The rise of artificial intelligence in music—from vocal cloning and posthumous AI-assisted releases to guitar amps that can suggest tones—is reshaping the industry. Opinions on this technology are divided, with supporters like Grimes highlighting AI’s potential to elevate genuine talent, while others like Slipknot’s Corey Taylor criticize it as a worse example of technology overshadowing talent than Pro Tools.
However, Duff McKagan, bassist for Guns N’ Roses, doesn’t see AI as a threat, particularly for a rock band like his.
In a recent interview with Classic Rock, McKagan remarked, “For a rock band like Guns N’ Roses, AI doesn’t apply. I don’t think it could.”
He continues, “There’s nothing better than sitting down and writing a song on an acoustic guitar. That experience will always be superior.”
While he acknowledges that he enjoys seeing AI-generated art of Guns N’ Roses on Instagram, saying, “I like this AI, my hair! That coat! I wish I had that coat!” he admits he doesn’t fully understand the technology. “As far as it applies to music, I don’t see it at all.”
McKagan’s stance on AI is in line with recent developments from the band. Earlier this year, Guns N’ Roses released an AI-generated music video for their new single, “The General,” created with Dan Potter of the London-based studio Creative Works. The video features live footage and AI-generated animated sequences.
Additionally, McKagan mentioned that new Guns N’ Roses music is on the way, though he’s uncertain about its release.
