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Sound N' Fury: Rock N' Roll Stories
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Experience rock history through sharp, engaging stories featuring icons like Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith -- perfect for music lovers and skeptics alike -- from legendary manager Alan Niven.
Most rock 'n' roll books are a bore. They all have the same narrative arc and are aimed at the dwindling following that now follows an artist that has long passed their AARP date.
Sound N' Fury does not have a story arc. It is a collection of anecdotes, like a record comprised of various tracks -- each one has its point and purpose. Alan Niven, who guided Guns N' Roses from the gutter of Los Angeles to Wembley Stadium, shares stories from his remarkable life as a manager with an immediacy delivered by an extraordinary recall of dialogue. Readers will encounter not just Guns N' Roses (who have sold almost 10 million tickets to their shows) but The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Clarence Clemons, Whitesnake, Elton John, and others who came from humble origins and experienced fame known only to few. Small-town minds collided with worldwide adulation, expectations, and demands. The results are amusing, affirming, and, predictably, disastrous. Keep in mind that rock 'n' roll is God's occupation for the unemployable.
Written with a crisp and fluid style, the magnificence and idiocy of the music world will dance off the pages and engross even those who are not rock fans.
Most rock 'n' roll books are a bore. They all have the same narrative arc and are aimed at the dwindling following that now follows an artist that has long passed their AARP date.
Sound N' Fury does not have a story arc. It is a collection of anecdotes, like a record comprised of various tracks -- each one has its point and purpose. Alan Niven, who guided Guns N' Roses from the gutter of Los Angeles to Wembley Stadium, shares stories from his remarkable life as a manager with an immediacy delivered by an extraordinary recall of dialogue. Readers will encounter not just Guns N' Roses (who have sold almost 10 million tickets to their shows) but The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Clarence Clemons, Whitesnake, Elton John, and others who came from humble origins and experienced fame known only to few. Small-town minds collided with worldwide adulation, expectations, and demands. The results are amusing, affirming, and, predictably, disastrous. Keep in mind that rock 'n' roll is God's occupation for the unemployable.
Written with a crisp and fluid style, the magnificence and idiocy of the music world will dance off the pages and engross even those who are not rock fans.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
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106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 1, 2025
This is a collection of "war stories" and all sorts of business dealings involving the rock bands Great White and Guns N' Roses. Both of these bands were managed by the author, Alan Niven. The bulk of this memoir centers upon the outrageous antics of GNR lead singer Axl Rose, who caused a continual nightmare scenario to his band and manager. It's a wonder that the band ever rose to worldwide recognition with this hybrid wacko/incredible performer known as Axl Rose threatening to put each gig in jeopardy.
There were a lot of business negotiations discussed like records, touring, and merchandising in which he painted himself as a mastermind of these deals, never letting his bands be abused with crappy contracts. I'm a creative person and hate lingering too much on business and numbers, so didn't particularly enjoy large passages discussing these machinations. If you're a Guns N' Roses fan- even a moderate one like me- you might find some interesting kernels of information here.
Thank you to ECW Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
There were a lot of business negotiations discussed like records, touring, and merchandising in which he painted himself as a mastermind of these deals, never letting his bands be abused with crappy contracts. I'm a creative person and hate lingering too much on business and numbers, so didn't particularly enjoy large passages discussing these machinations. If you're a Guns N' Roses fan- even a moderate one like me- you might find some interesting kernels of information here.
Thank you to ECW Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
February 3, 2025
ARC for review. To be published June 24, 2025.
4 stars
Anecdotal stories from the former manager of both Guns N’ Roses (hence the title) and Great White (but not when the terrible tragedy happened.). Includes stories about lots of other famous musicians too, including The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, etc. I love insider stories like this so it was just my thing, YMMV. Niven doesn’t oversell himself as some massive genius (mostly. There are moments….) which I liked. The only down side is the stories are not in any chronological order so sometimes things are a little confusing, but that is a small quibble. A fun way to spend a few hours.
4 stars
Anecdotal stories from the former manager of both Guns N’ Roses (hence the title) and Great White (but not when the terrible tragedy happened.). Includes stories about lots of other famous musicians too, including The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, etc. I love insider stories like this so it was just my thing, YMMV. Niven doesn’t oversell himself as some massive genius (mostly. There are moments….) which I liked. The only down side is the stories are not in any chronological order so sometimes things are a little confusing, but that is a small quibble. A fun way to spend a few hours.
May 3, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for an advance copy of this memoir/ stories shared over the kitchen table about a man, the entertainment industry, creating music, making the trains run on time for bands, the art or creation, and how it all can break a person in so many ways.
I have read a lot of books about the entertainment industry. Media, publishing, movies, music, even self-publishing. The one thing that I have learned from all of these is mama don't let babies grow up to be a part of it. One either loses their soul, there heart or their morals. Even their life. For every success their are many who never make it, because of a media company's incompetence, or because a company can make more by never releasing something as a tax write off. Lies are accepted, and truth is a rarity. And yet. Art is created. Songs, books, poems, movies, touch lives, become important milestones to people Make people want to create, even want to live when all hope is gone. And yet it entertainment, especially music can be a horrible business. Alan Niven has been in music for a long time, from picking up albums, to picking up rock stars, Niven has seen it all, done it all, and had it all done to him, and now he shares it with us. Sound N' Fury:Rock N' Roll Stories is a story of excess, stupidity, bad guys, good singers, and lots of music, some famous, some forgotten, but always interesting.
Alan Niven grew up in England and got a taste for not liking authority early in school. Music was important to him, something that made him happy and something he wanted to be a part of. Niven got his first job at Virgin Records by willing to do whatever they wanted him to do. Pick up these boxes and bring them there. Go to Sweden as a sales rep. Pretend to be an importer and fool a group of record pirates, sure whatever. Coming to the States, Niven made in roads in music by hosting a radio show that he choose the music for, something that was becoming rarer and rarer in the music industry. Moving to LA Niven kept up with his credo, agree to do something, and figure out how to do it later. Starting a small label he soon began to help bands like Great White and Motley Crüe, getting them deals, and helping to craft their most popular songs. However it was a little band with an appetite for self-destruction that Niven made his biggest claim to fame. Something he is still recovering from.
If one has an illusions about the music world this slim volume will take them away. A very warts an all look at the industry, certain musicians label owners, and hangers-on. Niven is a very honest writer, as much as he points out the follies and foibles of others, Niven is just as quick to point out himself. The book is a series of stories, told out of order, as if one is having My Dinner with Alan, and different things remind him of stories. My only complaint was the fact that he is so sure that one remembers the names of rock stars and members of the band Great White and Guns n' Roses that no introduction is needed. So their is a little, who is this guy again that sometimes interrupts the flow. The book is loaded with great stories, drugs hidden under hairpieces, Axl Rose being Axl, stories of bands that could have been, and stories about bands that never should have been.
Music fans will like the stories, certain fans will like the excess, others will look for the truth in what is mentioned but not told. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. And as much as I say I am glad I never went into the music business, a part of me is kind of envious of the adventures that Niven had.
I have read a lot of books about the entertainment industry. Media, publishing, movies, music, even self-publishing. The one thing that I have learned from all of these is mama don't let babies grow up to be a part of it. One either loses their soul, there heart or their morals. Even their life. For every success their are many who never make it, because of a media company's incompetence, or because a company can make more by never releasing something as a tax write off. Lies are accepted, and truth is a rarity. And yet. Art is created. Songs, books, poems, movies, touch lives, become important milestones to people Make people want to create, even want to live when all hope is gone. And yet it entertainment, especially music can be a horrible business. Alan Niven has been in music for a long time, from picking up albums, to picking up rock stars, Niven has seen it all, done it all, and had it all done to him, and now he shares it with us. Sound N' Fury:Rock N' Roll Stories is a story of excess, stupidity, bad guys, good singers, and lots of music, some famous, some forgotten, but always interesting.
Alan Niven grew up in England and got a taste for not liking authority early in school. Music was important to him, something that made him happy and something he wanted to be a part of. Niven got his first job at Virgin Records by willing to do whatever they wanted him to do. Pick up these boxes and bring them there. Go to Sweden as a sales rep. Pretend to be an importer and fool a group of record pirates, sure whatever. Coming to the States, Niven made in roads in music by hosting a radio show that he choose the music for, something that was becoming rarer and rarer in the music industry. Moving to LA Niven kept up with his credo, agree to do something, and figure out how to do it later. Starting a small label he soon began to help bands like Great White and Motley Crüe, getting them deals, and helping to craft their most popular songs. However it was a little band with an appetite for self-destruction that Niven made his biggest claim to fame. Something he is still recovering from.
If one has an illusions about the music world this slim volume will take them away. A very warts an all look at the industry, certain musicians label owners, and hangers-on. Niven is a very honest writer, as much as he points out the follies and foibles of others, Niven is just as quick to point out himself. The book is a series of stories, told out of order, as if one is having My Dinner with Alan, and different things remind him of stories. My only complaint was the fact that he is so sure that one remembers the names of rock stars and members of the band Great White and Guns n' Roses that no introduction is needed. So their is a little, who is this guy again that sometimes interrupts the flow. The book is loaded with great stories, drugs hidden under hairpieces, Axl Rose being Axl, stories of bands that could have been, and stories about bands that never should have been.
Music fans will like the stories, certain fans will like the excess, others will look for the truth in what is mentioned but not told. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. And as much as I say I am glad I never went into the music business, a part of me is kind of envious of the adventures that Niven had.
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June 29, 2025It is always interesting to read stories that involve the world of music. You often never know what you are going to get from those who are totally ingrained in the business. You get the more sublime stories, and you also get those stories which focus on the wild world of the musicians involved, and those who are integral to the careers of those musicians.
Alan Niven is definitely a man who for many needs no introductions, if you are aware of some of the more notable bands in rock and roll history. He has been manager to many famous and some might also say infamous bands, depending on one’s perspective. He has been the guiding force behind such rock legends as Guns N’ Roses, Great White, and Motley Crue. He has been called a musical mastermind and genius, thanks to the manner in which he created the bands and kept them important with a string of hit songs and awe-inspiring concerts.
But there are also many other music stars who also meander their way into the book in a sort of connect-the-dots type memoir, with associations to Nivens and those he took under his wing to guide their career.
And as you would expect in a memoir of this manner, there are most interesting moments with the musicians. They were certainly not all angels, as Nivens explains. Axl Rose was certainly not the most congenial of stars, as Niven relates so many episodes where his behavior sort of mirrored that of a petulant child, who thought they made the rules. He was often late for concerts Guns N’ Roses was performing in, and sometimes not there at all. He was like the child who would hold his breath until he got what he wanted, which made for constant chaos, which not all band members took as him just being himself.
And as you can imagine as with any book about mega-stars there are the frequent tales of drug use and trying to smuggle drugs into certain countries, using a variety of what was considered ingenious methods. As well there were issues with merchandising, royalties, and the band member getting what they wanted when they wanted it.
There is little question Alan Niven was the guiding guru behind rock royalty, and we learn about his life and love of music as well, giving the book a well-rounded tone, appealing not only to fans of the bands he navigated, but also music lovers in general.
Alan Niven is definitely a man who for many needs no introductions, if you are aware of some of the more notable bands in rock and roll history. He has been manager to many famous and some might also say infamous bands, depending on one’s perspective. He has been the guiding force behind such rock legends as Guns N’ Roses, Great White, and Motley Crue. He has been called a musical mastermind and genius, thanks to the manner in which he created the bands and kept them important with a string of hit songs and awe-inspiring concerts.
But there are also many other music stars who also meander their way into the book in a sort of connect-the-dots type memoir, with associations to Nivens and those he took under his wing to guide their career.
And as you would expect in a memoir of this manner, there are most interesting moments with the musicians. They were certainly not all angels, as Nivens explains. Axl Rose was certainly not the most congenial of stars, as Niven relates so many episodes where his behavior sort of mirrored that of a petulant child, who thought they made the rules. He was often late for concerts Guns N’ Roses was performing in, and sometimes not there at all. He was like the child who would hold his breath until he got what he wanted, which made for constant chaos, which not all band members took as him just being himself.
And as you can imagine as with any book about mega-stars there are the frequent tales of drug use and trying to smuggle drugs into certain countries, using a variety of what was considered ingenious methods. As well there were issues with merchandising, royalties, and the band member getting what they wanted when they wanted it.
There is little question Alan Niven was the guiding guru behind rock royalty, and we learn about his life and love of music as well, giving the book a well-rounded tone, appealing not only to fans of the bands he navigated, but also music lovers in general.
March 31, 2025
Many thanks to the author, Alan Niven, @netgalley, and the publisher, ECW Press, for a digital ARC
of this book, which will be published on 24 June. Niven is a former rock star manager, most
significantly taking on Guns N’ Roses when no other manager would touch them. There’s plenty
about “Guns” in this book, but he also shares stories about other artists he’s managed. Niven was
also a writer and producer, so he has a unique perspective on the industry.
This is a very entertaining book, although it helps to know the names and nicknames of all the members of Guns N’ Roses and Great White going in (Niven sometimes uses their first name, and sometimes their surname, so it can be a little confusing). The author has an engrossing, varied style, and each of the anecdotes he tells is like a short story, complete in itself, but also building up to create a bigger picture. There are fascinating details dotted throughout. (Did you know that there was a wig-maker who used to make hair extensions for rock stars so that they could have the trademark long, flowing hair, even if balding? Or that almost no one wore real leather, preferring an artificial substitute that was indistinguishable from the real thing but could also be thrown in the laundry at the end of the day?)
As in any good rock memoir, Niven throws in some memories that you’ll be surprised made it past the lawyers. (There’s one in particular where Slash appears to be criminally responsible for a death.) Elton John doesn’t come out well, nixing a promising young singer’s debut album so that he can use it as a tax write-off for his defunct record label – she never went on to record another album. However, Niven reserves his greatest venom for Axl Rose, who comes across as an impossibly vindictive prima donna, and a megalomaniac.
This isn’t a book I would normally read – while I like a good music biography, I knew very little about the bands gracing these pages – but it’s definitely worth reading. I’d recommend it if you have an interested in the modern music industry, or are looking for an entertaining book you can dip in and out of.
of this book, which will be published on 24 June. Niven is a former rock star manager, most
significantly taking on Guns N’ Roses when no other manager would touch them. There’s plenty
about “Guns” in this book, but he also shares stories about other artists he’s managed. Niven was
also a writer and producer, so he has a unique perspective on the industry.
This is a very entertaining book, although it helps to know the names and nicknames of all the members of Guns N’ Roses and Great White going in (Niven sometimes uses their first name, and sometimes their surname, so it can be a little confusing). The author has an engrossing, varied style, and each of the anecdotes he tells is like a short story, complete in itself, but also building up to create a bigger picture. There are fascinating details dotted throughout. (Did you know that there was a wig-maker who used to make hair extensions for rock stars so that they could have the trademark long, flowing hair, even if balding? Or that almost no one wore real leather, preferring an artificial substitute that was indistinguishable from the real thing but could also be thrown in the laundry at the end of the day?)
As in any good rock memoir, Niven throws in some memories that you’ll be surprised made it past the lawyers. (There’s one in particular where Slash appears to be criminally responsible for a death.) Elton John doesn’t come out well, nixing a promising young singer’s debut album so that he can use it as a tax write-off for his defunct record label – she never went on to record another album. However, Niven reserves his greatest venom for Axl Rose, who comes across as an impossibly vindictive prima donna, and a megalomaniac.
This isn’t a book I would normally read – while I like a good music biography, I knew very little about the bands gracing these pages – but it’s definitely worth reading. I’d recommend it if you have an interested in the modern music industry, or are looking for an entertaining book you can dip in and out of.
April 25, 2025
Thanks to ECW Press for the advance copy.
I was curious about this one because there were a few bands mentioned on the cover that I am familiar with and don’t really have any behind the scenes knowledge of the music industry.
Overall I really enjoyed the book even though there were a few nitpicks I had with it.
A lot of the stories are about Guns N Roses and luckily that was the band I was most interested in hearing about. I had always heard about Axl being an absolute nightmare behind the scenes and a bunch of the stuff in here confirms those “rumours “. I’m from Montreal and was hoping to hear about the infamous show that took place here but unfortunately it wasn’t included.
The author has no problem calling people out when they deserve it and isn’t shy about getting into the drug use and other bad behaviour that sometimes gets omitted in these types of books.
The stories aren’t in any sort of order so it can be a little confusing trying to remember who some of the people are that you haven’t read about for a while. I think it would have flowed a little better if the stories had been arranged into sections on each band or placed in a chronological order.
Overall I really enjoyed it. The stories are quick, bite sized reads that are great for when you are waiting for an appointment or standing in a line somewhere. You can hop in and read a complete story in a couple of minutes to fill some of the gaps in your day.
4/5
I was curious about this one because there were a few bands mentioned on the cover that I am familiar with and don’t really have any behind the scenes knowledge of the music industry.
Overall I really enjoyed the book even though there were a few nitpicks I had with it.
A lot of the stories are about Guns N Roses and luckily that was the band I was most interested in hearing about. I had always heard about Axl being an absolute nightmare behind the scenes and a bunch of the stuff in here confirms those “rumours “. I’m from Montreal and was hoping to hear about the infamous show that took place here but unfortunately it wasn’t included.
The author has no problem calling people out when they deserve it and isn’t shy about getting into the drug use and other bad behaviour that sometimes gets omitted in these types of books.
The stories aren’t in any sort of order so it can be a little confusing trying to remember who some of the people are that you haven’t read about for a while. I think it would have flowed a little better if the stories had been arranged into sections on each band or placed in a chronological order.
Overall I really enjoyed it. The stories are quick, bite sized reads that are great for when you are waiting for an appointment or standing in a line somewhere. You can hop in and read a complete story in a couple of minutes to fill some of the gaps in your day.
4/5
February 14, 2025
Firstly, there is not a single photograph in this book, so I'm not sure why it was categorised on NetGalley as 'Arts and Photography' as well as 'biographies and memoirs'. It is, as advertised a bunch of stories from Alan Niven, Guns N' Roses manager. Unsurprisingly, it paints a very flattering picture of Niven, who is constantly saving the day from unreliable and unpredictable rock stars. It's understandable, but it got tired after the second story. There are only so many times I need to know about how he saved the day. There are many stories about band I know behaving badly, but it's mainly about how clever Niven is and I didn't get through it all because my eyes glazed over.
I was provided with a free e-Arc of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with a free e-Arc of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
Such a great book! Niven says in the beginning of the book, that this is like sitting around his table with a few drinks and letting him tell his stories. That is exactly what this feels like. Is it factually perfect? No, but no one’s stories are in that situation. Is it a fun read? Hell yeah!
It’s a short, easy read. The stories are wonderfully juicy and what you’d expect from Niven. For years, his interviews have been some of the best around. He calls it as he sees it and is always funny and sarcastic. I’d been waiting for his book forever.
I recommend it to everyone! I’ve preordered 3 copies already for gifts!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
It’s a short, easy read. The stories are wonderfully juicy and what you’d expect from Niven. For years, his interviews have been some of the best around. He calls it as he sees it and is always funny and sarcastic. I’d been waiting for his book forever.
I recommend it to everyone! I’ve preordered 3 copies already for gifts!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
July 26, 2025
Lots of vitriolic tales
Lots of vitriol and self-serving grandiosity. Why didn't he just leave G N'R as he hated all of them?
The book also could use an editor, the stories do not have dates, nor are they organized in any logical sense.
Lots of vitriol and self-serving grandiosity. Why didn't he just leave G N'R as he hated all of them?
The book also could use an editor, the stories do not have dates, nor are they organized in any logical sense.
September 5, 2025
Great (White) stories to tell…!
July 12, 2025
Too much Great White, too little Havana Black (and everyone else mentioned on the cover).
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews