Earlier this year, speculations swirled around the possibility of Duff McKagan stepping in as AC/DC’s new bassist, coinciding with the band’s announcement of their Power Up European Tour in February. This conjecture gained traction especially as AC/DC’s longstanding bassist Cliff Williams had returned from retirement to perform the previous October.

However, it turned out that Williams didn’t continue with the band for the summer tour, with Chris Chaney selected as the new bassist. Duff McKagan addressed these rumors during an interview with his wife, Susan Holmes McKagan, revealing some insight into the situation:

“So AC/DC had to get a new bass player – and I kinda know what’s going on there a little bit. We don’t need to say who it is.”

Reflecting on the confusion surrounding the speculation, McKagan shared his experience:

“Ok, but it’s not me. So I’m getting texts, ‘Hey, congratulations on the new gig!’ Even Slash texted me, ‘Hey, are you doing the AC/DC gig?’ Friends from Seattle, London, Australia, you name it I’ve been getting texts. I’m like, ‘It’s not me, where are you hearing this from?!’”

While expressing his admiration for AC/DC, McKagan affirmed his role:

“If they need me for anything, I’m there for them, but I’m not the new bass player.”