On March 22, hard rock veterans Godsmack launched their European tour, but fans quickly noticed a significant change—half of the band’s lineup was missing. Longtime drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola were absent, with Will Hunt (Evanescence) and Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) stepping in as their replacements.
A day before their first performance at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, frontman Sully Erna addressed the absence of Larkin and Rombola in an interview with Bulgarian rock radio station Z-Rock, citing “personal things” as the reason for their departure. However, in a now-deleted Facebook video, Larkin confirmed that he and Rombola had actually retired from Godsmack last year.
“There’s been lots of speculation about [why Tony and I aren’t on tour],” Larkin explained. “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, so we understood each other. And in the end, Godsmack’s out there touring and we are out here happily living our lives.”
Larkin elaborated, “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. Forty years I’ve been touring, 28 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 [Hunt] and Sam [Bam Koltun] all the best. All the fans, keep going – they’re kicking ass.
Sully said at the very end [of our conversation], ‘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.”
On April 2, Godsmack released an official statement confirming the departure of Rombola and Larkin:
“To our dearest friends and fans,
We send this message to all of you to share some bittersweet news regarding a significant change in our journey together.
After almost three 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.
The 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 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 Sully 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 continue 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.”
Tony Rombola joined Godsmack in 1995, replacing guitarist Lee Richards, and became a defining force in the band’s signature sound. Shannon Larkin came aboard in 2002, just after the release of Awake, and helped shape Godsmack’s explosive drumming style. Together, they played crucial roles in the band’s rise to success.
In 2018, Godsmack released When Legends Rise under their longtime label BMG, topping Billboard’s Top Rock, Top Hard Rock, and Top Alternative Albums charts. Their most recent album, Lighting Up the Sky (2023), peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. The album is available on CD, standard black vinyl, limited edition blue vinyl, and digital formats.
Even with the departure of Rombola and Larkin, Godsmack remains one of the best-selling hard rock acts of their generation. As the band moves forward into this new era, fans eagerly await the next chapter in their journey.
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