok read, worth the daily deal, but not sure it was worth the credit. I'm not a Guns and Roses fan, so I bought this book more so just to see what his rock star life was like, not because I love the band.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- 09-01-17
loved the book. great stories and well written.
Great stories of how Guns and Roses began and to hear about Duff's journey. Amazing to hear about his life lessons.
2 people found this helpful