The Gentlemen (Seattle band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Duff McKagan |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
The Gentlemen was a rock ensemble originating from Seattle, Washington, established in 1998 by Duff McKagan, formerly associated with Guns N' Roses. The original roster featured guitarists Michael Barragan (previously of Plexi) and Dez Cadena (formerly of Black Flag), alongside drummer Taz Bentley (ex-The Reverend Horton Heat). Within the same year, the group adopted the name Loaded before eventually disbanding.
Subsequently, McKagan revived the band with Dave Dederer and Jason Finn, both ex-members of The Presidents of the United States of America. Nevertheless, as McKagan also revitalized Loaded—with Dederer taking on bass duties—The Gentlemen ceased activities by 2001.
Initial formation and lineup (1997–1999)
Following his departure from Guns N' Roses in 1997, Duff McKagan returned to Seattle and reassembled his earlier band 10 Minute Warning, releasing a self-titled record. In 1998, he completed his second solo effort, Beautiful Disease, and formed The Gentlemen as his touring ensemble, comprising Michael Barragan, Dez Cadena, and Taz Bentley.
After the merger between Geffen and Interscope, McKagan was dropped from the label roster, resulting in Beautiful Disease being shelved. Despite this setback, The Gentlemen maintained touring activities across the US but rebranded themselves as Loaded by 1999. That year they issued the live album Episode 1999: Live before disbanding.
Revival and subsequent dissolution (2000–2001)
In 2000, McKagan brought back The Gentlemen with Dave Dederer and initially Jason Finn, both formerly part of The Presidents of the United States of America. The lineup soon streamlined to McKagan on electric guitar and Dederer on acoustic guitar, performing live dressed in suits. Their first appearance was at the Orange showcase, followed by local performances including NXNW and SXSW festivals, all while pursuing a recording contract. Their setlist combined original compositions and covers characterized as "straightforward, goofy pop songs." Although an album was anticipated, no studio recordings were completed.
During that period, The Presidents of the United States of America reunited, and McKagan initiated a new project which developed into Loaded’s second incarnation. He also appeared alongside The Presidents on The Late Late Show, while Dederer contributed to Loaded’s album Dark Days before briefly joining them as bassist. By 2001, The Gentlemen had officially disbanded.
Band members
- Duff McKagan – vocals, bass, guitar (1998–1999, 2000–2001)
- Michael Barragan – guitar (1999)
- Taz Bentley – drums (1999)
- Dez Cadena – guitar (1999)
- Dave Dederer – acoustic guitar (2000–2001)
- Jason Finn – drums (2000)