Legendary Rock Interviews has posted an interview with former GUNS N' ROSES Manager Alan Niven. An excerpt follows:

Q: I’ve been told or read everything about your being fired from Guns N’ Roses. Everything from “Axl didn’t want to do the Illusions tour yet”, to it was an inside conspiracy between Doug Goldstein and Axl to the fact that someone let Axl know about your offer to continue on with them and a new singer... is it possible that all of those theories are correct simultaneously?

A: "The only time there was ever any discussion about Axl being replaced was in early 1988 when he failed to show for a gig at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. A riot ensued. At that point, listening to Izzy and Slash complain about his persistent ability to make every one miserable on a daily basis I told them both I would support them if they chose to get rid of Axl, even if that meant they got dropped by Geffen. We were having coffee together in Sky Harbour when this conversation occurred."

Q: I recently did an interview with Steven where I asked him about the upcoming Hall Of Fame ceremony and he said he is torn because Axl will either not show or show up with his “band of hacks”. I was asked to strike the comment about the band of hacks but then saw that he said the same thing to another reporter who then ran the comment anyway. Marc Canter talks to Slash on a very regular basis and I know you keep in touch as well. Marc seemed to disagree with Stevens assumption that a reunion was impossible and mentioned that it’s just a huge misunderstanding between two very proud men in Axl and Slash and perhaps Duff could broker a meeting of the minds. His opinion was that it was more likely to happen without Steven due to Axl’s distrust and that Izzy is sort of a wild card as far as his participation. Sorry for being long-winded but what I want to know is... are you of the opinion like I am that Steven and Izzy are absolutely critical to the feel (Steven) and the songwriting (Izzy) of that band? I feel the moment Steven was sacked, of course partially due to his inability to keep up with Axl’s new musical leanings, the band’s sound changed for the worst and when Izzy left it was effectively over.

A: "My sentiments entirely. Izzy was the heart of the soul of the band… and the ebullience of Steven’s playing has never been superceded by better techniques. By the way Iz and I were closest… born exactly ten years apart when you factor in the date line… he was also the most consistent person to discuss things with… I always thought of it as his band…the best and coolest composer in the band… great groove and deft lyric … he’s a chip off the Keef block as regards rhythm playing and general presence."

Read the full interview at this location.

Alan Niven has contacted BW&BK;/Bravewords.com exclusively with the following:

"I sincerely wish to congratulate Izzy, Slash, Steven, Duff and Axl on their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. I am delighted that they are all alive to see, and enjoy, this special day and honor. Well done for surviving the appetites ...

Unfortunately, I must send my regrets but I myself cannot attend. I have a prior engagement - my neighbor Steve Miller is coming over for Bar-B-Q. He's bringing a bunch of his old FREE and DEEP PURPLE records with him."