The couple recently collaborated in the studio on a new song ahead of their joint tour
Ahead of their joint tour that kicks off next month, Godsmack frontman Sully Erna and Dorothy namesake Dorothy Martin have revealed that they are in a romantic relationship. Back in February, the pair attended the Jam for Janie – an annual Grammy Awards party hosted by Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler. The new couple recently joined forces in the studio for a new song which is set to drop imminently.
During an April 23 interview with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Sully, 58, revealed for the first time that he and Dorothy, 40, had entered into a romantic relationship.
“Me and her connected originally because we both went through some history with bad relationships,” Sully stated. “A lot of people kind of go through these things, but we have the opportunity to kind of voice it and vent through our art. So we both kind of had gone through a similar situation that just felt really appropriate to kind of write about it and set it free – and the song became obvious. And it’s just a down and dirty good hard rock song. And it’s not a ballad, it’s nothing sappy. It’s actually the opposite.”
Sully adds, “It’s actually really good. It’s a banger. It’s coming out soon.”
Dorothy would jump in on the chat, and gushed about the Godsmack frontman.
“I love this man,” she said emphatically. “He’s such a good, solid man. I feel safe with him. And we had a wonderful friendship for months and months. I’ve never laughed so much in my life. My face hurts.”
Next month, Godsmack are returning to the road in May for a huge tour across North America with very special guest Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy. The Rise of Rock Tour kicks off Sunday, May 10 in Bristow, Virginia at Jiffy Lube Live and makes stops across the U.S. and Canada, including Austin, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, and California, before wrapping Saturday, September 26 at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, Idaho.
Known for their ferocious live shows and decades-long dominance at rock radio, Godsmack continue to raise the bar with a career-spanning set that celebrates their legacy while ushering in a bold new chapter — joined by two powerhouse acts that have helped shape modern rock’s past, present, and future.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be part of the Rise of Rock Tour,” Dorothy Martin said in a statement. “I grew up on Godsmack and STP, so this is my 16-year-old self’s dream come true!”
Over the last decade, Dorothy has issued four studio albums and amassed over 1 billion streams. The group’s latest effort The Way came out nearly a year ago. Another home run for the band, the album features hits like “The Devil I Know,” “Unholy Water,” “Superhuman,” and “Tombstone Town” which features a very special guest appearance by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
Back in December, band leader Dorothy Martin revealed that she had parted ways with her longtime label, Roc Nation.
“After over a decade of writing, recording, touring, and singing Roc Nation and I have parted ways. I look forward to this next chapter of my life with beaming optimism. God has good plans. He is a faithful and merciful protector and provider. I bless everyone that has been part of this journey with gratitude in my heart. While a core team of stellar colleagues remans around me I’m looking forward to the new partners that will soon coalesce with our orbit.”
After previously stating emphatically that the band’s last album ‘Lighting Up the Sky’ would be the final LP of the band’s career, Godsmack frontman Sully Erna has given fans some hope that more new music could be on the horizon.
In a recent interview with Kylie Olsson on the Life In Six Strings Podcast, Sully was asked whether there could be a tenth Godsmack album.
“I think there will,” Sully stated. “I said there wasn’t going to be, and at least I know there won’t be with the original members.”
He elaborated, saying “[Shannon and Tony] have [officially retired], and very honorably, and we’re still really good friends. There’s no drama there. I’m putting some new people in place. I’m still in some trial periods, but we have some plans coming in 2026 that we’re excited about. And it’s gonna be good. I mean, the band’s coming into the height of our career. All these years later we’re hitting another moment where we’re doing our best attendance. And it’s kind of come full circle.”
Last March, Godsmack launched a European headlining 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 April 2, 2025, 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.”
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 of the best-selling hard rock acts of their generation.
With over 20 years of chart-topping success, the Boston rock band has cemented themselves as 21st-century hard rock titans. To date, they’ve accomplished a staggering 11 No. 1 singles at mainstream rock radio, including “Bulletproof,” “Unforgettable,” “When Legends Rise,” and “Under Your Scars,” all from the band’s most recent album. Additionally, they’ve enjoyed 20 Top 10 hits at the format–the most of any act since February 1999–as well as four Grammy nominations and were named Billboard Music Award’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. Selling over 20 million records worldwide, the band has released seven studio albums; Godsmack (1998), Awake (2000), Faceless (2003), IV (2006), The Oracle (2010), 1000hp (2014), and When Legends Rise (2018).