Credit: Guns N Roses

Former Guns N’ Roses manager claims Axl Rose takes 50 per cent of band’s money

Wed 16 April 2025 9:28, UK

Former Guns N’ Roses manager Alan Niven has claimed the band’s frontman, Axl Rose, takes 50 per cent of their income.

Niven managed Guns N’ Roses from 1986 to 1991 and oversaw their rise from obscurity playing dingy clubs to selling-out stadiums after they became the biggest rock band in the world thanks to Appetite for Destruction.

Now, he’s reflecting on his time working alongside the band in his new book Sound N’ Fury: Rock N’ Roll Stories and appeared on the Guns N’ Roses fan podcast Appetite For Distortion to share his memories of the group.

In the conversation, Niven was particularly critical of Rose who he claimed has “to be in control of everything all the time”.

Niven shared: “It’s a control thing with Axl. Here’s another little snapshot that is illuminating and goes to forming a correct perception. Axl takes 50 per cent of the income of Guns N’ Roses now. 50 per cent, OK? That, to me, is anathema. He is not Guns N’ Roses.”

“They were five individuals. It was a chemistry. It was a moment,” he continued. “But Axl wants to be in control of everything all the time. And look what that gets you. A boring solo record and a shitty thing of punk covers. And that’s it.”

Niven’s claim comes shortly after the band’s longtime drummer, Frank Ferrer, announced his departure from Guns N’ Roses last month after serving with the rock icons for almost 20 years.

The band said of Ferrer’s exit: “Guns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in their storied run. The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity, and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and they wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey.”

While the reasons for Ferrer’s departure remain unknown, he expressed sadness at the journey coming to an end, stating, “I will have immense gratitude and love always for Axl [Rose] and the band while at the same time, disappointment that this chapter came to an end.”

Guns N’ Roses are set to tour the UK this summer with headline dates scheduled for London’s Wembley Stadium and Birmingham’s Villa Park.