Godsmack frontman Sully Erna recently opened up about the band’s future and his personal ambitions in an interview with Hammer World, reflecting on what comes after their successful 2025 European tour.
“After this European tour, we’re taking a full year off,” Erna revealed. “I’ll probably start something new during that time — I just don’t know what yet. I usually work on Godsmack for a certain amount of time, and then when we take a break, I shift to solo stuff. I think I might do that again.”
That sabbatical won’t be idle time. Erna suggested he’s drawn toward other creative paths. “This year is a bit of a mystery, but I’ve started getting some offers to focus on TV and film. I’m getting more and more involved in it, so I think I’m going to pursue that a little bit and see where it goes. I might end up writing music for movies or even acting again. I’ve done that before and I really enjoyed it, so I’d like to do more.”
While fans may worry this signals a departure from music, Erna was clear: “I’m definitely exploring other things besides Godsmack to keep me occupied while we figure out what’s next for the band. Right now, I honestly don’t know.”
Despite the uncertainty, Erna spoke with pride about the band’s renewed momentum on tour. “What I do know is there’s been a resurgence of Godsmack. When we come out now, we’re playing to bigger and bigger audiences. We did Sofia, Bulgaria — sold out in two days, over 13,000 people. Romania was big, and so was Poland.”
What surprised him most was the changing face of their fanbase. “There’s this new interest in the band again, and we’re seeing a younger generation growing up listening to us. A lot of young kids are coming to our shows now, along with their parents. It’s wild.”
It’s not just nostalgia driving this resurgence. Erna sees it as a testament to the band’s resilience. “We’ve survived so much over the years, gone through tough times, and we’re still here. We’re still relevant and writing good music. People keep coming to the shows, the band hasn’t stopped growing, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Importantly, Godsmack is embracing their independence. “It’s nice to just get back to playing again without any obligations. We’re not promoting a new record or anything right now. We’re just promoting the brand, the legacy. We’re doing these greatest hits shows and playing music simply because we love it.”
That creative freedom, for Erna, is deeply meaningful. “We’re back in control again — not the record labels, not the management company. Godsmack is back in control, and that, to me, is the greatest gift.”
Fans will still have opportunities to see him live. On September 6, Erna will headline a solo show at the Mohegan Sun Sun Patio Concert Series in Connecticut, featuring special guests.
The performance comes in the wake of a significant shift within the band. This past April, Godsmack confirmed the retirement of longtime guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin. Erna addressed the change with warmth and respect: “Rombola and Larkin 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.”
