The legendary American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses has issued a clarification regarding frontman Axl Rose’s erratic behavior onstage in Argentina.
The band stated that Axl’s actions were not related to the performance of their new drummer, Isaac Carpenter. During a chaotic gig at Estadio Huracan in Buenos Aires, Axl threw his microphone and kicked Isaac’s drum kit.
As reported, the hard rock veterans were performing their opening song, “Welcome to the Jungle,” when Axl appeared visibly irritated. Viral footage from the concert showed him hurling his microphone towards the drum kit, kicking the kick drum, and storming off stage. In a brief comment to the crowd, he said, “So, I’ll just try and wing this.”
A few days later, the band clarified that the situation stemmed from the 63-year-old singer only hearing the drum mix through his in-ear monitor. They emphasized that he has no issues with Isaac, whom they described as a “top notch” drummer.
A statement on the band’s Instagram Story read, “During the opening song at our recent Buenos Aires concert, Axl’s in-ear monitor pack had only the percussion in his ears versus the entire mix. The issue was fixed by our tech by the third song, and we had a great night. The situation had nothing to do with Isaac Carpenter’s playing, who is top notch and a great player.”
Earlier this year, Guns N’ Roses parted ways with longtime drummer Frank Ferrer, who had been with the band for almost two decades. Frank joined in June 2006, replacing Bryan Mantia, and his last show was in November 2023.
The current lineup of the band features Axl, Slash, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Melissa Reese, and Isaac. The official statement mentioned that Frank made an “amicable exit,” although he later expressed disappointment regarding the end of his tenure with the band.