On June 24, renowned manager Alan Niven will commemorate the launch of his debut memoir, Sound Nâ Fury: Rock Nâ 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.

âFor decades, I avoided writing a memoir,â Niven confessed to host Chuck Armstrong. âI 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.â
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.
âI received a message from Slash,â he recounted. â'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.â
When Guns Nâ Roses Refused to Open for The Rolling Stones
Nivenâs 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 Nâ Roses from 1986 to 1991.
One standout anecdote â featured in the captivating chapter titled âStoned In L.A.â â reveals why Niven was against the idea of Guns Nâ Roses touring with the legendary Rolling Stones.
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.
âMy initial reaction was a sharp pang of anxiety in my stomach,â he said, reflecting on the offer for Guns Nâ Roses to serve as the opening act for the Stones. âI just couldnât envision Adler and Slash successfully navigating a Rolling Stones tour, especially given their circumstances at that time. It was a recipe for disaster.â
In a surprising twist, Niven took the bold step of declining the tour invitation.
âMick Jagger is already quite wealthy,â he remarked. âI donât feel any responsibility to enrich his coffers further, especially when he has plenty stored away in his Caribbean islands.â
This decision ultimately opened the door for Guns Nâ Roses to perform at only a select few shows with the Stones, all taking place at the iconic L.A. Coliseum.
READ MORE: Slash Discusses His Latest Solo Album, âOrgy of the Damnedâ
The total earnings for these highly coveted shows? A whopping one million dollars.
âIt was absolutely ideal,â Niven stated. âPerforming 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.â
Key Takeaways from Alan Nivenâs Conversation on Loudwire Nights
- Future prospects: âI often describe rock and roll as akin to malaria; itâs 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 itâs been a while since Iâve felt that spark, you know?â
- His feelings upon completing Sound Nâ Fury: Rock Nâ Roll Stories: âI felt a sense of apprehension similar to what I experienced after producing an album. Once we unveil our creation, will people say, âOh, how charmingâ? Or will they react with horror, asking, âWhat on earth did you create?ââ
- Interest in writing another book: âJust 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, âYouâre at the pinnacle of this field; Iâm merely an enthusiastic amateur at this stage.â He replied, âYou canât escape that easily. Welcome to the brotherhood, and be mindful, itâs a curse.â The curse is the need to be truthful, as not everyone will appreciate the reality you present.â
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Rock + Metal Tours in 2025
Discover the bands touring in 2025, who will be opening for them, and how to secure your tickets.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
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.