More than a year after quietly stepping away from Guns N’ Roses, former drummer Frank Ferrer has spoken publicly about his departure, making it clear there was no dramatic fallout behind the scenes.
Ferrer, who spent nearly two decades behind the kit for Guns N’ Roses before departing in 2025, reflected on the end of his time with the band during a new interview with Rolling Stone, describing it as simply another chapter in life coming to a close.
“Everything comes to an end. Everything just comes to an end. I knew this thing wasn’t gonna be forever. I was just so happy I got to do it when I got to do it, and now I’m doing other stuff. It’s really that simple.”
When asked if there had been any conflict surrounding his exit, Ferrer dismissed the idea entirely:
“Nothing dramatic happened. We didn’t get into a fight or anything like that.”
He explained that he tries not to live with expectations, believing they’re often what lead to disappointment, although he admitted there are moments when he misses being part of Guns N’ Roses, he said his overwhelming feeling is gratitude:
“I’m grateful for the love that the fan base has given me… they accepted me and made me feel like I was part of the legacy.”
The drummer also had nothing but praise for his successor, Isaac Carpenter, saying he’d watched clips of the new lineup and liked what he saw:
“He’s a great drummer… him and Duff lock in, and they seem like they’re happy playing together.”
Despite no longer sharing the stage with Axl Rose and company, Ferrer believes their relationship remains intact:
“There’s no animosity. None.”
Guns N’ Roses Australian return
Ferrer joined Guns N’ Roses in 2006, initially stepping in for Bryan “Brain” Mantia before becoming a permanent member throughout one of the band’s most transformative eras. He played on Chinese Democracy and remained behind the drums through countless world tours before his amicable departure was announced in March last year.
His comments arrive as Guns N’ Roses prepare to return to Australia later this year with their revamped lineup, Isaac Carpenter will make his Australian debut behind the kit when the band brings its stadium tour to Australia and New Zealand alongside special guests Airbourne.
Guns N’ Roses 2026 Australian & New Zealand Tour
- Saturday, November 29th – Adelaide, bp Adelaide Grand Final
- Wednesday, December 2nd – Townsville, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
- Saturday, December 5th – Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
- Tuesday, December 8th – Newcastle, McDonald Jones Stadium
- Friday, December 11th – Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
- Monday, December 14th – Sydney, ENGIE Stadium
- Thursday, December 17th – Auckland, Eden Park
Find out more and pick up your tickets here.
While Ferrer won’t be making the trip, his reflections offer a reminder that even after one of the longest tenures in Guns N’ Roses history, not every band departure has to end in bitterness.
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