Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, GUNS N' ROSES) finally got his high school diploma in Seattle, Washington earlier this week, more than 30 years after dropping out of Roosevelt High School in the 10th grade. The 48-year-old musician later went on to take his General Educational Development (GED) tests, which is widely accepted by employers as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma from an accredited high school. He returned to his hometown on Tuesday, June 19 for the Class of 2012's graduation ceremony, and he was given an honorary diploma after giving a speech at the event.

Writing on his Twitter profile, he said, "Finally got my high school diploma today. I did the not-so-popular 48-year plan."

AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry offered, "Congratulations to Duff McKagan from me and [wife] Billie Perry on your long-awaited diploma."

While in his thirties, McKagan went to business school. "It took me twice as long as an 18- or 19-year-old just out of high school to do the homework, but I got through it," he said of getting a college degree. He has since launched a wealth management company Meridian Rock in order to help other musicians figure out where their money is going.

As previously reported, McKagan will be this year's Grand Marshal of the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade in downtown Seattle, Washington.

This year's parade is on Saturday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. As always, it starts at Seattle Center and heads downtown along Fourth Avenue on a 2-1/2 mile route.