Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan recently shared his thoughts on the band’s new drummer Isaac Carpenter. He called him “the best drummer I know” in an interview with Radioacktiva.
McKagan discussed his long history with Carpenter. He explained why he recommended him for the Guns N’ Roses position.
“So, Isaac I’ve known since he was 19. He’s 45 now. So, I knew him when he was in [late 1990s / early 2000s band] Loudermilk. I’m from Seattle. Loudermilk’s from the same region,” McKagan said.
He continued to detail Carpenter’s career trajectory and their working relationship over the years.
“So they were about to make it big. Everybody thought they were great. They put out that record. It was on Interscope. Nothing really happened for them. And Isaac and I, we started — he was in [Duff’s band] Loaded for a record. He toured with Loaded. He started playing with Adam Lambert and then Awolnation. He plays on Tool records,” he explained.
McKagan then emphasized Carpenter’s credentials and his role in bringing him to Guns N’ Roses.
“He plays on a lot of stuff. And he’s just the best drummer I know. And so when we were trying out drummers, I said, ‘We’ve gotta put Isaac in there.’ We’re his favorite band, so he knows every song better than us,” McKagan concluded.
McKagan’s enthusiastic endorsement reflects Carpenter’s extensive background in the music industry. It also highlights his proven track record across multiple genres.
Wikipedia reported that Carpenter co-founded the band Loudermilk (later known as Gosling) in 1995 while still in high school. This demonstrated his early involvement in music. His career has spanned decades, working with diverse artists including Marion Raven, Tyga, and Black Lab. This showcases his versatility as a drummer.
Carpenter’s most notable recent work includes spending a decade as the drummer for AWOLNATION, as Drummerworld noted. He has also played with The Exies and Ours. He built a reputation for his dynamic drumming style across alternative rock and other musical projects.
The drummer joined Guns N’ Roses following the departure of Frank Ferrer, who had been with the band since 2006. AXS TV stated that the change was described as amicable. Carpenter is set to tour with Guns N’ Roses through Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in 2025.
Carpenter’s deep familiarity with the Guns N’ Roses catalog made him a natural choice for the position. His decades of professional experience and his long-standing friendship with McKagan also contributed to this decision. His appointment marks a new chapter for the legendary rock band as they continue their global touring schedule.
