Who Left:: Drummer Shannon Larkin (joined 2002) and guitarist Tony Rombola (joined 1996).
Why:: Both members decided to retire from touring permanently to pursue a quieter life off the road. Larkin (58) cited his 40 years of touring and Rombola (60) his 28 years.
Amicable Split:: Both the departing members and the remaining band (Sully Erna, Robbie Merrill) confirmed the split is amicable and on good terms, emphasizing they remain 'brothers for life'.
Temporary Replacements:: Will Hunt (Evanescence) is filling in on drums, and Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) is filling in on guitar for the current European tour.
Band Continues:: Godsmack plans to continue touring and exploring new directions, with decisions on permanent replacements to be announced later.
Why this matters:: This marks the end of an era for Godsmack's lineup, impacting the band's dynamic after decades. However, the core of Sully Erna and Robbie Merrill remain, signaling the band's continuation rather than its end.
Fans began noticing the absence of Larkin and Rombola during Godsmack's 2025 European tour kickoff. Singer Sully Erna initially mentioned 'changes' and 'personal things' keeping the members away, leading to speculation.
Shannon Larkin addressed the situation directly in a (since-deleted) video statement, confirming he and Rombola quit the band in 2024. He clarified the decision stemmed purely from a desire to cease extensive touring after long careers (40 years for Larkin, 28 for Rombola) and spend more time at home. He stressed it wasn't due to physical issues or conflict.
Godsmack corroborated this in an official statement, expressing gratitude for Larkin and Rombola's contributions over nearly 30 years and respecting their decision to retire from the road. They described the departure as the 'end of an era' but also an opportunity for 'new and exciting possibilities'.
While Godsmack released what they called their final studio album, *Lighting Up the Sky*, in 2023, Sully Erna has previously stated the band intends to continue performing their legacy hits live. The band, now led by Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill, is currently touring Europe with temporary members Will Hunt and Sam Bam Koltun. Permanent replacements have not yet been decided, but the band assures fans they will continue their journey and share updates as they happen.
Larkin wished the band and the temporary members well, encouraging fans to keep supporting Godsmack, stating 'they're kicking ass'. Both departing members are reportedly already working on new music separately.
Did Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola get fired from Godsmack?
No, they voluntarily quit the band in 2024, deciding to retire from touring.
Is there bad blood between the members?
No, both the band's statement and Larkin's comments emphasize the split was amicable and respectful.
Who is playing drums and guitar for Godsmack now?
Currently, Will Hunt (Evanescence) is on drums and Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy) is on guitar as temporary fill-ins for the European tour.
Is Godsmack breaking up?
No, remaining members Sully Erna and Robbie Merrill plan to continue Godsmack, tour, and will eventually decide on permanent replacements.
Godsmack's live sound might have subtle differences with the new temporary lineup, but the core energy driven by Sully Erna and Robbie Merrill remains.
Fans can expect the band to continue performing their extensive catalog of hits live for the foreseeable future, even without new studio albums planned.
The departure highlights the toll extensive touring can take on musicians after decades on the road.
This is a major shift for Godsmack after such a long and stable lineup. What are your favorite memories with Shannon and Tony in the band? Do you think this opens up interesting new possibilities for Godsmack's sound?
*Share this article with other Godsmack fans who need to know about this change!*
Consequence
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