Godsmack frontman Sully Erna recently explained why former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini was the right choice to replace Shannon Larkin. He shared his thoughts during an appearance on Rock 100.5 The KATT FM.
Erna discussed the band’s recently released live album, Live At Mohegan Sun, which served as a tribute to their classic lineup of Erna, Shannon Larkin, Tony Rombola, and Robbie Merrill. He also addressed the transition to the band’s new lineup.
“It was the perfect way to retire [Larkin and Rombola] as they wanted to and kind of close that chapter,” Erna said. “But me and Robbie had a conversation. We were, like, ’We’re not ready to give it up yet. We still feel young. We still feel good. We wanna play music. We love it.’”
He went on to express his excitement about the band’s current lineup, which now features Mangini and guitarist Sam Bam Koltun.
“We got two monsters in the band now — Mike Mangini and Sam Bam Koltun,” Erna continued. “And I gotta tell you, the band’s just as strong now, if not stronger than ever. So I’m happy.”
Erna also emphasized the high level of skill required to fill Larkin’s shoes, noting that Mangini was the ideal choice for the role.
“Well, that goes to show you how good Shannon was, and is, because you need someone at Mangini’s level to be able to cover what Shannon does,” Erna added. “There it is.”
The move brings one of metal’s most technically accomplished drummers into Godsmack’s hard-rock setting. Mangini’s extensive experience helps explain why Erna viewed him as a suitable successor to Larkin.
Mangini joined Dream Theater in 2010 after winning the audition to replace founding drummer Mike Portnoy. Mangini remained with Dream Theater until 2023, when Portnoy returned to the progressive-metal band. During his 13-year tenure, he performed on several albums, including A Dramatic Turn of Events, Distance Over Time, and A View from the Top of the World.
Mangini continued developing new projects after his Dream Theater departure, including the band Monolith. His work outside Dream Theater further demonstrates the breadth of his experience as a performer.
Mangini’s arrival in Godsmack’s live lineup was a notable transition for the band. His history with Dream Theater adds a different dimension to Godsmack’s established sound.
Previously, Shannon Larkin shared his own thoughts on Mangini joining Godsmack, dismissing the idea that Mangini’s technical background would conflict with the band’s style.
“The talent level of Mike Mangini being supremely high in the drum world does not mean that Mike Mangini can’t come in and slam a drum like me or John Bonham or whoever plays a simpler style of music,” Larkin said. “I know that Mike would not overplay and wouldn’t feel bored playing in a big rock band like Godsmack if it’s not… I just hate the word ‘overqualified’ in drumming.”
This transition marks a new chapter for Godsmack as the band continues to perform with Mangini and Koltun while honoring the legacy of its classic lineup.
