Guns N’ Roses has announced a significant lineup change for their upcoming 2026 tour. The band revealed that keyboardist Melissa Reese will not be participating due to personal circumstances. The announcement was made through the band’s official Instagram account.
The band addressed the situation directly in their statement to fans.
“Melissa Reese will not be joining the band on tour due to unforeseen personal reasons,” the band announced. “We hope our fans understand.”
This departure marks another significant change in the band’s lineup as they prepare for what promises to be an extensive world tour.
Hello Rayo reported that Reese was recruited as Guns N’ Roses’ keyboardist in March 2016 when Slash and Duff McKagan rejoined the band’s ranks. She had just two weeks to prepare before joining the legendary rockers for their Not In This Lifetime Tour. She handled keys, backing vocals, samplers, and Moog synthesizer on tracks like “Paradise City.”
The upcoming tour represents a massive undertaking for the band. Delta Radio noted that the 42-date world tour spans multiple continents, including a sold-out Dublin 3Arena show on June 10 and a headline performance at Download Festival on June 13. The tour will continue with U.S. stadium dates starting in July. It will be followed by stops in Europe, Latin America, and Australia.
Reese’s departure follows another recent lineup change within the band. American Songwriter revealed that drummer Frank Ferrer made an amicable exit after 19 years with the band in 2025. Isaac Carpenter now takes over drum duties. The band has not yet announced a replacement for Reese’s keyboard position.
The departure of Reese represents a notable change for the iconic rock group as they prepare for their spring tour dates. She has been with the band for nearly a decade. Her contributions to the band’s sound during the reunion era have been significant, particularly in recreating the complex arrangements of classic Guns N’ Roses tracks for live performances.
