Duff McKagan’s London jaunt wasn’t just a rock star holiday. The Guns N’ Roses bassist and his wife, Susan Holmes McKagan, recently took a trip to the English capital, sharing their adventures on Instagram.
While the city’s charm undoubtedly cast its spell on the couple, it was another detail that truly captured the public’s attention: the hefty price tag of their travel mode. Susan’s Instagram post, showcasing the couple’s London escapades, invited fans to share their favorite cities.
Amidst the picturesque moments and city vibes, a question lingered: How did the McKagans traverse the Atlantic? The answer, it seems, was as luxurious as it was eyebrow-raising. The answer, as it turns out, might lie in the skies. Reports have surfaced about a staggering private jet bill incurred during their London escapade.
Duff McKagan’s Sky-High Travel Costs
The bassist opted for luxury when traveling from Los Angeles to London and jetted across the Atlantic in a Phenom 300 private jet. With hourly rates ranging from $3,500 to $5,000, the roughly 11-hour flight likely cost him between $38,500 and $55,000 one way.
Known for his savvy financial decisions, McKagan has built a $70 million fortune. Unlike many rock stars, he invested wisely in early stocks of companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft. His financial acumen led him to establish Meridian Rock, a wealth management firm catering to musicians.
The venture was born from personal experience. After a near-fatal health crisis caused by substance abuse in 1994, McKagan dedicated himself to learning about finance. Enrolling in courses at Santa Monica Community College and Seattle University, he transformed his financial knowledge into a successful business.
From Rock Star to Financial Guru
Duff McKagan’s path to financial literacy was unconventional, to say the least. In his own words, he “went to business school to decipher that code.” As he explained to Classic Rock, he perceived finance as a secret language, a complex system of jargon that seemed designed to intimidate.
Once he mastered this language, McKagan realized that financial concepts didn’t have to be shrouded in mystery. He found himself frustrated by the way financial experts often used overly complicated terminology to appear more knowledgeable.
As he put it, “Once I learnt it myself, I just thought, ‘F*ck, why don’t you just say this?’” McKagan’s newfound expertise quickly made him a trusted advisor among his peers. His approachable demeanor and ability to explain complex financial concepts in plain language made him a valuable resource for musicians navigating the often-daunting world of investments.
Duff McKagan’s Real Estate Portfolio
The bassist has owned several properties throughout his career, amassing a substantial real estate portfolio. His journey began in 1988 when he purchased a cottage in Studio City for $425,000. Over the years, he acquired other homes in Hollywood Hills and Agoura Hills. Notably, he purchased a mansion in Agoura Hills for $1.5 million in 1999 and sold it for a profit of $2.475 million in 2004.
McKagan continued to expand his real estate holdings. In 2003, he bought a Studio City home for $960,000 and sold it for $1.6 million two years later. He also acquired a Sherman Oaks home for $2.975 million, which he listed for $3.85 million in 2017.
In addition to his Los Angeles properties, McKagan owns a $4.7 million mansion in the Sherman Oaks area. He also has a home in Seattle, which he purchased for nearly $1.4 million in 1993. McKagan’s real estate investments have not only provided him with financial stability but have also allowed him to build a luxurious lifestyle.