Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer is speaking out about what the group called an “amicable exit” from the band after nearly two decades. In his first statement since GNR’s announcement last week that he would be replaced by former AWOLNATION time keeper Isaac Carpenter, Ferrer posted a statement on Instagram over the weekend.
“The outpouring of love I have felt from the incredible fans of Guns N’ Roses and my peers over the past 24 hours has been tremendous,” he wrote. “I will have immense gratitude and love always for Axl and the band while at the same time, disappointment that this chapter came to an end.”
Last week, less than 24 hours after Guns announced that Ferrer would amicably be leaving the group after 19 years, they thanked their longest-running drummer 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.” Ferrer joined Guns N’ Roses in 2006, taking over from Bryan “Brain” Mantia, who had joined in 2000. Ferrer’s last appearance with the band was at Mexico’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in November 2023, which is also the most recent live performance from the GNR.
In his place they announced 45-year-old Carpenter, who performed in a GNR cover band in high school called .22s and Tulips, before that group turned into the group Loudermilk, which got signed to Rick Rubin’s American label while the members were teens. Following the band’s break-up, Carpenter played drums in AWOLNATION for a decade, and also logged time playing with McKagan’s side project, Loaded, as well performing and recording with Adam Lambert, Barbarians of California, A Perfect Circle, The Exies, Ours and Black Lab, among others.
In his post, Ferrer added, “It has been an incredible 19 years. Guns N’ Roses has given me life-changing memories and experiences. A huge thanks to management, the crew, and fans for giving me memories that I will cherish for my lifetime. I hope I see you all again soon!”
GNR’s will kick off their Because What You Want & Want You Get Are Two Completely Different Things tour on May 1 in South Korea.
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