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Guns N’ Roses’ former manager recalls harrowing stories, calls Mötley Crüe ‘brutish entertainers’

BBG News

During the wildly energetic prime of Guns N’ Roses, Alan Niven was a manager brimming with vivid anecdotes.

I was there, helping ensure everything ran smoothly as we escorted Axl Rose straight from his West Hollywood residence to the stage. It was all part of setting up an unforgettable night where Guns N’ Roses opened for the legendary Rolling Stones at the L.A. Coliseum.

Deviating from the planned scenario, hopping into a recreational vehicle (Winnebago) for an impromptu drive, getting stuck in peak-hour traffic, and waving around a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey, all while shooting the “Welcome to the Jungle” music video.

Or, more informally: Swerving off the script, jumping into a Winnebago for an unplanned adventure, getting caught in rush hour gridlock, and waving a bottle of Jack Daniels around during the filming of the “Welcome to the Jungle” music video.

During a lively journey to New Orleans, guitarist Izzy Stradlin handed over a $750,000 bank draft to Niven, who then secretly stored it inside his own shoe for safety as they traveled together.

Approximately 15 minutes into a contemplative Zoom discussion, the chatty Niven inquires about himself: “What made me manage Guns N’ Roses?

Given what he describes, it is a good question.

I stepped in when no one else dared, as the band’s previous management team swiftly distanced themselves from them. Frankly, I wasn’t even the lowest rung on the ladder; I was so far beneath it, it felt like I was underneath the barrel itself. It was a matter of sheer necessity.

Television

Back in its time, the iconic Guns N’ Roses music video was seen as divisive, yet it has since been viewed more than any other music video created during the ’80s and ’90s. Here’s an insight into its creation process.

To illustrate: It was his inaugural Guns N’ Roses band gathering that he recounts. As he approached the house, Niven mentioned he encountered a shattered toilet and “one of the famous dancers from the Sunset Strip.” Stradlin and Slash were the only ones who had arrived. During the meeting, Stradlin dozed off at the table, while Slash fed “a tiny white rabbit” to an enormous pet python.

I found myself there, thinking, ‘Stay calm, this might be a trial. Just flow with it and make it through.’ However, it turned out to be my initial encounter with Greenpeace National Revolution (GNR).

In his latest book, “Sound N’ Fury: Rock N’ Roll Stories,” Niven offers an extraordinary collection of tales that are stranger than fiction, filled with both humorous and shocking events. With raw honesty and vivid descriptions, he shares his experiences in managing Guns N’ Roses before and following their 1987 debut album “Appetite for Destruction.” These accounts encompass various aspects, ranging from budget-constrained music video shoots to the more tense situations like dealing with Axl Rose’s volatile temperament and preventing band members from using drugs during international flights.

Apart from exploring various topics, “Sound N’ Fury” delves deeply into Niven’s role as manager for the bluesy hard rock band Great White. Notably, this band was fronted by the late Jack Russell, who grappled with serious addiction issues. To add to the complexity, Niven not only managed the group but also produced and co-wrote numerous songs for them, including popular tracks like “Rock Me” and “House of Broken Love.

Niven artfully integrates intriguing tidbits of behind-the-scenes stories into tense episodes: for instance, the dismissal of future blockbuster director Michael Bay from filming Great White’s “Call It Rock ’n’ Roll” music video; Terri Nunn of Berlin secretly sending a flirtatious 8×10 photo and message to President Reagan; sneakily buying Ozzy Osbourne drinks on an airplane without Sharon Osbourne’s knowledge.

As a cinephile who’s always been captivated by the artistry within films, I can’t help but extend that same ardor to the world of music. Recently, I’ve found myself championing up-and-coming artists like Chris Buck from Cardinal Black, who I truly believe has what it takes to shine in the spotlight.

Music

On Wednesday, the rock musician from Guns N’ Roses performs at the El Rey Theater. This comes after the unveiling of his latest solo album titled “Lighthouse.

Notably, Niven mentions that for many years, people have urged him to write a book, with his response being that if he had a dollar each time someone asked, he’d be residing in a Scottish castle. His reluctance stemmed from his dislike of books about rock ‘n’ roll, as he felt they all followed the same narrative pattern and only differed in characters.

A magazine editor paid him such a huge compliment that he finally felt compelled to write one.

Niven replied by stating, ‘I wish I could write as well as you,’ which placed a responsibility on me that I found difficult to escape. As he had expressed his dislike for rock ‘n’ roll literature, I felt compelled to respond intelligently, and so I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do now?’

Instead of following the typical, monotonous chronology for “Sound N’ Fury,” Niven opted to organize it as a series of intriguing snapshots or vignettes. As always, he infused these stories with his signature dry humor and sharp intellect.

He expresses that if you narrate the stories effectively, they could provide clarity. To him, it was less about writing a book and more like keeping a record. His wish is that someone would press play at the start of this record and follow it through until the end.

He emphasizes that conversation played a crucial role in his experience, and luckily, they were all more imperfect than him. As a result, he remembers the dialogues quite vividly. There are certain conversations etched in his memory forever.

In the magazine “Sound N’ Fury,” one band often overlooked is Mötley Crüe, a group renowned for their wild and indulgent rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.

Niven significantly aided and expedited the independent distribution of Mötley Crüe’s first album, “Too Fast for Love,” in 1981, and played a crucial role in linking the band with Elektra Records. In his book and conversations, he is candid about the band, expressing that he harbors mixed feelings regarding his minor part in Mötley Crüe’s rise because he is well aware of their actions towards others, including how they treated several women. He admits that he is not proud of having contributed to such behavior.

He goes on to add, “Furthermore, someone should comment, ‘Their output is quite slim when it comes to their music,’ referring to its quantity. Frankly, there’s not a lot of substance in what they offer, and it lacks any depth or enlightenment, intellectual or spiritual. They are mere entertainers, offering nothing more.

Yet, as Niven points out, he felt no reluctance when deciding on the tales for “Sound N’ Fury”, citing a discussion he shared with journalist Mick Wall.

He mentioned that he had emailed me a few days ago, “Welcome to the club of authors,” which he had shared with me. I remember thinking, ‘Surely you jest! You’ve been writing for years. I’m just an eager hobbyist.’ To my surprise, his response was, “Welcome to the club – and incidentally, it’s cursed.

Niven contemplated its implications. “An epiphany struck me, and I realized, ‘Indeed, it’s about honesty,’ as many find it uncomfortable to confront or accept the raw reality of events.

Some followers of the Axl group may express dissatisfaction. A few others might feel the same way, but it’s essential that any recording carries an authentic truth.

Books

In his recently published autobiography, Mike Campbell – a member of the band Heartbreakers – shares tales of both triumphs and challenges experienced while collaborating with Tom Petty.

In his own words, after completing the book, Niven didn’t discover any unexpected insights or fresh viewpoints about the topics he had chronicled.

As a lifelong film enthusiast, I find it hard to put into words how astonishing it is that folks are still eager for my insights on events that transpired three decades ago. To be honest, I rarely participated in interviews during my early days. However, considering the circumstances, it feels more impolite and uncouth not to offer some form of response now.

At times, people might remark, “He seems resentful,” but Niven clarifies, “I am not. The book doesn’t convey bitterness. In fact, it was an honor to live through that era because instead of constantly wondering ‘What if I had a No. 1 hit or a successful band?’, I experienced it myself.

Niven stresses firmly that management was more than a job to him.

He explains, “For me, it’s more than just a routine; it’s my lifestyle.” Those who step into management thinking it begins around 10:30 after their morning coffee and ends at 6:00, lacking the full commitment, are not authentic leaders.

He also mentions that they lack the appropriate motivations for being in management. Just as rock ‘n’ roll represents a lifestyle choice, it’s not just about the music – it’s an all-encompassing, ongoing commitment. That’s how I approached my role in rock ‘n’ roll.

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2025-06-23 13:31

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