Frank Ferrer: From Guns N' Roses to The Slax and One Night Only - A Musical Journey
Drummer Frank Ferrer received a call from his friend Tommy Stinson in 2006, asking him to fill in for Guns N’ Roses drummer Brian “Brain” Mantia. Ferrer ended up staying with the band for 19 years, making him the longest-serving drummer in their history. In 2025, the band announced his departure and named Isaac Carpenter as his replacement. Ferrer is now playing in two bands, the Slax and One Night Only, with various talented musicians. He recently discussed his new projects and the transition from Guns N’ Roses in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Ferrer joined forces with guitarist Brett Smith-Daniels, Band of Skulls guitarist Russell Marsden, bassist Stefan Bielik, and singer Chris Payn to form the band the Slax. They are currently playing a mix of their favorite songs, including covers and originals, catering to the classic rock-loving crowds in London and Europe.
The Slax plans to record a few songs to showcase their sound and attract more gigs. They aim to capture the essence of their live performances in these recordings, featuring a blend of classic rock covers and original tracks. Ferrer mentioned that they have covered songs by Aerosmith and Joan Jett, among others.
In addition to the Slax, Ferrer is also collaborating with Swedish musicians in a band called One Night Only. This band pays tribute to various rock legends by performing their songs, including tracks from Guns N’ Roses, Electric Boys, and Slash. They aim to create a celebratory atmosphere around the legacy of these iconic bands.
Ferrer described the transition from his long tenure with Guns N’ Roses to his current projects as positive. While he misses the energy and scale of playing with a global band like Guns N’ Roses, he enjoys the intimacy and camaraderie of working with his favorite musicians in smaller settings. He has been involved in tribute performances and upcoming tours with renowned artists, embracing this new chapter in his musical journey.