Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer has spoken out to defend Axl Rose, insisting that the notoriously famous frontman is far from the terrifying and mean figure the public often imagines.
In his first interview since parting ways with the legendary rock group in March 2025, the 60-year-old drummer reflected on Rose’s formidable reputation.
Responding to the singer’s longtime tough-guy persona, Ferrer revealed that the 64-year-old vocalist is actually the complete opposite of what many people think.
talking to rolling stone In an interview published online on Saturday, July 11, Ferrer didn’t hold back when asked about the biggest misconceptions surrounding his former bandmate.
“That he’s a bad guy. I think the world thinks he’s a bad, scary guy. And it’s the opposite,” the drummer explained.
While acknowledging that Rose “doesn’t suffer fools, so that might make people angry,” Ferrer painted a picture of a leader who is actually incredibly warm behind closed doors.
He described Rose as generous, exceptionally funny and constantly checking out the rest of the group, adding that he wishes audiences could get to know the singer the same way they did during his nearly two decades with the band.
“He is a great musician, a great singer, all those things that go into the pot, but he is a good man,” said Ferrer.
The New York-born drummer originally joined Guns N’ Roses in 2006, temporarily replacing Bryan “Brain” Mantia so the musician could take some time off after the birth of his son.
What was going to be a simple two-week period turned into a record-breaking 19-year career, making Ferrer the longest-serving drummer in the band’s history.
Recalling his early days with the rock giants, Ferrer recalled how quickly Rose put his mind at ease during what could have been a very intimidating transition.
Recalling their initial interactions, he described the singer as exceptionally kind and friendly.
Ferrer believes Rose recognized the immense pressure of the moment, knowing that a new drummer was coming on stage with very little preparation.
According to Ferrer, as soon as he got on stage and performed, Rose immediately validated him and told him he had done a “great job.”
The rock world was taken by surprise in March 2025 when Guns N’ Roses officially announced Ferrer’s departure and named Isaac Carpenter as his replacement.
Despite the end of his historic career, the veteran drummer maintains there was no backstage drama or fallout surrounding the decision.
“Everything comes to an end. Everything just comes to an end,” Ferrer shrugged and explained that he always knew the concert wouldn’t last forever.
He emphasized that there was “nothing dramatic” about his departure, and while he admits he occasionally misses his old life touring with the group, he remains incredibly grateful for the life-changing experience.
