Guns N’ Roses announced Wednesday (March 19) that they had officially parted ways with Frank Ferrer, the band’s longest-tenured drummer. Just one day later, the Los Angeles-based hard rockers have introduced fans to Ferrer’s replacement.
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AWOLNATION’s Isaac Carpenter Joins Guns N’ Roses on Drums
Taking to social media Thursday (March 20), Guns N’ Roses welcomed Isaac Carpenter as their new drummer.
Carpenter, 45, has played drums for L.A. alt-rock outfit AWOLNATION since 2014. His new gig reunites Carpenter with Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan. The two previously played together in the Seattle hard rock band Loaded.
Just the day prior, the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” hitmakers announced Ferrer’s “amicable exit.” In a news released obtained by Loudwire, a GNR representative wrote, “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.”
The longest-serving drummer in GNR’s 40-year history, Ferrer last played with the band onstage on Nov. 5, 2023, in Mexico. He joined Guns N’ Roses during their European Tour in July 2006, replacing Bryan “Brain” Mantia, who left to take care of his newborn child.
Prior to joining GNR, Ferrer, 58, had a stint with British post-punk group The Psychedelic Furs, along with its offshoot, Love Spit Love. The percussionist has not spoken publicly about his departure, and his former bandmates did not provide a reason.
Absolute best person for this job!
— Devin Bronson (@TheRealDevinB) March 20, 2025
Of Carpenter, one X/Twitter user wrote, “He’s got a solid background as a musician and pretty sure Duff was the one that suggested him.”
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Isaac Carpenter Will Play His First Show This Spring
According to Revolver magazine, Isaac Carpenter will likely play his first show as an official member of Guns N’ Roses during their May 23 tour opener at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ironically, Carpenter got his start in a GNR cover band called .22s and Tulips as a high school student in Washington back in the ’90s. He has also played with A Perfect Circle, American Idol fan favorite Adam Lambert, and The Exies.
Featured image by Luis Gutierrez/Norte Photo/Getty Images
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