In a recent fan-driven Q&A session, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan expressed his admiration for the band’s new drummer Isaac Carpenter, highlighting how he uniquely blends the best qualities of the band’s legendary former drummers, Steven Adler and Matt Sorum. This combination of styles is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound.
McKagan reminisced about his first encounter with Carpenter, recalling that he had known him since his teenage years when Carpenter was part of the band Loudermilk. “They were just kids from Washington state, not far from Seattle. I had heard a lot about them, and they eventually got signed to American Records, Rick Rubin’s label,” McKagan shared. He first met Carpenter when he was just 19 years old, and he was immediately impressed by the talent and creativity of Loudermilk.
Eventually, McKagan brought Carpenter into his solo project, Loaded, where Carpenter played on the 2011 album The Taking. “About nine years later, I was in need of a drummer for Loaded, and Isaac’s name came to mind,” McKagan explained. “We got together to jam, and I asked him if he wanted to join me on tour. He was all in, and we collaborated extensively on The Taking, writing a significant portion of the songs in his garage.”
READ MORE: Discover the Talents of Guns N’ Roses New Drummer Isaac Carpenter
Carpenter’s contributions to McKagan extended beyond music; he also played a significant role in McKagan’s writing process. “Believe it or not, I wrote a lot of my book while using his old, uncomfortable couch in his garage,” said McKagan. “The discomfort helped me tap into my darker thoughts. I would often go to his place just to use that couch for writing. It’s funny when you think about it — I’ve known him for about 25 years now. Having him in the band is fantastic; it’s truly awesome.”
Discover How Isaac Carpenter Elevates the Sound of Guns N’ Roses
In March, Guns N’ Roses officially introduced Isaac Carpenter as their new drummer, following the departure of Frank Ferrer, who had been with the band since 2006. This transition marks a significant moment in the band’s evolution.
When McKagan was asked about the unique qualities Carpenter brings to the band that may have been lacking before, he responded thoughtfully: “What Isaac brings is hard to put into words. No disrespect to Frank, who is a wonderful person, but Isaac has a special ability to bring a groove and swing that very few drummers possess. Both Steven Adler and Matt Sorum had their strengths — Adler’s unique groove and Sorum’s solid, innovative fills. Isaac somehow synthesizes the best of both worlds while adding his own flair, infusing a fresh sense of excitement into our songs. The groove and swing he brings now is incredibly impressive and brings a lot of fun to our music.”
READ MORE: Ranked: Every Guns N’ Roses Song from Worst to Best
Carpenter made his debut performance with Guns N’ Roses on May 1 in Incheon, South Korea. The band is currently on their tour titled Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things, which is set to continue until the end of July. As of now, they have not announced any dates for North America.
Engage with Duff McKagan’s Q&A About Guns N’ Roses 2025 Tour
Explore the Legacy: All 24 Musicians Who’ve Been Part of Guns N’ Roses
Since their inception in 1985, Guns N’ Roses has welcomed over 20 musicians into the band. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all those who have contributed to their legendary sound.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
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