Who is Guns N’ Roses’ New Drummer, Isaac Carpenter?
Guns N’ Roses recently made headlines by announcing Isaac Carpenter as their new drummer on March 20, following the amicable departure of longtime drummer Frank Ferrer after 19 years with the band. With their 2025 tour set to kick off in just over a month, the swift transition to Carpenter highlights the band’s readiness for the upcoming road ahead.
Background of Isaac Carpenter
Born in 1979 in Tri-Cities, Washington, Isaac Carpenter has been a dedicated fan of Guns N’ Roses for most of his life. His passion for the band began in his childhood, and during high school, he performed in a Guns N’ Roses cover band aptly named .22s and Tulips. Reflecting on his early musical influences, Carpenter once stated, “When I heard Appetite For Destruction and the ‘F’ word in the second grade, it was the biggest, most life-changing event for me. I got an awesome mullet and bought every copy of Metal Edge I could get my hands on.”
Musical Journey
Carpenter’s early band, .22s and Tulips, eventually evolved into Loudermilk, which released its debut album in 1998. The band signed with American Recordings, embarking on a tour with notable acts like Motley Crue and Megadeth, before being dropped from the label. They later found a new home with DreamWorks in 2002.
Connections to Guns N’ Roses
In 2004, Loudermilk transitioned into a new phase, rebranding themselves as Gosling. During this time, they toured with Velvet Revolver, the post-Guns N’ Roses band featuring Duff McKagan, Slash, and Matt Sorum. It is believed that McKagan had been a fan of Loudermilk long before their transformation into Gosling. He praised the band in a Seattle Weekly column in 2010, describing their work as “majestic.”
Collaboration with Notable Artists
Carpenter’s career has seen him play with several prominent bands. After Loudermilk, he joined The Exies and later became part of McKagan’s band Loaded in 2009. The band toured with Black Stone Cherry that year and released the album The Taking in 2011. Additionally, Carpenter has played with Adam Lambert’s touring band and AWOLNATION, showcasing his versatility as a drummer.
Isaac Carpenter Joins Guns N’ Roses
Now, Carpenter steps into the iconic role within Guns N’ Roses, a band he has admired for decades. As they prepare for their 2025 tour kicking off on May 1 in Incheon, South Korea, fans are eager to see how Carpenter will contribute to the legendary band’s sound and legacy. A video of Loaded performing a cover of Nirvana’s “Lithium” from 2011 offers a glimpse of Carpenter’s talent.
Conclusion
Isaac Carpenter’s journey from a Guns N’ Roses superfan to their newest drummer is a testament to his talent and dedication to music. With a rich history of collaborations and an undeniable passion for the band, Carpenter is poised to bring fresh energy to Guns N’ Roses as they embark on their much-anticipated 2025 tour. Welcome to the jungle, Isaac!
FAQs
1. Why did Frank Ferrer leave Guns N’ Roses?
Frank Ferrer parted ways with Guns N’ Roses after 19 years in what the band described as an amicable split.
2. When does Guns N’ Roses’ 2025 tour start?
The 2025 tour kicks off on May 1 in Incheon, South Korea.
3. What other bands has Isaac Carpenter played with?
Isaac Carpenter has played with Loudermilk, The Exies, Loaded, Adam Lambert’s touring band, and AWOLNATION.
4. What was the name of Carpenter’s high school band?
Carpenter’s high school band was called .22s and Tulips, a Guns N’ Roses cover band.