Ex Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer has hit back at assumptions that Axl Rose is a “scary, mean guy”.
The 60-year-old musician toured and recorded with the rock band from 2006 to 2025 – becoming the longest tenured drummer in the band’s history.
And in an interview with Rolling Stone, he reflected on the reputation that bandmate Axl seems to have built up over the years.
He mused: “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 p*** 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 OK? Hey, Frank, are you OK?’ ‘I’m doing fine.’ He’s, ‘Oh, OK, cool.’ 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.”
Frank continued to insist that Axl “delivers” every time – especially when it comes to live performances.
He said: “He’s out there busting his ass, trying to make everything sound great, be great every night.
“He’s under immense pressure, and he delivers. He would lead the way. We would go up there and even if you’re feeling like, ‘Oh, man, I don’t know if I feel that great tonight,’ and then he comes out and starts singing and, I don’t know, turning into the Hulk out there.
“You’re like, ‘F*** this. I better get to where he’s at.’ And everybody would push. He loves being up there. He loves giving a good show. And we had to rise to the occasion.”
Frank announced his departure from the band in March 2025, with the group insisting it was on amicable terms.
Doing so has meant he’s able to spend more time at home, which he’s relished.
He said: “I’ve been able to spend a little more time at home, just a little bit more. Still trying to keep busy. It’s 50/50, how can I say?”
