Guns N’ Roses Manager Alleges Slash and Izzy Stradlin Disposed of Drug Cache to Evade Airport Arrest: “A Waste of Good Coke”

Guns N ‘Roses Drug Incident

GUNS N ‘Roses manager Alan Nivevens claimed that Slash and Izzy Stradlin once ingested an entire stash of drugs to avoid a bust at the airport.

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In an interview with Classic Rock, Niveven recounted the incident at Los Angeles International Airport while the band was preparing to kick off their first tour in Japan.

Stradlin’s Bold Move

According to Niveven, while waiting for frontman Axl Rose, co-founder Izzy Stradlin inquired about Rose’s whereabouts. Upon hearing Niveven’s response, Stradlin reportedly lifted a small box and declared: “I don’t care. I’m ready. I have a cache.” Niveven had hoped Stradlin referred to a stash of “preferred melodies,” but instead, Stradlin confirmed it was his “equipment,” explaining that he believed hiding drugs in foil and placing them in a box would help him evade detection at the airport.

Niveven argued against this rationale, stating, “They have dogs and all kinds of electronic surveillance.” Stradlin’s retort? “This is a fucking waste of good blow.”

Niveven also noted that Slash appeared during this commotion and was questioned about his drug use. After being informed by Niveven, Stradlin allegedly went to the bathroom. When Stradlin finally returned, Niveven recalled that he “hesitated slightly, then fastened his knees,” suggesting he had indeed swallowed his stash.

“Slash made it to his seat on the 747 under his own power, but just barely. He also displayed some poor decision-making, not wanting to,” Niveven added.

Despite the tumultuous start, Slash and Stradlin inexplicably landed in Japan, although Niveven reported having to switch to a different flight with Axl the following day.

Since then, Slash has been sober since 2006.

In a recent conversation in 2023, Slash discussed the invitation extended by Dave Grohl to jam together at Glastonbury this year. “We actually played together a couple of times. He’s just one of my favorite musicians. I knew he’d be around, and I think it was (Guns N ‘Roses bassist) Duff McKagan who said, “Hey, do you want to come jam?” So yes, it ultimately came together, and it was fun.”

In other news, Guns N ‘Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and many more are set to perform at the final concert of Black Sabbath.