An iconic rock band has replaced a longtime member ahead of a new tour.
Guns N' Roses revealed Thursday that Isaac Carpenter will be the group’s new drummer, replacing longtime percussionist Frank Ferrer. Ferrier had been on drums since 2006, until GNR announced his “amicable exit” a day ago.
Carpenter may be best known to fans for his work with Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan in the hard rock band Loaded. According to a press release, Carpenter also co-founded the hard rock band Loudermilk and worked with artists like Awolnation, Adam Lambert, A Perfect Circle, Barbarians of California, Black Lab and as a film and TV session musician.
“Carpenter has made a name for himself by uniquely blending versatility and groove with crushing force and technical skill, cementing his reputation as a multifaceted drummer in the industry,” a rep said.
The lineup change comes a day after Guns N' Roses announced “the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in their storied run.” Ferrer was part of the Axl Rose-led band for nearly two decades, longer than drummers Bryan “Brain” Mantia (2000-2006), Steven Adler (1985-1990) and Matt Sorum (1990-1997).
“The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and they wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey,” Guns N' Roses said in a statement Wednesday.
Ferrer appeared on Guns N' Roses' most recent studio album, “Chinese Democracy,” and played with the reunion lineup of Rose, Slash and McKagan at their most recent live performances including at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Upstate New York and Mexico’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in 2023. Ferrer’s career also includes work with The Beautiful, Love Spit Love, The Psychedelic Furs and PSSR.
Guns N' Roses is set to begin touring again May 1 with a series of concerts in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Tickets are available on StubHub and Vivid Seats.
Guns N' Roses is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, known best for ‘80s and ‘90s hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “November Rain,” “Paradise City,” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” The group, including Rose, Slash, McKagan, Adler, Sorum, Izzy Stradlin, and Dizzy Reed, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
