Slash recently addressed concerns about a potential feud within Guns N’ Roses after Axl Rose threw his microphone toward drummer Isaac Carpenter’s kit during their October 18 concert at Estadio Huracán in Argentina. He clarified the situation in an interview on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
The guitarist explained that the incident was simply a technical issue with Axl’s in-ear monitors. It was not a sign of internal conflict or dissatisfaction with the new drummer.
“Oh, that whole thing, God, it got so blown out of proportion,” Slash said. “Well, we all are on in-ears. So for monitors, instead of wedges on the stage, we use in-ear monitors. And so there was something fucked up in Axl’s mix where the only thing that he could hear was the drums. And that was it. And it was the first song. So he’s trying to communicate that to the engineers and they don’t know what the fuck he’s talking about.”
He continued to describe the chaotic moment during the opening of their set.
“And so it was one of those frantic moments trying to get it together at the beginning of the set. And that was it. And he was pointing out that it’s the drums; it’s not something else. Whatever your myriad of different things it possibly could be, it was the drums, and that’s what he was trying to convey,” he explained.
Slash emphasized that the gesture was misinterpreted by fans and media.
“But it got really blown out of proportion. Jesus. I guess people were thinking that it had something to do with Isaac because it was directed at the kit, but it wasn’t about Isaac,” he stated.
The guitarist also took the opportunity to praise the band’s new drummer, Isaac Carpenter.
“Isaac’s killer. It’s been great. From the first day that he came in to audition, he’s just been amazing. And it was funny ’cause when he came in to audition, he was one of probably six or seven guys that we tried out – all known players whose names I will not mention – but it got to a point where we’d narrow it down to, ‘Okay, we want four guys to come back’, then three guys, then two guys, and Isaac was always there; he was always one of the guys,” Slash concluded.
The incident occurred right after the band finished performing “Welcome to the Jungle” at the Argentina show.
The Argentina concert was part of Guns N’ Roses’ broader touring activities in 2025. It marked a significant year for the band with their new lineup.
Wikipedia noted that Isaac Carpenter joined Guns N’ Roses in 2025, replacing longtime drummer Frank Ferrer. Carpenter brings notable experience to the band. He previously played with Duff McKagan’s Loaded from 2009 to 2011 and appeared on their 2011 album The Taking, as Ultimate Classic Rock reported.
The October 18 show in Argentina was part of the band’s extensive 2025 tour titled “Because What You Want and What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things.” AXS TV detailed that the tour kicked off in South Korea and includes multiple stops across Latin America. Performances are scheduled in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Colombia, and Brazil.
The band’s 2025 tour represents a new chapter for Guns N’ Roses with Carpenter behind the drum kit. His connection to the band through his previous work with bassist Duff McKagan likely helped ease the transition. This demonstrates the importance of chemistry and familiarity within the legendary rock group.
Carpenter’s successful audition process, as described by Slash, highlights the band’s thorough approach to finding the right fit for their lineup. His ability to consistently impress throughout multiple rounds of auditions ultimately secured his position as the band’s new drummer for this major touring cycle.
