Guns N’ Roses announce the arrival of Isaac Carpenter, its newest drummer who will hit the road with the band throughout their 2025 European, Asian, and Middle East Tour, headlining stadiums and festivals throughout the summer.
The news follows the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in the powerhouse rock legends’ storied run. 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. His last show with the band took place on November 5th, 2023 in Mexico.
Isaac Carpenter, born in Washington’s Tri-Cities, is an accomplished American drummer and songwriter known for his dynamic contributions to alternative, hard rock, and beyond. He rose to prominence in 1995 by co-founding Loudermilk while in high school, only to be signed to Rick Rubin’s label American. Carpenter’s career spans an impressive roster of acts, including live and studio work with Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Awolnation, Adam Lambert, the hardcore metal outfit Barbarians of California, A Perfect Circle, The Exies, Ours, and Black Lab, in addition to his large session film and TV roster. Carpenter has made a name for himself by uniquely blending versatility and groove with crushing force and technical skill, cementing his reputation as a multifaceted drummer in the industry.
8 Responses
What is wrong with Adler? More than capable , his band is great with a better singer …
Let’s be real here. Absolutely no one cares. Bring back Steven. And lose the guy that looks like Ronny Wood and get back Izzy. I look at footage of them in concert and I don’t know who the hell these people are, there’s 17 people on stage for god’s sake. That’s not the 5 kick ass rockers I saw in a bar in ’87. THAT was rock and roll, not this overblown whatever it is.
Hi Mr. R N’ R,
Please don’t quote me, because I do not know this for absolutely certain, but I believe, some, if not many, of these musicians, were from Rose‘s solo version of Guns N’ Roses. I think drummer, Frank Ferrer, who just departed, was definitely part of Rose‘s GN’R lineup.
Also, my feeling is, whatever Rose wants, Rose (usually) gets… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
God knows I want to on a rant right now….. I’m just going to say most people just don’t care , I hate saying it , but people just want to hear the hits from these big legacy bands and don’t care if they’re lipsyncing, or even if the original members are even in the band anymore, you could roll out 5 corpses in wheelchairs roll tape and people would cheer ….
Robert, I agree. I don’t understand why people are willing to pay high ticket prices to see these bands that continue to “brand” themselves with a big legacy band name, but the “brand” sells to a lot of people. Personally, I’m not one of them. Heck, there are very good tribute bands out there that perform the music, and sound better, than these big legacy bands.
And on your first comment….I question why they didn’t bring Adler back. I understand why he was kicked out of the band for substance abuse, but he seems to have taken care of himself and got his life in order….and he’s a very capable as a drummer. It would also give G n R more credibility. I understand finances being an issue on who G n R bring on board, but G n R is no slouch of a band and can afford to pay a “fair” salary…and Adler is so hungry to return to G n R, he probably take the gig for free! :o)
In this case, it’s not so much just what Axl wants, but Isaac Carpenter had the inside track to the gig since he’s played drums with Duff McKagan already. Also, like a certain other band that gets debated a lot on this site, the remaining original members would probably prefer not having to get into “salary negotiations” with past original members who feel they deserve an equal cut of profits. So hiring session players makes a lot of financial sense.
RTunes68,
You are probably correct, regarding the money. As that is usually the motivating factor, in most, if not all, business decisions. However, it always seems/ed like Rose, is the (un)official boss, of the band.
Remember, the Roses, in Guns N’ Roses, is Axl. Guns, represented the original other half, or partner, if you like, Tracii, whom when they split, went on to call his new band, L.A. Guns. So, since Rose owns the name, I guess he feels like he maybe the boss, to some degree?
Also, while I am not certain which band members this applies to, “they” have been consistently reticent, in asking Adler, to rejoin, on a full time basis.
As for Stradlin, Rose has stated many times, over decades, that he would welcome his return, but it seems Stradlin has no desire, to come back.
I saw GNR a couple years ago. They played for nearly 3 hours per night on that tour. Certainly good bang for your buck. But the show was not exciting at all. Lots of boring, computer animated graphics on the screen. There were so many people on stage I thought it may have been the Grateful Dead for a minute. The band played well and sounded great at least….except for Axl. He wasn’t as bad as he sounds today, but it wasn’t good either. Kudos to these bands that want to continue playing live music. But if you’re not at your best any longer, or the band isn’t the true band that made them famous in the first place, drop the ticket and merch prices or start playing smaller, more intimate venues. Peeeeeeooooopppplllle!!!!