Shannon Larkin & Tony Rombola Announce Their Departure from Godsmack

Longtime Godsmack members, drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist/vocalist Tony Rombola, have officially confirmed their departure from the multi-platinum hard rock band. Speculation surrounding their status began when Godsmack kicked off their overseas tour last month with Sam Bam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) on guitar and Will Hunt (Evanescence) on drums.

At the time, frontman Sully Erna addressed the lineup changes, stating:

“I can tell you that there definitely have been some changes that have happened in the last few months. They are changes that we’re not sure will be permanent or temporary, but everybody is in good health and in really good spirits. And the band is doing better than ever.”

He later elaborated, adding:

“Tony and Shannon have some personal things going on, and they’re not with us. So we have a couple of guest musicians playing with us that are phenomenal.”

Larkin has now confirmed their exit in a since-deleted video, explaining that their decision was based on a desire to step away from life on the road:

“There’s been lots of speculation about that. 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, and so we understood each other and in the end, Godsmack’s out there touring and we are out here happily living our lives.

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. 40 years I’ve been touring, 28 years 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 it’s all love. We’re brothers for life with Sully and Robbie, and we wish Will and Sam all the best. All the fans, keep going – they’re kicking ass. Sully said at the very end, ‘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.”

[via Metal Injection]

For now, Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill continue to lead the charge with their updated touring lineup as Godsmack moves forward.

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