In a surprise announcement that has sent waves through the rock community, Guns N’ Roses have revealed Isaac Carpenter, drummer for the alternative rock band AWOLNATION, as their new percussionist. The announcement, made on Thursday, March 20, 2025, marks a significant shift for the legendary rock band, replacing longtime drummer Frank Ferrer, who has been with Guns N’ Roses for nearly two decades.
A New Chapter for Guns N’ Roses
The announcement was shared via Guns N’ Roses’ official Instagram account, where the band welcomed Carpenter, 42, as their new drummer. A photo showed Carpenter standing proudly behind a Guns N’ Roses drum kit, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for the band.
“We are excited to welcome Isaac Carpenter as the new drummer of Guns N’ Roses,” the post read, signaling the start of the drummer’s involvement with the rock icons. Carpenter will accompany the band on their highly anticipated 34-date world tour this summer, which begins on May 23, 2025.
Frank Ferrer’s Departure
The news of Carpenter’s appointment comes just a day after Guns N’ Roses announced the departure of Frank Ferrer, who had served as the band’s drummer for 19 years. Ferrer joined the band in June 2006, replacing Bryan Mantia, and became an integral part of the band’s rhythm section, contributing to some of their most successful tours and albums in the years that followed.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Guns N’ Roses bid farewell to Ferrer, thanking him for his “friendship, creativity, and sturdy presence” during his time with the band. The group stressed that Ferrer’s exit was entirely “amicable,” and they wished him the best in his future musical endeavors.
Isaac Carpenter’s Musical Journey
Carpenter’s addition to Guns N’ Roses marks a new chapter for the drummer, whose musical career spans across several notable projects. A member of AWOLNATION since 2014, Carpenter has proven himself as a versatile and talented drummer. In addition to his work with AWOLNATION, Carpenter has previously collaborated with bands and artists such as Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Adam Lambert, and Gosling (formerly known as Loudermilk), which Carpenter co-founded in 1995.
Despite his impressive resume, Carpenter’s appointment to Guns N’ Roses has sparked some backlash from a section of the fanbase. Many fans had hoped for a reunion with former drummers Matt Sorum or Steve Adler, who were integral to the band’s earlier successes and helped shape their iconic sound. Nevertheless, Carpenter’s extensive background in rock and alternative music positions him as a solid choice to carry the band’s legacy forward.
The 2025 World Tour
Carpenter’s debut as the drummer for Guns N’ Roses will come just in time for their 2025 world tour, which kicks off in Saudi Arabia on May 23. This marks the band’s first major tour in several years, and the band is set to play a range of iconic venues, including London’s Wembley Stadium on June 26—a significant milestone, as it will be their first headline gig at the venue since 1992.
The tour will also include stops in Birmingham at Villa Park on June 23, among other dates across the globe. Fans can expect Guns N’ Roses to showcase their timeless hits, including “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain,” alongside new additions to their live set.
The Future of Guns N’ Roses
As Guns N’ Roses continues to evolve with new faces and changes to their lineup, the rock world will be watching closely. With frontman Axl Rose, guitar legend Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, and keyboardist Dizzy Reed still firmly in place, the band retains its core identity, even as Carpenter steps into the spotlight as their new drummer. The combination of seasoned veterans and fresh blood could prove to be a winning formula as Guns N’ Roses forge ahead on their global journey, ready to rock stadiums once again.
Fans of the band can look forward to an unforgettable summer of music and may be hoping that the presence of new blood in the drum seat brings about an exciting chapter for Guns N’ Roses. However, with so many fans still holding out hope for the return of former drummers, the band’s dynamic could be both a source of anticipation and intrigue as the years roll on. Only time will tell what kind of impact Isaac Carpenter will have on the next generation of Guns N’ Roses music.
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