‘Izzy Said, ‘He Makes Us Miserable Every Day”: The ‘Biggest Sin’ of ‘Chinese Democracy’, as identified by the ex-manager, is the sole cause of the classic GN’R line-up’s collapse

“The term “Guns N’ Roses” was not truthful.”

According to a former manager of Guns N’ Roses, the most significant error of “Chinese Democracy” was that it was “boring.” He also asserted that the band’s iconic configuration was irreparably damaged as a result of “Axl’s control over everything.”

“Chinese Democracy” was released in 2008 after nearly a decade of development, providing fans with a wholly new experience of their cherished band. At that time, the only remaining member of the classic Guns N’ Roses lineup was Axl Rose. Some have developed an appreciation for the album’s multifaceted nature over time; however, “Chinese Democracy” appears to have transcended the confines of being classified as either “good” or “bad” and now serves as a testament to a particularly captivating period in the band’s history and Axl Rose’s insistence on maintaining GN’R.

Conversely, Alan Niven, who served as the band’s manager from 1986 to 1991, appears to regard it as a deviation from the band’s former identity.

Niven recently described “Chinese Democracy” and its 1993 predecessor “The Spaghetti Incident” as the result of a “coup” orchestrated by his successor and former GN’R tour manager, Doug Goldstein, and lawyer Michele Anthony, as stated in a recent interview on the “Appetite for Distortion” podcast (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar).

The tour manager was Goldstein. He was not involved in the development of the marketing strategy that I implemented. He served as the tour manager. He makes some rather extravagant claims regarding his significance, and I will concede that you were indeed significant in your capacity as the tour manager. Your performance as a tour manager was commendable. I could ride the bus to the next engagement with the assurance that he was on it.

Additionally, he stated:

“Consequently, Doug serves as a tour manager.” That is his forte. And let us clarify another point, as this is not an opinion. It is a historical issue that we can all examine. Additionally, it is irrefutable due to its historical significance. The truth is, what do we receive from Guns N’ Roses after he and Michele Anthony executed their coup? “We receive ‘The Spaghetti Incident’ and an Axl solo record that is disguised under a GN’R logo.”

“And you know, to me, the greatest sin of the record was its lack of interest; that ‘Chinese Democracy’ was an uninteresting record.” However, the term “Guns N’ Roses” was not truthful. Since 1991, it has been exclusively a solo record. Therefore, you must examine it and ask yourself, “Well, Doug, Well, Michelle, that worked out quite well, didn’t it?” Those years were irretrievably lost. Who knows what that band could have done had it remained together; had it kept its chemical dynamic… Who knows what they would have written in those 10, 20, or 30 years?

Niven later identified the sole cause of the band’s iconic lineup’s diminishment in the interview:

“The sole explanation is that Axl has gained control of everything.”

Niven asserted that tensions existed between Axl Rose and other band members from the inception of the band’s career, citing a quotation he ascribed to the former GN’R rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin:

In September of 1986, I signed a contract with GN’R, which marked the end of my enjoyment of rock and roll. Subsequently, I was subjected to constant tension, anxiety, and pressure. We are in Toronto for the second or third day of their inaugural tour with The Cult.

“I was only able to attend the third show, and I dropped my bags on my bed. Suddenly, there was a loud bang on the door.” I approach the door, and Izzy is present, appearing to be in a state of disarray. He advances past me, enters the room, and collapses onto the sofa. I enquire, “Izzy, what is the matter?” What is the matter? “That fu**er makes us fu**ing miserable every fu**ing day.” It is a quote that I will never forget.