What is the dispute between Alan Niven and Guns N' Roses?

Niven, the former manager of Guns N' Roses, is suing the band over their attempts to stop the publication of his memoir, "Sound N' Fury: Rock N' Roll Stories."

Why is Niven suing Guns N' Roses?

Niven claims the band members, including Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, have repeatedly breached a 1991 confidentiality agreement in their own books and interviews, allowing him to respond to their "disparaging" statements.

What other legal battles has Niven been involved in?

Prior to his work with Guns N' Roses, Niven represented the band Great White in the '80s through the '90s and has been involved in other legal battles over royalties and copyrights in the music industry.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Former Guns N' Roses Manager Sues Band Over Memoir Dispute

Former Guns N' Roses Manager Sues Band Over Memoir Dispute

5 Nov

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Summary

Guns N' Roses sued ex-manager over memoir
Manager claims band members breached confidentiality agreement
Manager suing to publish memoir despite band's objections

Former Guns N' Roses Manager Sues Band Over Memoir Dispute

In a recent legal dispute, former Guns N' Roses manager Alan Niven is suing his former business associates in Arizona over their attempts to stop the publication of his memoir, "Sound N' Fury: Rock N' Roll Stories." Niven, who managed the band during their most prolific period in the 1980s and early '90s, argues that the confidentiality agreement they signed in 1991 has been repeatedly breached by the band members, including singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash, and bassist Duff McKagan, in their own books and interviews.

Niven claims he was not previously threatened with legal action for doing his own interviews that touched on his history with the band. However, he says Guns N' Roses blocked the release of his memoir with a cease-and-desist letter sent to him earlier this year. The former manager is now suing to be able to publish his book, arguing that the band members' own statements have allowed him to respond to their "disparaging" comments.