Guns N’ Roses has issued an official statement to address the viral videos of Axl Rose‘s recent onstage “meltdown” in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The band has clarified that the frontman’s frustration was due to a severe technical failure with his monitors and had “nothing to do with Isaac Carpenter‘s playing.”
The clarification, posted on Wednesday, October 22, was a direct response to fan speculation that Rose was feuding with the band’s new drummer, who he appeared to target during the outburst.
The band’s full statement reads:
“During the opening song at our recent Buenos Aires concert, Axl’s in-ear monitor pack had only the percussion in his ears versus his entire mix. The issue was fixed by our tech team by the third song, and we had a great night. The situation had nothing to do with Isaac Carpenter‘s playing, who is top notch and a great drummer.”
The incident in question occurred on Saturday, October 18, at Estadio Huracán. During the opening song, “Welcome To The Jungle,” fan-shot videos captured Rose abruptly stopping, kicking Carpenter‘s bass drum, throwing his microphone at the drum kit, and storming off the stage.
The dramatic outburst immediately sparked widespread online debate, with many fans assuming the display of anger was directed at Carpenter, who joined the band in March of this year, replacing longtime drummer Frank Ferrer. The incident was seen by many as a return to the “notoriously volatile” Axl Rose of the band’s early days.
The band’s statement, however, firmly refutes this narrative. It places the blame squarely on a technical malfunction that left Rose unable to hear his own mix, and makes a point to praise Carpenter as a “top notch and a great drummer,” putting an official end to the speculation.
— Guns N' Roses (@gunsnroses) October 22, 2025
Upcoming Guns N’ Roses 2025 Tour Dates:
- Oct 25, 2025 – Allianz Parque, São Paulo, Brazil
- Oct 28, 2025 – Pedreira Paulo Leminski, Curitiba, Brazil
- Oct 31, 2025 – Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá, Brazil
- Nov 2, 2025 – Arena BRB, Brasília, Brazil
- Nov 5, 2025 – Estadio Nacional Stadium, Lima, Peru
- Nov 8, 2025 – Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico City, Mexico
