Again in 2025 – and following some ambiguity – Loudwire reported on drummer Shannon Larkin (and guitarist Tony Rombola) formally quitting Godsmack as a result of they “did not wish to tour anymore.” The pair really left the group in 2024, and through his current YouTube livestream, Larkin reassured followers that “there was no exhausting emotions” as a result of frontman Sully Erna “understood” why Larkin left Godsmack.
What Did Larkin Say About Sully Erna + Leaving Godsmack?
The three-hour livestream happened final Friday (Could 1), and Larkin’s feedback about Godsmack began across the 41-minute mark (as he’s discussing drama and lineup modifications concerning bands comparable to Judas Priest and Pink Floyd).
“I’ve been in bands [for] a very long time, [and] it’s like being married. So, typically it ends ugly, you understand? That’s why with the Godsmack factor . . . I inform you individuals, it ended fantastically, and there was no exhausting emotions,” he started.
Larkin continued:
, Godsmack 2.0 is coming with Wade Murff on the drums and Sam Koltun on guitar. And it is gonna be badass, ‘trigger I do know Sully Erna and he is a badass, and he’ll make a badass file. And Godsmack will persevere – 2.0. – and no exhausting emotions on this facet as a result of it is all love. For many who do not know or could also be watching me for the primary time, the touring—I have been touring for 40 years, and I wanna once more say to [Oasis lead guitarist/vocalist] Noel Gallagher: I am not that dude that is sitting right here whining about bitching about it. It was the best years of my life, the final 40 years on this music enterprise. Touring my ass off. Make a file, tour, make a file, tour, make a file, tour. Increase! After which, you understand, till it wasn’t, and I used to be Forrest Gump.
He then defined why his longtime friendship with Erna helped make the separation simpler:
And so I ended, and it was okay. Sully understood, ‘trigger he knew me from the Wrathchild days, since 1986 [or ‘87], we met. That is for actual. There was no cell telephones or web, individuals. We wrote our numbers down after having met each other and stayed in contact for 17 years earlier than I joined Godsmack. So, we have been associates approach earlier than that, and so now we’re associates approach past that. And that is vital, I believe, particularly within the shifting on.
I at all times attempt to put my foot within the different shoe, and I might’ve been – oh! – upset, too, at first. And there is a bitterness that you just really feel when your homeboys go away your band. However, you perceive the rationale, and it is not any of the same old causes that break bands up, you understand, which is intercourse [and] medication. After I say “intercourse,” it is some dude in a band hits on the opposite man’s spouse or worse. Shit like that occurs and breaks bands up; we have seen it many instances.
You’ll be able to watch Larkin’s full livestream beneath:
Shannon Larkin Discusses Leaving Godsmack + Extra (Could 1, 2026)
READ MORE: Former Godsmack Drummer Shannon Larkin Reveals First Gig Since Exiting Group
Extra About Larkin’s Departure From Godsmack
Larkin changed founding drummer Tommy Stewart round 2002 and made his studio debut on Godsmack’s fourth LP, 2004’s Faceless. Naturally, he appeared on each subsequent file (together with their most up-to-date one, 2023’s Lighting Up the Sky, which was initially claimed to be their remaining album).
As alluded to earlier, Godsmack started their 2025 tour (in Sofia, Bulgaria) with Evanescence’s Will Hunt and Koltun filling in for Larkin and Rombola, respectively. On the time (late March 2025), Erna defined the touring lineup change as follows [via Blabbermouth]:
I can inform you that there has positively been some modifications which have occurred in the previous few months. They’re modifications that we’re undecided will probably be everlasting or momentary, however everyone and everyone seems to be in good well being and in actually good spirits. And the band is doing higher than ever.
All I can inform you proper now’s that the band is in good well being, we’re in good spirits, however there’s gonna be just a little little bit of a unique visible for everyone [at the Sofia show]. Tony and Shannon have some private issues occurring, and so they’re not with us. So now we have a few visitor musicians enjoying with us which can be phenomenal. . . . So no matter Tony and Shannon have occurring of their private life, we’re simply making an attempt to respect that and on the similar time nonetheless come right here and placed on a very nice present.
A few week later, Godsmack issued an announcement confirming that Larkin and Rombola have parted methods with the group:
After virtually 3 unimaginable a long time, two of our most cherished members, Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin, have determined to retire from the band completely, on good phrases, however for no different cause than to satisfy their need to dwell a extra easy and quiet life away from touring.
This choice was not made flippantly. Tony and Shannon have been such a giant a part of our historical past, bringing their distinctive abilities, creativity and keenness which have formed our music and our message. Collectively, now we have skilled numerous, unforgettable moments and heartfelt interactions with followers such as you all over the world. We’re immensely grateful for each reminiscence we have created collectively.
You’ll be able to see Godsmack’s full assertion beneath:
Across the similar time, Larkin shared a now-deleted video on Fb that – as transcribed by Blabbermouth – additional clarified the duo’s departure:
Effectively, there’s been a lot of hypothesis about [why Tony and I are not on the road]. Initially, I simply wanna thank everyone for the outpouring of texts, all my household and associates. I am okay. Tony’s okay. However we did give up the band final yr, after a lot of speaking to Sully and Robbie [Merrill, bass]. And so they understood that we did not wanna tour anymore — that is the rationale — and we understood that they needed to tour. And so we understood one another. And in the long run, Godsmack’s on the market touring and we’re fortunately right here dwelling our lives.
Tony turned 60. I am 58. Look, it is not a bodily factor. We wanna be residence with all the pieces that we love. [It’s been] 40 years — consider that; 40 years I have been touring. 28 years for Rombola. And we’re getting just a little older, so we determined to give up it. And that is it. However thanks. And we love you all, the followers and all the pieces.
This wasn’t a foul factor, and I do know it appears prefer it, however I’ll speak extra about it sooner or later. However it’s all love. We’re brothers for all times with Sully and Robbie, and we want Will and Sam the most effective. And all of the followers, preserve going [to the shows]. They’re kicking fucking ass. As Sully stated on the very finish, all good issues should come to an finish. So Godsmack did not come to an finish — it is only a new chapter for them — and it is definitely a brand new chapter for Tony and I. And we’re already making music, and everyone’s glad. So be glad, individuals.
Different Sully Larkin + Godsmack Information
Whereas Larkin has been retaining a comparatively personal and lowkey life, Godsmack are nonetheless going full drive in 2026.
Particularly, they’re becoming a member of Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy on the “Rise of Rock” world tour (which kicks off later this week and can span a number of international locations via finish of September). Amongst different locations, they’ll be showing at gigantic gatherings comparable to Welcome to Rockville, 93.3 WMMR MMRBQ, Sonic Temple Artwork & Music, Hills of Rock Competition, Reload Competition and Rocklahoma.
You’ll be able to see all of Godsmack’s upcoming tour dates – and seize tickets – right here.
If that weren’t sufficient, Godsmack issued their newest dwell set – Reside at Mohegan Solar – earlier this month. Recording in the course of the group’s sold-out October 2024 efficiency on the Mohegan Solar Enviornment in Uncasville, Connecticut, it’s doubly worthwhile because it captures the ultimate efficiency with the traditional lineup (Erna, Larkin, Rombola and Merrill).
In selling the discharge, the band acknowledged:
This new dwell live performance . . . is all the pieces you would ever ask for as a fan of our music, our journey via our profession, and our particular person personalities. Phrases are merely not sufficient to translate to you the way epic and vital this present is. It’s thrilling, it’s highly effective, and it’s extremely emotional being the final time you’ll ever see all 4 authentic members doing what we do greatest onstage collectively, in a bought out venue at Mohegan Solar Enviornment. So soak all of it in, even the bonus options.
You’ll be able to seize your copy right here.
How do you are feeling about Larkin’s reflections on his departure from Godsmack? Tell us!
The Songs 30 Enormous Rock + Steel Bands Solely Performed Reside As soon as
Notice: songs that have been performed as a part of a medley and canopy songs weren’t thought-about for this listing. Solely full performances of particular person songs have been taken into consideration.
Gallery Credit score: Joe DiVita
