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Managing Rock and Roll Royalty: Alan Niven’s Stories

On June 24, renowned manager Alan Niven will commemorate the launch of his debut memoir, Sound N’ Fury: Rock N’ Roll Stories. In anticipation of this significant event, Niven participated in an engaging interview on Loudwire Nights on Thursday, June 19, where he shared insights into his writing journey and the experiences that shaped his book.

To catch the entire conversation, be sure to listen to the audio player located near the end of this article.

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“For decades, I avoided writing a memoir,” Niven confessed to host Chuck Armstrong. “I have a strong aversion to rock and roll books. I attempted to draft a manuscript, but I found the process tedious, almost disheartening. I was constantly reminded of the hiccups, failures, and missed opportunities rather than celebrating the successes. It was a task that brought me no joy.”

Ultimately, he shared his incomplete manuscript with a friend, secretly hoping for feedback that would lead him to abandon the project. However, that was not the response he received.

“I received a message from Slash,” he recounted. “'Great. Finish it.' In that moment, I was overwhelmed with dread; I was looking for an excuse to shelve it, but instead, I found myself being encouraged.”

When Guns N’ Roses Refused to Open for The Rolling Stones

Niven’s memoir is far more than just a simple recounting of his life; it is a rich tapestry of the numerous experiences he has had with various bands, particularly during his time managing Guns N’ Roses from 1986 to 1991.

One standout anecdote — featured in the captivating chapter titled “Stoned In L.A.” — reveals why Niven was against the idea of Guns N’ Roses touring with the legendary Rolling Stones.

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As he recounted this pivotal moment to the Loudwire Nights audience, Niven reminisced about attending a Metallica concert with Bill Elson, who served as the booking agent for the Stones. During the event, they encountered Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch, co-founders of Q Prime Management, who managed Metallica and were to oversee the tour.

“My initial reaction was a sharp pang of anxiety in my stomach,” he said, reflecting on the offer for Guns N’ Roses to serve as the opening act for the Stones. “I just couldn’t envision Adler and Slash successfully navigating a Rolling Stones tour, especially given their circumstances at that time. It was a recipe for disaster.”

In a surprising twist, Niven took the bold step of declining the tour invitation.

“Mick Jagger is already quite wealthy,” he remarked. “I don’t feel any responsibility to enrich his coffers further, especially when he has plenty stored away in his Caribbean islands.”

This decision ultimately opened the door for Guns N’ Roses to perform at only a select few shows with the Stones, all taking place at the iconic L.A. Coliseum.

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The total earnings for these highly coveted shows? A whopping one million dollars.

“It was absolutely ideal,” Niven stated. “Performing in our hometown minimized our expenses, allowing us to maintain some stability in managing addictions and mental states among the band members. We avoided the stress of constant travel across the nation. It was the ideal scenario, truly the best outcome.”

Key Takeaways from Alan Niven’s Conversation on Loudwire Nights

  • Future prospects: “I often describe rock and roll as akin to malaria; it’s always coursing through the bloodstream, and the difference lies in whether you experience a fever or not. I need to feel that fever to engage in any new project, and it’s been a while since I’ve felt that spark, you know?”
  • His feelings upon completing Sound N’ Fury: Rock N’ Roll Stories: “I felt a sense of apprehension similar to what I experienced after producing an album. Once we unveil our creation, will people say, ‘Oh, how charming’? Or will they react with horror, asking, ‘What on earth did you create?’”
  • Interest in writing another book: “Just last week, I had a conversation with Mick Wall, who is a top-tier rock and roll writer. He graciously welcomed me to the brotherhood of authors. I responded, ‘You’re at the pinnacle of this field; I’m merely an enthusiastic amateur at this stage.’ He replied, ‘You can’t escape that easily. Welcome to the brotherhood, and be mindful, it’s a curse.’ The curse is the need to be truthful, as not everyone will appreciate the reality you present.”
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Catch the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Alan Niven appeared on Loudwire Nights on Thursday, June 19. The show is available to replay online here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check with your local radio station to see if the show is accessible and listen to interviews on-demand.

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Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner

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For the original article, including the photos and images featured, please visit this source. We acknowledge that we are not the authors; these images are used solely for informational purposes with appropriate attribution to their original creators.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.