Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer announces departure
After spending nearly two decades on the drum throne, longtime Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer has announced that he will be leaving the group.
Ferrer had been with the hard rock icons for almost 20 years, having joined in 2006 after replacing drummer Bryan Mantia. He is also known as one of the founding members of the 1980s new wave act Psychedelic Furs.
In a statement released by the group, Guns N’ Roses have said that they respect Ferrer’s decision to move forward to new creative directions, saying, “Guns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in their storied run. 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 band had also called Ferrer the “anchor” during his time as the rhythm section leader and served as their drummer when returning members Slash and Duff McKagan rejoined the group. His final performance with the band came in November 2023 during a performance in Mexico.
Ferrer’s departure also comes in a long line of percussionists who have sat behind the kit in Guns N’ Roses. Steven Adler and Matt Sorum had both been considered bonafide members of the group throughout the band’s classic period. While session drummer Josh Freese had contributed to the one-off single ‘Oh My God’, much of the drumming on the band’s 2008 comeback album, Chinese Democracy, was filled out by studio musicians.
Despite initially signing on as a temporary drummer, Ferrer remembered warming up to the idea of having a more permanent spot in the band during his first run of shows, saying to My Global Mind, “It was initially only going to be a temporary thing. It was only going to be for two weeks. But in my heart, I felt like, if I could really do well on this, even if it’s just for two weeks, then it could open up a lot of doors. So, I didn’t have any fear. A matter of fact, it was the complete opposite. I felt like, okay, I’m ready for this.”
News of his departure also comes as Guns N’ Roses are preparing massive tour dates in 2025. The group will embark on a major tour overseas, starting in May, where they will visit Saudi Arabia. Other dates on the tour include stops in Villa Park in Birmingham and Wembley Stadium before wrapping up their run of dates in Germany at Wacken Open Air on July 31st. As of yet, there has been no word on any potential replacement drummer.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.