Oh, where do we go now?
Guns N’ Roses announced the departure of their drummer, Frank Ferrer, after 19 years – and the exit comes weeks before the band is scheduled to hit the road for a fresh slate of May tour dates.
The American rock band confirmed Ferrer’s departure on Wednesday in a message posted to the group’s official Instagram page.
“Guns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer,” the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” rockers wrote. “The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey.”
The band’s statement continued, “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 November 5, 2023 in Mexico.”
“Thank you, Frank,” they concluded. “For the friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the last 19 years.”
Ferrer, 58, first joined founding members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan nearly 20 years ago for a show in Dessel, Belgium.
Although he was initially only meant to be a two-week replacement for Bryan “Brain” Mantia, Ferrer was named the band’s official drummer that October.
In January, Ferrer opened up about joining Guns N’ Roses almost two decades ago in an interview with the hard rock and metal music magazine My Global Mind.
“I’m trying to keep it all inside, but in my mind, it’s like, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, and exploding, of course,” Ferrer said regarding his first official show with the “Paradise City” band. “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,” he continued. “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.”
Loyal Guns N’ Roses fans also rushed to social media following the band’s announcement to celebrate Ferrer and mourn his surprising departure.
“Omg I didn’t see that coming,” one person wrote.
“FRANK is so great,” another Instagram follower added. “Everyone will miss him.”
“We love you Frank,” a third Guns N’ Roses fan said. “I saw you in Madrid two years ago and you was so f–king incredible.”
“Thank you [Frank Ferrer] for all your dedication, hard work, creativity, and presence over these 19 years behind the drums for Guns N’ Roses,” a fourth fan wrote. “I’ve heard stories from many fans who met you in person, and you are always described as a kind and amazing person.”
It is currently unclear who the “November Rain” rock stars will pick to replace Ferrer behind the drum set for their upcoming European tour set to begin in May, nearly one year after Slash’s stepdaughter committed suicide.
