Godsmack are currently on a European/UK tour with a notable lineup change: singer Sully Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill are performing with drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence) and bassist Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat). When the tour launched, Erna said “there has definitely been some changes that have happened in the last few months” but didn't elaborate on why longtime drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola were not on the road with them.
As Blabbermouth reports, Larkin confirmed that he and Rombola quit the band in a since-deleted Facebook video. "Well, there's been lots of speculation about [why Tony and I are not on the road]," he began. "First of all, I just wanna thank everybody for the outpouring of texts, all my family and friends. I'm okay. Tony's okay. But we did quit the band last year, after lots of talking to Sully and Robbie."
"They understood that we didn't wanna tour anymore — that's the reason — and we understood that they wanted to tour," he continued. "And so we understood each other. And in the end, Godsmack's out there touring and we are happily here living our lives."
“Tony’s turning 60. I’m turning 58," Larkin noted. "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 a**.”
Godsmack issued their own statement after Larkin revealed the news, writing:
“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 the band in 1996 and Larkin became a member in 2002. Before playing in Godsmack, Larkin was a member of Amen, Candlebox, and Ugly Kid Joe. Godsmack released their final album, Lighting Up The Sky, in 2023 but said they would continue touring.