Guns N’ Roses Show in Argentina Turns Chaotic as Slash Storms Off Mid-Set

Slash has spoken out about the viral moment that erupted during Guns N’ Roses’ recent concert in Buenos Aires, making it clear that Axl Rose’s frustrated outburst was caused by a technical malfunction, not band tension or drummer Isaac Carpenter.

Speaking on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, the guitarist said the situation had been “massively exaggerated.” “Oh, that whole thing, God, it got so blown out of proportion,” he explained. “We all use in-ear monitors instead of wedges on stage, and something went wrong with Axl’s mix — the only thing he could hear was the drums. And that was it. It was the first song.”

Slash added that Rose was simply trying to signal the issue to the sound crew. “He’s trying to communicate that to the engineers and they don’t know what the fuck he’s talking about,” he said. “He was pointing out that it’s the drums; it’s not something else. But it got really blown out of proportion. People were thinking it had something to do with Isaac because it was directed at the kit, but it wasn’t about Isaac.”

What Happened at the Buenos Aires Show

The incident took place on October 18 at Estadio Huracán, where the band opened with Welcome to the Jungle. Fan footage quickly spread online showing Rose throwing his microphone toward the drum kit, removing his jacket, and walking offstage after the song. During the follow-up track, Bad Obsession, he kicked the bass drum and told the crowd, “I’ll just try and wing this.”

The moment sparked a flurry of online speculation. Some fans joked that the “old Axl” had resurfaced, while others worried that Carpenter — who only joined Guns N’ Roses earlier this year — might be in trouble.

Guns N’ Roses and Slash Respond

To clear up the rumors, Guns N’ Roses released an official statement confirming that the frontman’s outburst was caused solely by a malfunctioning in-ear monitor. “During the opening song at our recent Buenos Aires concert, Axl’s in-ear monitor pack had only percussion in his ears versus his entire mix,” the band said. “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.”

Slash backed that statement and praised Carpenter’s contribution since joining the group. “Isaac’s killer. It’s been great,” he said. “From the first day that he came in to audition, he’s just been amazing. His playing, his energy, and his attitude have really lifted the whole show.”

The guitarist went on to highlight how Carpenter’s arrival has strengthened the current Guns N’ Roses lineup, which continues to tour globally. “He’s brought a new energy that’s really contagious,” Slash noted. “It keeps us all sharp. You can feel it on stage — there’s this chemistry that pushes the band forward.”

Despite the viral headlines, the band appears unfazed and united. Slash concluded that the Argentina show, technical hiccup aside, ended on a high note. “It was just one of those things that happens live,” he said. “Once it was fixed, we locked in and played a great set. Everyone moved on, and the rest of the night was killer.”