As Godsmack embarked on their 2025 European tour, fans noticed a major shake-up in the lineup. Frontman Sully Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill remained at the helm, but the drum and guitar duties had shifted to new hands — Will Hunt of Evanescence and Sam Bam Koltun of Dorothy.
Speculation about the lineup change has been swirling since the tour’s kickoff. When asked about the situation, Erna previously called it a “tricky question to answer right now at this stage” and mentioned that Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola had “some personal things going on.” Now, the full story has come to light — both Larkin and Rombola officially left the band sometime in 2024.
Larkin addressed the situation in a recent Facebook video – which has now been deleted -providing clarity on the decision (transcribed by Metal Injection): “There’s been lots of speculation about that. First of all, I just want to thank everyone for the outpouring of texts from all my family and friends. 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. 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,” Larkin added.
Despite the unexpected departures, Larkin made it clear that there is no bad blood between them and the remaining members. “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 Robby, and we wish Will and Sam all the best. All the fans, keep going – they’re kicking ass. Sully said at the very end, ‘all good things must come to an end.’ Godsmack didn’t come to an end; it’s just a new chapter for them, and it’s certainly a new chapter for Tony and I. We’re already making new music, and everybody’s happy.”
As of now, Godsmack has yet to issue an official statement on the departures. While this marks a major transition for the band, Erna and Merrill seem committed to keeping things moving forward. Meanwhile, Larkin and Rombola are embracing their next chapter, leaving behind decades of touring life to focus on their own pursuits.
