quireboys2Word reaches rushonrock than fans at Day One of Download 2009 are in for a special treat as two of sleaze rock’s finest combine for a unique take on a classic tune.

Quireboys frontman Spike will join ex-Guns N Roses star Duff McKagan on stage during Loaded’s set for a duet of the classic Dust N Bones. Penned by McKagan, Slash and Izzy Stradlin, the song appeared on the Gunners’ Use Your Illusion I and was one of the standout tracks on a mammoth album.

The Quireboys were one of Guns N Roses’ favourite bands in the early 90s and the acts often played together at their commercial peak. With the former celebrating the 20th anniversary of the brilliant A Bit Of What You Fancy this year and McKagan’s Loaded riding high on the back of new release Sick it seems the time is right to renew an old acquaintance.

Quireboys fans were disappointed the band weren’t added to this year’s Classic Rock Sunday bill at Download but Spike and the lads will support Thunder at two of their farewell gigs this summer (Newcastle and Nottingham) and have lined up a headline tour for the winter to mark the anniversary of ABOWYF.

Meanwhile Spike and Quireboys guitarist Paul Guerin have aborted plans to play a secret North East show this weekend. The acoustic set was due to take place at an intimate venue near Newcastle on Saturday night but will not now go ahead.