Frank Ferrer Reflects on His 19-Year Journey with Guns N’ Roses After Amicable Departure
After the announcement of his departure from Guns N’ Roses, Frank Ferrer, the band’s drummer for nearly two decades, broke his silence in a heartfelt Instagram post on March 20. Ferrer, 58, had been with the legendary rock band since 2006, and his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in both his career and the band’s history.
In his statement, Ferrer expressed deep gratitude for the incredible support he had received from Guns N’ Roses fans and his fellow musicians. “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.”
Ferrer’s 19-year tenure with the band, which began when he replaced Bryan “Brain” Mantia, was marked by monumental moments, from live performances to international tours. Reflecting on his time with Guns N’ Roses, Ferrer described it as an “incredible” experience that provided him with “life-changing memories.” He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the band’s management, the crew, and the fans for the unforgettable journey. “A huge thanks to management
On March 19, Guns N’ Roses announced the “amicable exit” of Ferrer through a post on their official Instagram. The band acknowledged Ferrer’s contributions over the years, thanking him for his “friendship, creativity, and sturdy presence.” The statement highlighted Ferrer’s critical role in anchoring the rhythm section during numerous tours, including those featuring the reunion of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. His final performance with the band took place on November 5, 2023, in Mexico.
“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,” the statement read. Guns N’ Roses concluded by expressing their best wishes for Ferrer’s future endeavors in music.
The band’s announcement was accompanied by a touching photo of Ferrer, with the caption: “Thank you, Frank. For the friendship, creativity, and sturdy presence over the last 19 years.”
Ferrer’s journey with Guns N’ Roses began in 2006, following the departure of previous drummer Bryan “Brain” Mantia. He joined the band during a pivotal time as they worked on their comeback and embarked on extensive world tours. Over the years, Ferrer became a steady presence in the band, earning the respect of his peers and fans alike for his solid drumming and dedication.
In interviews, Ferrer often reflected on his approach to maintaining the band’s iconic sound. He noted the importance of capturing the essence of previous drummers, particularly when performing tracks from *Appetite for Destruction*, Guns N’ Roses’ groundbreaking 1987 album. “I really try to keep the spirit of the way the song was played,” Ferrer explained. “When we play the *Appetite* stuff I try to have the push and pulls. [Steven Adler’s] punk rock bits are great.”
Ferrer further acknowledged the distinctive styles of former Guns N’ Roses drummers, including Steven Adler and Matt Sorum. He expressed admiration for Adler’s drumming on *Appetite for Destruction*, calling it one of the greatest rock drumming performances in music history. He also noted that Sorum’s style was more reserved and tight, but he made an effort to honor both drummers’ influences during his time in the band.
With Ferrer’s departure, Isaac Carpenter, former drummer of Loudermilk and Gosling, will take over the drumming duties for Guns N’ Roses. Carpenter’s arrival signals a new chapter for the band, but Ferrer’s legacy remains firmly etched in the history of Guns N’ Roses. His contributions to the band’s rhythm section over nearly two decades will not soon be forgotten.
As Ferrer embarks on the next phase of his musical journey, his departure from Guns N’ Roses serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the rock world. With gratitude for the years spent with one of the most iconic bands in history, Ferrer leaves behind a treasure trove of memories, and fans are sure to follow his journey as he continues to shape the world of music in new and exciting ways.
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