In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Alan Niven, the former manager of Guns N’ Roses, recounted a remarkable incident that occurred prior to the band’s inaugural tour of Japan. This event, which took place at Los Angeles International Airport, involved band members Slash and Izzy Stradlin attempting to smuggle drugs aboard their flight using a boom box. The severity of their actions could have led to a lifetime ban for the band, jeopardizing their careers before they even began.
As Guns N’ Roses prepared to board their flight to Japan, they were awaiting the arrival of frontman Axl Rose at the airport. During this time, Stradlin approached Niven, holding up a boom box and stating, “I don’t care. I’m set. I’ve got my stash.” Stradlin had concealed his drugs within the boom box, hoping to evade airport security measures. Niven, aware of the stringent security protocols, including drug-sniffing dogs and electronic detection systems, advised Stradlin to dispose of the drugs to avoid potential legal trouble. However, Stradlin dismissed this suggestion, replying, “That’s a fuckin’ waste of good smack.”
Shortly after, Slash joined the conversation, and Niven reiterated his concerns, advising both band members to flush their drugs down the toilet and obtain more once they arrived in Japan. Ignoring this advice, Stradlin chose to swallow his entire stash, returning moments later with visible difficulty, his movements unsteady. Slash, not to be outdone, consumed his drugs in a similar fashion, adhering to the principle of “waste not, want not.”
Despite their reckless actions, the band managed to board the flight and arrive in Japan without incident. However, Niven, concerned about the potential consequences of their behavior, arranged to fly separately with Axl Rose on another airline.
This incident is emblematic of the tumultuous early years of Guns N’ Roses, a period marked by the band’s notorious rock-and-roll lifestyle. Both Stradlin and Slash eventually moved beyond their drug-fueled pasts, with Slash achieving sobriety in 2006 and continuing his musical career, while Stradlin’s involvement with the band became less consistent in later years.
Reflecting on his time with the band, Niven noted that Izzy Stradlin found the trappings of fame to be constricting and unfulfilling. Stradlin’s decision to leave the band in 1991 was influenced by his desire to attain sobriety and distance himself from the band’s ongoing substance use. Niven observed that Stradlin’s departure was a result of his struggle with addiction and his yearning for a different lifestyle.
The airport incident serves as a cautionary tale of how the band’s indulgent behaviors could have led to severe repercussions, potentially ending their careers before they truly began. It highlights the challenges and temptations that come with fame and the importance of making choices that safeguard one’s future.
In the years following these events, Guns N’ Roses underwent significant changes. The departure of key members like Izzy Stradlin and the band’s ongoing struggles with substance abuse affected their dynamics and productivity. Despite these challenges, they managed to produce successful albums and maintain a dedicated fan base.
Today, the legacy of Guns N’ Roses is a complex tapestry of musical innovation, personal struggles, and remarkable resilience. The stories from their early years, including the airport incident, contribute to the rich history that fans and historians continue to dissect and discuss.
In conclusion, the airport incident involving Slash and Izzy Stradlin serves as a poignant reminder of the potential pitfalls of fame and the importance of making decisions that protect one’s career and well-being. It underscores the need for awareness and responsibility, especially when one’s actions can have far-reaching consequences.
