Godsmack recently launched a European/UK tour without longtime members Shannon Larkin (drums) and Tony Rombola (guitar). In a new update, Larkin revealed that the two musicians actually quit the multiplatinum rock band last year, and the band has since confirmed the departure.
On their current dates, singer Sully Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill are touring with drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence) and bassist Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat), with Erna only saying at the time that “there has definitely been some changes that have happened in the last few months.”
In a since-deleted Facebook video, Larkin confirmed that he and Rombola are out of the band. “First of all, I just want to thank everyone for the outpouring of texts from all my family and friends,” began the drummer (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “I’m okay, Tony’s okay. We did quit the band last year after lots of talking to Sully and Robbie, and they understood that we didn’t want to tour anymore. That’s the reason. We understood that they wanted to tour, and so we understood each other. And in the end Godsmack’s out there touring and we are out here happily living our lives.”
Related Video
He added, “Tony’s turning 60. I’m turning 58. It’s not a physical thing. We just want to be home with everything that we love. 40 years I’ve been touring, 28 years for Rombola. We’re getting a little older, so we decided to quit. It wasn’t a bad thing. I will talk more about it in the future, but it’s all love. We’re brothers for life with Sully and Robbie, and we wish Will and Sam all the best. All the fans, keep going — they’re kicking ass.”
Godsmack issued their own statement following Larkin’s video post, writing the following:
“To our dearest friends and fans, we send this message to all of you to share some bittersweet news with you regarding a significant change in our journey together.
After almost 3 incredible decades, two of our most cherished members, Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin have decided to retire from the band permanently, on good terms, but for no other reason than to fulfill their desire to live a more simple and quiet life away from touring.
This decision was not made lightly. Tony and Shannon have been such a big part of our history, bringing their unique talents, creativity, and passion that have shaped our music and our message. Together, we have experienced countless, unforgettable moments and heartfelt interactions with fans like you around the world. We are immensely grateful for every memory we’ve created together.
Their departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new and exciting possibilities. We want to assure you that Shannon and Tony will always be part of our family, and their contributions will forever echo in our music. We respect their decisions and support them wholeheartedly as they pursue their own individual paths.
Robbie and I are also excited to explore new directions, and although we have not made any permanent decisions about who may replace Tony and Shannon, we will be continuing this journey together, and we look forward to sharing the decisions we make with all of you as they happen.
In the meantime, some of you may have heard, drummer Will Hunt of Evanescence, along with guitarist Sam Koltun of Dorothy are filling in for Shannon and Tony as we honor and complete our current European dates.
Thank you for your unwavering support over the years. We are grateful to have you by our side as we navigate this transition. Let’s celebrate the memories we’ve made together while we all look forward to our future together.
With love and respect, Sully, Robbie, Tony, Shannon.”
Rombola joined Godsmack in 1996, and Larkin came on board in 2002. Before that, Larkin was a member of Amen, Candlebox, and Ugly Kid Joe.
Godsmack released their final album, Lighting Up the Sky, in 2023, but Erna said at the time the band will continue to tour behind their legacy hits for years to come.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
