Ex-Guns N' Roses drummer 'puts city on the map'

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Frank Ferrer has joined a new UK-based rock band at their debut gig.

The star agreed to be part of an as yet unnamed band, after a phone call with Hampshire-based guitarist Brett Smith-Daniels.

Saturday's performance at The Brook in Southampton was the first time the five members had played together on stage.

"It puts Southampton more on the map... when you get the level of musicians like tonight," venue promoter Paul Williams said.

Smith-Daniels said he contacted Ferrer after speaking to his predecessor in Guns N' Roses, Matt Sorum.

"I was just asking for some advice and he said, 'Have to spoken to Frank yet? Here's his number, give him a call.'

"So I picked up the phone to Frank and within about an hour we decided that perhaps we should do something together."

Ferrer, who officially left Guns N' Roses in 2025 after 19 years, said the call came at the right time.

"I wanted to play with different musicians, especially in the UK," he said.

"The arena shows are amazing, they're great but... playing smaller crowds, smaller venues... it's more of a party atmosphere, good times."

Williams said he hoped the gig would encourage bigger and better acts in Southampton.

The group, including Russell Marsden, Chris Payn, Stefan Bielik, have forthcoming gigs planned in Cambridge and London.

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