GODSMACK’s Sully Erna Talks Band Hiatus, Lineup Shakeup, and “Resurgence” of Fans

Despite what frontman Sully Erna calls a “resurgence” in interest, Godsmack are preparing to take an extended break. The multi-platinum hard rock mainstays—who officially transitioned into legacy status back in 2022—are planning to step away for a full year after wrapping up their current European run. Having closed the chapter on new music with the release of Lighting Up The Sky, the band’s focus has shifted fully to live performance.

The lineup has also undergone a major shift, with drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist/vocalist Tony Rombola recently exiting the group. That leaves Erna and bassist/vocalist Robbie Merrill as the sole remaining members of the classic lineup.

Speaking with Hammer World this spring, Erna opened up about the upcoming hiatus—and the creative possibilities it might bring.

“After this European tour, we’re taking a full year off. I’ll probably start something new during that time — I just don’t know what yet. I usually work on Godsmack for a certain amount of time, and then when we take a break, I shift to solo stuff. I think I might do that again.

This year is a bit of a mystery, but I’ve started getting some offers to focus on TV and film. I’m getting more and more involved in it, so I think I’m going to pursue that a little bit and see where it goes. I might end up writing music for movies or even acting again.

I’ve done that before and I really enjoyed it, so I’d like to do more. I’m definitely exploring other things besides Godsmack to keep me occupied while we figure out what’s next for the band. Right now, I honestly don’t know.”

Erna added:

“What I do know is there’s been a resurgence of Godsmack. When we come out now, we’re playing to bigger and bigger audiences. We did Sofia, Bulgaria — sold out in two days, over 13,000 people. Romania was big and so was Poland. There’s this new interest in the band again, and we’re seeing a younger generation growing up listening to us. A lot of young kids are coming to our shows now, along with their parents. It’s wild.

We’ve survived so much over the years, gone through tough times, and we’re still here. We’re still relevant and writing good music. People keep coming to the shows, the band hasn’t stopped growing, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s nice to just get back to playing again without any obligations.

We’re not promoting a new record or anything right now. We’re just promoting the brand, the legacy. We’re doing these greatest hits shows and playing music simply because we love it. We’re back in control again — not the record labels, not the management company. Godsmack is back in control, and that, to me, is the greatest gift.”

Based on the crowd sizes Erna mentioned, it’s hard to argue with his assessment. While the band has struggled in some international markets—canceling a 2023 South American run due to poor ticket sales—they’ve clearly made inroads elsewhere. Interestingly, Larkin noted in 2023, “…We’ve never made money in Europe ever. Period. And we’ve been there 15 times or whatever.” Now, it seems that narrative may finally be shifting.

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