In a new interview with Ethan Jackson of Des Moines radio station Lazer 103.3 (Link), GUNS N’ ROSES bassist Duff McKagan discussed the band’s recently released songs “Atlas” and “Nothin’.” The tracks, released in December, marked the first new GN’R music since the 2023 singles “The General” and “Perhaps.”

McKagan explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):

“We were putting out two groupings of two [new] songs before [various tour] legs. And we knew we were gonna tour for a long time. A leg can be like a year and a half, so putting out a couple songs before full legs felt like the right thing to do.”

On the latest releases, he added:

“We kind of knew these would be the last two [songs conceived during the Chinese Democracy sessions]. They’re totally different songs, but it’s still definitely GUNS N’ ROSES. And I think ‘Nothin’’ is a really cool foray into almost R&B—there’s a lot of space in the song.” He also praised Slash’s guitar solo, calling it “amazing.”

Reflecting on touring more than 40 years into his career, McKagan said:

“It’s a long show. How do you cut out songs in our setlist? We play three to three and a half hours, depending. It’s an athletic endeavor, for sure.” He emphasized the connection with audiences worldwide and acknowledged his family’s support on the road.

GUNS N’ ROSES will embark on a massive spring/summer 2026 tour, visiting Mexico and Brazil before headlining dates across Europe and stadium shows in the U.S. and Canada. The run includes a special performance at Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl, marking the band’s first return to the venue in over 30 years.

The announcement follows the release of the deluxe Live Era ’87–’93 box set, featuring remastered audio and updated artwork. The tour will blend fan favorites with deeper cuts, continuing the band’s tradition of three-hour-plus shows.

Current lineup: Axl Rose (vocals, keyboards), Duff McKagan (bass), Slash (lead guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Isaac Carpenter (drums), Melissa Reese (keyboards).