1991.07.21 - AP/Vidette Messenger - Ex-drummer sues Axl Rose, others

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Ex-drummer sues Axl Rose, others

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Steve Adler, ex-drummer for Guns N’ Roses, filed a lawsuit claiming members of the group forced him to use heroin, then made him quit the band while he was trying to kick the habit.

The Superior Court lawsuit asks a judge to annul an agreement Adler signed March 28 that resulted in his ouster.

The lawsuit, filed Friday, said the rock group “continually strove to live up to its wild reputation. In doing so, the other members of the band introduced Adler to hard drugs and provided them to him.”

Named as defendants are band leader Axl Rose and three other original members; the Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg and Phillips law firm; attorneys Michele Anthony and Peter T. Paterno; and Guns managers Alan Nivens [sic], Douglas Ostein [sic] and the Stravinski Brothers.

Band members persisted in pressuring Adler to use heroin and the band’s managers and counsel knew of the drug use, the lawsuit said.

Messages left late Friday for Nivens, the Stravinski Brothers and Paterno were not immediately returned. A phone call after business hours to Anthony, and the Manatt, Phelps law firm rang unanswered. Ostein was not listed.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a breakup of the band so assets can be doled out to members.

Same as above from New Philadelphia Times Reporter, July 21, 1992.