Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer has spoken out in defense of Axl Rose, insisting the famous frontman is far from the scary, villainous character the public often imagines him to be.
In his first interview since splitting from the legendary rock band in March 2025, the 60-year-old drummer discussed Rose’s formidable reputation.
Taking issue with the singer’s longtime tough guy persona, Ferrer revealed that the 64-year-old singer is actually the complete opposite of what many people think.
Talk to rolling stone In an interview posted online on Saturday, July 11, Ferrer didn’t hold back when asked about the biggest misconceptions surrounding his former bandmate.
“He’s a mean guy. I think the world thinks he’s a scary, mean guy. And he’s the complete opposite,” the drummer explained.
While acknowledging that Rose “can’t stand fools, so that might piss people off,” Ferrer painted a portrait of a leader who is actually incredibly warm behind closed doors.
He described Rose as generous, exceptionally funny and constantly in tune with 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 group.
“He’s a great musician, a great singer, everything that goes into it, but he’s a good man,” Ferrer noted.
The New York-born drummer joined Guns N’ Roses in 2006, temporarily replacing Bryan “Brain” Mantia so the musician could take time off after the birth of his child.
What was supposed to be a simple two-week stay turned into a record-breaking 19 years, making Ferrer the longest-serving drummer in the band’s history.
Looking back on his early days with the rock giants, Ferrer remembers how quickly Rose became comfortable during what could have been a very intimidating transition.
Recalling their first interactions, he described the singer as exceptionally kind and friendly.
Ferrer believes Rose recognized the immense pressure of the moment, knowing a new drummer was taking the stage with very little preparation.
According to Ferrer, as soon as he got on stage and performed, Rose immediately validated him, telling him he did 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 his historic run ending, the veteran batsman maintains there was no drama or behind-the-scenes fallout surrounding the decision.
“Everything comes to an end. Everything comes to an end,” Ferrer shrugged, explaining that he always knew the concert wouldn’t last forever.
He stressed that there was “nothing dramatic” about his departure, and while he admits that he sometimes misses his old life on the road with the band, he remains incredibly grateful for the life-changing experience.
