Guitarist Sonny Mayo has officially parted ways with the reactivated Santa Barbara-based metal/punk rock group SNOT. The news was confirmed by fellow guitarist Mikey Doling, who shared a video message to announce Mayo’s decision to leave the band. According to Doling, Mayo stepped away because the band’s current schedule no longer aligns with his personal life and priorities.
In his statement, Doling expressed support and gratitude toward Mayo, acknowledging his long-standing contributions to SNOT. He wished him well in his future endeavors and emphasized that the departure came from a place of mutual respect and understanding. “We love you, brother,” Doling added in his farewell message.
To fill the vacant spot, the band has brought in Doc Coyle, known for his work with GOD FORBID and formerly BAD WOLVES. Coyle will serve as a temporary guitarist for SNOT’s upcoming live performances. Doling welcomed him into the fold and thanked him for stepping up during this transitional period.
SNOT recently unveiled plans for a European tour scheduled for August 2025. The tour will include eight dates and mark the group’s return to the continent, this time with their new vocalist Andy Knapp. Knapp joined SNOT earlier this year and performed his debut show with the band on January 17 at the Parish room at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. That performance was livestreamed via Instagram, giving fans a first glimpse of the new lineup in action. Knapp also appeared with the band the following night at Brick By Brick in San Diego. Outside of SNOT, Knapp is also the frontman for the Southern California group STRONGER THAN MACHINES.
In a recent episode of The Garza Podcast, hosted by SUICIDE SILENCE guitarist Chris Garza, Doling and bassist John “Tumor” Fahnestock confirmed that SNOT has plans to work on new music. With drummer Jamie Miller rounding out the current roster, the band appears to be moving forward with creative momentum.
Ahead of the European tour, SNOT is scheduled to play two club shows this month. These lead into their appearance at the Welcome To Rockville festival in May in Daytona Beach, Florida. The band is also set to perform at several European festivals and the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio this summer.
SNOT’s history is deeply rooted in both tragedy and resilience. The band originally disbanded in 1998 following the death of their original singer Lynn Strait, whose passing brought an abrupt end to a promising career that had only just begun. Strait died in a car accident on Highway 101 in Mussel Shoals, California, when his car was struck by a pickup truck. The 30-year-old singer died at the scene, along with his bulldog Dobbs, who had become the band’s mascot and appeared on the cover of their 1997 debut album Get Some.
At the time of Strait’s death, the band had been working on a second album and had completed 10 songs. In tribute, they released Strait Up, a posthumous project featuring guest vocals from prominent artists across the alternative metal scene, including members of SLIPKNOT, KORN, LIMP BIZKIT, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, and others. The album served as a powerful homage to Strait’s legacy.
SNOT reemerged over the years with various lineup changes. In 2014, they recruited Carl Bensley from VITIATE and CONSUME THE FIRE following the departure of Tommy “Vext” Cummings, who had previously fronted the band from 2008 to 2009. Both Cummings and Mayo left the group amid reported “strained relationships” at the time.
Despite the shifts in membership, SNOT continues to forge ahead, fueled by both nostalgia and a renewed creative spark. With a new vocalist, a seasoned temporary guitarist, and fresh material in the works, the band is once again making waves in the heavy music scene.
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