Guns N’ Roses announce drummer Frank Ferrer’s exit after 19 years

Oh, where do we go now?

Guns N’ Roses announced the departure of its drummer, Frank Ferrer, after 19 years – and the exit comes weeks before the band is scheduled to hit the road for a slate of May tour dates.

The band confirmed Ferrer’s departure Wednesday in a message posted to the group’s official Instagram page.

“Guns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer,” the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” rockers wrote. “The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey.

“Thank you, Frank,” it concluded. “For the friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the last 19 years.”

Ferrer, 58, joined founding members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan nearly 20 years ago for a show in Dessel, Belgium.

Although he was only meant to be a two-week replacement for Bryan “Brain” Mantia, Ferrer was named the band’s official drummer that October.

In January, Ferrer opened up about joining Guns N’ Roses in an interview with the hard rock and metal music magazine My Global Mind.

“I’m trying to keep it all inside, but in my mind, it’s like, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, and exploding, of course,” Ferrer said regarding his first show with the “Paradise City” band. “It was initially only going to be a temporary thing. It was only going to be for two weeks.

“But in my heart, I felt like, if I could really do well on this, even if it’s just for two weeks, then it could open up a lot of doors,” he continued. “So, I didn’t have any fear. A matter of fact, it was the complete opposite. I felt like, OK, I’m ready for this.”

Loyal Guns N’ Roses fans rushed to social media following the news to celebrate Ferrer and mourn his surprising departure.

“Omg I didn’t see that coming,” one person wrote.

“FRANK is so great,” another Instagram follower added. “Everyone will miss him.”

“We love you Frank,” a third Guns N’ Roses fan said. “I saw you in Madrid two years ago and you was so f–king incredible.”

“Thank you [Frank Ferrer] for all your dedication, hard work, creativity, and presence over these 19 years behind the drums for Guns N’ Roses,” a fourth fan wrote. “I’ve heard stories from many fans who met you in person, and you are always described as a kind and amazing person.”