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Loaded (band)

From Alfawiki
Loaded
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1999 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.
FounderDuff McKagan
Headquarters
Seattle
,
United States
ProductsRock music, studio albums, EPs, live albums

Loaded—also referred to as Duff McKagan's Loaded—is a rock group originating from Seattle, Washington, established in 1999. Since 2001, the ensemble has included vocalist and rhythm guitarist Duff McKagan (noted for his work with Velvet Revolver and Guns N' Roses), lead guitarist Mike Squires (previously with Nevada Bachelors and Alien Crime Syndicate), and bassist Jeff Rouse (formerly of Alien Crime Syndicate, Sirens Sister, and Vendetta Red). Drummer Isaac Carpenter, who joined in 2009 after departing from bands such as Loudermilk, Gosling, and The Exies, replaced former drummer Geoff Reading.

Loaded was originally created by McKagan to promote his unreleased solo record Beautiful Disease. The initial lineup featured Michael Barragan (ex-Plexi), Dez Cadena (ex-Black Flag), and Taz Bentley (ex-The Reverend Horton Heat), but the band dissolved by the end of 1999. The group reassembled in 2001 with Reading, Squires, and Rouse joining McKagan. In 2002, guitarist Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver) and bassist George Stuart Dahlquist briefly filled in.

When McKagan and Kushner turned their attention to Velvet Revolver, Loaded went on a break but occasionally performed live. After Velvet Revolver's vocalist Scott Weiland exited, Loaded became active again in 2008 to work on their sophomore album. Following Reading’s departure in 2009, Carpenter took over drumming duties. The band's catalog features three studio albums: Dark Days (2001), Sick (2009), and The Taking (2011); an EP titled Wasted Heart (2008); along with a live album, Episode 1999: Live (1999).

Formation and Early Period (1999)

After departing from Guns N' Roses, a band that sold more than 100 million records globally, in 1997 due to internal disagreements, Duff McKagan returned to his hometown of Seattle.

Back in Seattle, McKagan revived his previous band 10 Minute Warning, releasing a self-titled record via Sub Pop in 1998. That same year, he recorded his second solo project Beautiful Disease, collaborating with artists such as former Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin, ex-Black Flag vocalist Dez Cadena, and his former Guns N' Roses colleagues Slash and Izzy Stradlin. The album was scheduled for release under Geffen Records in 1999.

To support Beautiful Disease, McKagan formed Loaded—initially named The Gentlemen—with himself handling lead vocals and bass, alongside guitarists Dez Cadena and Michael Barragan, plus drummer Taz Bentley.

However, following the merger between Geffen and Interscope Records, McKagan was dropped from the label and consequently lost commercial rights to Beautiful Disease, with only promotional copies surfacing unofficially. Despite this setback, Loaded continued touring and independently released the live album Episode 1999: Live, which was recorded and mixed by Nick Raskulinecz. They also re-recorded half of the tracks from Beautiful Disease and attracted interest from four record companies but ultimately disbanded before the year ended. Subsequently, McKagan and Bentley joined Izzy Stradlin’s rhythm section for his Japanese tour promoting the album Ride On.

Reformation and Dark Days Era (2000–2002)

At the start of 2000, McKagan initiated a new collaboration with vocalist Mark Lanegan and drummer Geoff Reading. Although they laid down several tracks, Lanegan departed to become part of Queens of the Stone Age. Encouraged by Reading and producer Martin Feveyear to take on lead vocal duties, McKagan proceeded to compose and record fresh material at Jupiter Studios. They also revisited and re-recorded some pieces from Beautiful Disease to complement the new compositions. The majority of the recording was handled by McKagan and Reading, with bassist Dave Dederer and guitarist Mike Squires providing additional drum parts, while Feveyear contributed keyboard layers.

The collection, entitled Dark Days, was released in July 2001 in the United States and Japan through Artistdirect and EMI, followed by a European release via Locomotive Music a year later. Opting to revive the Loaded moniker rather than issue it as a solo album, McKagan announced three performances at House of Blues venues in Anaheim, Las Vegas, and West Hollywood during November 2001, featuring guest appearances by Slash. Subsequently, Mike Squires and Jeff Rouse stepped in for Dederer on lead guitar and bass respectively, with Feveyear handling keyboards and percussion. Loaded continued with additional shows across the US, including special guest spots from Billy Duffy and Matt Sorum, before embarking on a Japanese tour supporting J and Zilch. It was during this tour that McKagan encountered guitarist Dave Kushner, who was then part of Zilch.

After completing the tour, Rouse and Squires departed as their band Alien Crime Syndicate secured a deal with V2 Records. Loaded then brought in Dave Kushner along with George Stuart Dahlquist, announcing plans for a European tour spanning the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Hiatus Period and Velvet Revolver Formation (2002–2008)

Following a 2002 benefit performance for Randy Castillo, McKagan began working alongside former Guns N' Roses members Slash and Matt Sorum on a new musical endeavor. This collaboration resulted in Loaded canceling their scheduled European tour. The band played at Hollywood's Viper Room, where McKagan introduced Kushner to Slash, a longtime associate. Kushner subsequently joined the project which, after several auditions, evolved into Velvet Revolver with the inclusion of Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland. This development led Loaded into an unofficial hiatus, although they occasionally reunited for live appearances—most notably in December 2006 for a benefit concert that saw the return of Squires and Rouse.

During this inactive phase for Loaded, its members engaged in various other ventures. Reading established The Disciples (later renamed The Chelsea Smiles) alongside Christian Martucci, Todd Youth, and Howie Pyro. Rouse released Ten Songs in the Key of Betrayal with Alien Crime Syndicate, who supported Tommy Stinson on tour promoting his solo album Village Gorilla Head. Afterwards, Rouse joined Vendetta Red for their Sisters of the Red Death tour. Following Vendetta Red's breakup in 2006, he co-founded Sirens Sister, releasing one album before departing in 2007. Meanwhile, Squires briefly rejoined The Long Winters before leaving once more.

Reunion, Wasted Heart and Sick (2008–2009)

During the 2008 tour with Velvet Revolver, McKagan revealed Loaded's intention to enter the studio in April and release a new album that summer. Following Velvet Revolver's pause after Scott Weiland's exit, Loaded members collaborated remotely by sharing MP3 files. They secured rehearsal space to develop new songs before recording sessions commenced at Jupiter Studios with producer Martin Feveyear. Throughout the recording process, they published webisodes providing a behind-the-scenes look at the sessions. The band also scheduled tours across the UK and Ireland and performed at multiple European festivals. The album was completed swiftly, within two weeks, on a budget of $20,000.

Loaded signed with Century Media, and at the label’s recommendation, rebranded as Duff McKagan's Loaded to capitalize on McKagan’s name recognition. Although the album’s release was postponed until 2009, the Wasted Heart EP was launched on September 22, 2008, featuring a music video for "No More."

The band's sophomore album, Sick, debuted on March 20, 2009 in Europe and April 7 in the United States. It reached number 43 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart, selling approximately 1,400 copies in its first week. The lead single "Flatline" was aimed at radio audiences. Critics praised the album for its strong rock rhythms and McKagan’s focused sobriety.

To support Sick, Loaded embarked on extensive tours throughout the US, South America, and Europe. Their festival appearances included Download Festival (UK), Rock am Ring and Rock im Park (Germany), Rockfest (US), and Sauna Open Air (Finland). They also opened for bands such as Mötley Crüe and Black Stone Cherry during European tours. Guest performers like Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Corey Taylor, and Michael Monroe joined them on stage.

In September 2009, drummer Geoff Reading departed and was succeeded by Isaac Carpenter. Midway through the tour, McKagan announced via Twitter that new material was being composed. In December, Loaded shared the stage with Queensrÿche at the "KISW Salutes the Shield" benefit concert in Snoqualmie, Washington, featuring a guest appearance from Geoff Tate.

The Taking and film (2010–2012)

In February 2010, Loaded parted ways with Century Media as they sought a new record deal after writing and demoing fresh material. That same month, McKagan and Rouse performed at Seattle's Hootenanny For Haiti, alongside notable musicians including Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.

During a brief hiatus for Loaded, guitarist Mike Squires played with Green Apple Quick Step, while McKagan joined Jane's Addiction as an official member in April 2010, touring across the US and Europe. His stint lasted five months; differences in musical direction led to his departure, with thanks extended for his songwriting contributions and live performances.

While active with Jane's Addiction, McKagan continued developing material for Loaded, emphasizing that Loaded "will ALWAYS be something I do." In August 2010, Loaded entered the studio with producer Terry Date—who had approached them to produce their next record—and completed recording by early September.

Loaded’s track "We Win" was featured by ESPN and Major League Baseball during playoff broadcasts. The band signed with Eagle Rock Entertainment to release their upcoming album initially titled The Soundtrack, planned for March 2011 alongside a reissue of their previous album Sick. The album title was later changed to The Taking, set for release on April 19. Concurrently, they collaborated with filmmaker Jamie Burton Chamberlin on a feature film inspired by the album. Chamberlin described it as a fusion of documentary footage, music videos, and live performances with the album serving as its soundtrack. In November 2010, Chamberlin filmed Loaded’s Veterans Day halftime performance at Seattle Seahawks' stadium.

The film features appearances from musicians such as John Roderick (The Long Winters), Chris Ballew (The Presidents of the United States of America), Soundgarden members Ben Shepherd and Kim Thayil, along with Motörhead’s Lemmy. Filming occurred in both Seattle and Los Angeles, including plans for unannounced acoustic shows. The project aimed to premiere at SXSW in 2011; a trailer debuted in January of that year. Loaded also confirmed participation in major festivals like Download Festival in June 2011.

Released between April 18–19, 2011 in Europe and the US, The Taking reached number 12 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart with over 2,300 copies sold during its initial week. A video for "Dead Skin," directed by Chamberlin, accompanied the release. Critical response was favorable; AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine awarded it three out of five stars, noting it as McKagan’s most intense recent work where vitality compensates for its classic rock influences. Revolver magazine highlighted its "big hooks and driving riffs" combined with punk elements.

Musical style and influences

Loaded's sound is chiefly characterized as hard rock infused with punk influences, often likened to artists such as Ramones, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and McKagan's previous group, Guns N' Roses. Their inspirations span across The Rolling Stones, The Saints, Thin Lizzy, Black Flag, and Fear. Critic Chris Beaumont described their music as "blues-inflected hard rock that occasionally approaches punk," blending polished elements with raw vigor, though it does not reach the intensity found in Guns N' Roses or Velvet Revolver. Despite this, their minimalist approach delivers a compelling and catchy experience.

Band members

Last lineup
  • Duff McKagan – lead vocals (1999–2002, 2008–2012), rhythm guitar (2000–2002, 2008–2012), bass (1999–2001, 2008)
  • Mike Squires – lead guitar, backing vocals (2001–2002, 2008–2012)
  • Jeff Rouse – bass, backing vocals (2001–2002, 2008–2012)
  • Burke Thomas – drums (2011–2012)
Previous members

Discography

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