Guns N' Roses Comment on Lineup Change Audio Ink Radio

Guns N’ Roses Comment on Lineup Change

2025-03-21

It’s been a busy few days for Guns N’ Roses, and the guys have now made an historic announcement that’s changing the band forever. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Guns N’ Roses

It’s been an eventful week for Guns N’ Roses. On Wednesday, March 19, they announced that longtime drummer Frank Ferrer was parting ways with the blockbuster rock band. Ferrer has been with the band for almost 20 years, the the breakout was a bit surprising, to say the least.

But, along with that announcement, no comments were made about how would be stepping in for Ferrer. It was actually a classy move, since it just looks bad to say farewell to one band member and hello to his replacement in the same breath. Now, however, Guns N’ Roses have announced their new drummer.

Guns N’ Roses Welcome Isaac Carpenter

In a press release sent out on Thursday, March 20, Guns N’ Roses welcomed their “newest drummer,” who will be with the group on their upcoming European, Asian, and Middle East Tour, headlining stadiums and festivals the rest of this year.

In the release, they gave a nod to Ferrer, stating, “Frank first joined GNR during a show in June 2006 helping anchor the rhythm section during subsequent tours, including their recent outings featuring the reunited trio of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. His last show with the band took place on November 5, 2023 in Mexico.”

As for Carpenter, he was born in Washington’s Tri-Cities, according to the statement, and is “an accomplished American drummer and songwriter known for his dynamic contributions to alternative, hard rock, and beyond.” Carpenter co-founded the band Loudermilk in 1995 and was then signed by Rick Rubin’s label American.

“Carpenter’s career spans an impressive roster of acts, including live and studio work with Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Awolnation, Adam Lambert, the hardcore metal outfit Barbarians of California, A Perfect Circle, The Exies, Ours, and Black Lab, in addition to his large session film and TV roster,” the press statement adds. “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.”

Isaac Carpenter and the Duff McKagan Connection

The second this writer saw that Carpenter hailed from Washington, it immediately became clear that Carpenter and McKagan likely have ties. While many people associate McKagan with the “hair metal” scene in the 1980s, he was also a very important part of the Seattle scene and grunge movement back when it was first forming and before it became mainstream. So, it’s not a surprise that Carpenter had worked with McKagan’s famed Loaded.

The other bands on Carpenter’s roster are a bit more modern than GN’R, such as A Perfect Circle, the Exies and Awolnation. It will be interesting to see what dynamic he brings to the band. Before joining Guns N’ Roses, Ferrer played with a handful of bands, including New York group The Beautiful and Psychedelic Furs side project Love Spit Love, so he obviously brought a totally different pedigree to the band. While in Guns N’ Roses, Ferrer also played in the New York band The Compulsions, which came together back in 2004, and toured with the hard rock supergroup Dead Daisies.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.

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