Guns N' Roses Longtime Drummer's Exits, Hires Replacement

2016 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 1 - Day 2

Source: Drummer Frank Ferrer performs with Guns N’ Roses onstage during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 1 at the Empire Polo Club on April 16, 2016 in Indio, California. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella)

Guns N’ Roses is in need of a new drummer ahead of their international “Because What You Want & What You Get are Two Completely Different Things” tour, as longtime drummer Frank Ferrer has left the band. The band released a statement on his “amicable exit” Wednesday.

“Guns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in their storied run,” Guns N’ Roses said in a statement. “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. 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 November 5, 2023 in Mexico.”

The band has not played a show since No. 5, 2023.

Ferrer is the longest-tenured drummer in the band’s 40-year history, spending nearly 19 years with GNR. He replaced former drummer Bryan Mantia in 2006.

Prior to his time with GNR, Ferrer served as drummer for The Beautiful, The Compulsions and Love Spit Love.

With Ferrer’s exit, this leaves GNR with singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, pianist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and keyboardist Melissa Reese.

What’s Next for GNR’s Drum Kit?

At the moment, there’s no news as to who will serve as GNR’s new drummer, but that hasn’t stopped fans from voicing their picks.

Guns N' Roses Announce Longtime Drummer's Exit

Source: Screenshot taken via Instagram / other

Matt Sorum has been a prominent choice amongst GNR’s fans on social media. Sorum played with the band from 1990 to 1997, replacing Appetite for Destruction drummer Steven Adler. Only Ferrer has served a longer tenure as drummer for GNR than Sorum.

Sorum’s recent Instagram post he shared with fans on Wednesday also led to more speculation amongst social media detectives:

“Drums and music have taken me around the world,” Sorum wrote in an Instagram post.

GNR’s upcoming international tour that kicks off on May 1 would certainly take Sorum “around the world.”

Source: Screenshot taken via Instagram / other

Adler is often considered a part of GNR’s “classic era” lineup, playing with the band from 1985 to 1990. He replaced founding drummer Rob Gardner. Adler was fired in 1990 over his heroin addiction at the time. He appears to still have a relationship with some of his former bandmates, including McKagan:

Source: Screenshot taken via Instagram / other

Update

It didn’t take too long for Guns N’ Roses to find a replacement for Ferrer, which may be to the dismay of some Adler and Sorum fans, but fans of McKagan’s band Loaded may be excited. Loaded’s former drummer, Isaac Carpenter, has been tapped to become the band’s seventh drummer.

“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,” GNR said in a statement.

McKagan has spent time in bands like Loudermilk and Awolnation, and has served as a session musician for Adam Lambert, A Perfect Circle and the Exies.

This story was last updated on March 21, 2025 at 3:03 p.m.