Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer recently discussed misconceptions about Axl Rose in his first interview since leaving the band last year.

Guns N’ Roses announced Ferrer’s “amicable” departure in March 2025 and introduced Isaac Carpenter as their new drummer the following day. Over a year later, Ferrer opened up about his experiences with the band, his departure, and more during a conversation with Rolling Stone.

What Misconceptions Does Frank Ferrer Have About Axl Rose?

After nearly two decades of working with Rose, the drummer shared what he believes people misunderstand about the vocalist.

“[People misunderstand] that he’s a mean guy. I think the world thinks that he’s a scary, mean guy. And he’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t suffer fools, so that might piss people off. But he’s generous and super funny and worried about us all the time, worried about, ‘Hey, you guys, how you guys doing?’ ‘Hey, is Frank okay? Hey Frank, are you okay?'” Ferrer said.

“It’s that kind of stuff constantly. I wish they could know him the way I know him. That’s the only way I could say it. He’s a great musician, great singer, all that stuff that goes in the pot, but he’s a good man.”

Ferrer praised Rose for “busting his ass” and striving to deliver his best every time he steps on stage. He noted that when someone in the band is not feeling their best, hearing Rose sing and push himself motivates them to give their all as well.

What Was Ferrer’s First Interaction With Rose?

During the interview, Ferrer also recounted his initial interactions with the singer when he first joined the band. He remembered that Rose was “super nice and friendly.”

“I think he saw it too that this is a big deal. ‘Hey, this guy’s jumping on kinda raw’ and I’m sure he felt, ‘This better work.’ And when I got up onstage, he was like, ‘Great job.’ If I did a fill that he liked, he’d [say], ‘That was fucking awesome.’ Like that. He acted with me as if I’d been in the band the whole time. And I would thank him every day and he’d be like, ‘Yo, chill out, bro,'” Ferrer reflected.

Does Ferrer Hold Any Resentment Toward Rose?

Throughout much of the conversation, Ferrer expressed nothing but positive sentiments about his time in the band and his relationship with the singer. He recalled feeling especially grateful and even surprised to be invited to continue playing with the band when Slash and Duff McKagan rejoined in 2016.

READ MORE: Frank Ferrer Reflects on Guns N’ Roses Split + New Opportunities

He revealed that he and Rose never had a significant one-on-one conversation when his time with the band ended, but he believes they will eventually reconnect.

“I think it was just that things change. Nothing stays the same, that’s all,” he said. “I don’t expect anything. But I’m sure that one day Axl and I will hook up, hang out and maybe play together; maybe not. I don’t know. There’s no animosity. None.”

Check out every musician who’s been an official member of Guns N’ Roses in the gallery below.