The band kicked off a European tour on March 22 with Larkin and Rambola notably absent
UPDATED: April 2, 2025 at 3:42pm EST
On March 22, hard rock heavyweights Godsmack kicked off their European tour. When the group took the stage, half of the band was noticeably absent. Longtime members Shannon Larkin (drums) and Tony Rombola (guitar) were not in their usual spots. Instead, drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence) and guitarist Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) stepped in.
The day before the first show at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, frontman Sully Erna revealed in an interview with Bulgarian rock radio station Z-Rock that “personal things” were preventing Larkin and Rombola from taking part in the upcoming tour.
In a since-deleted video that was shared on his Facebook, Shannon seemingly confirmed that he and Tony had actually retired from Godsmack last year.
“There’s been lots of speculation about [why Tony and I aren’t on tour],” Shannon said. “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.”
He continued, “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 its 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 Wednesday, April 2, Godsmack released an official statement.
“To our dearest friends and fans,
We send this message to all of you to share some bittersweet news with you 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 quite 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, bit 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.”
Considered members of Godsmack’s “classic lineup,” Tony Rombola joined the band in 1995 after the departure of guitarist Lee Richards. Shannon Larkin joined later on in 2002 just after the band released their seminal sophomore effort, Awake.
Godsmack released When Legends Rise back in 2018 via their long-time label BMG. The record hit No. 1 across Billboard’s Top Rock, Top Hard Rock, and Top Alternative Albums charts. The band released their eighth studio album Lighting Up the Sky in 2023. The record hit No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart. It is be available on CD, standard black vinyl, and limited edition blue vinyl. Fans can also purchase the album digitally.
To date, they are one one of the best-selling hard rock acts of their generation.
