Godsmack frontman Sully Erna has opened up about the emotional toll of losing two longtime band members. He fully supported their decision to step away from the group, yet the transition has been difficult for him personally.
“[Shannon] gave me the best years in this band. Tony as well. Those guys are just irreplaceable, as far as I can say, because they’re truly like brothers, and they always will be. And there’s no bad blood,” Erna explained. He acknowledged that both musicians had legitimate reasons for stepping back. Shannon Larkin had gotten sober several years ago and found touring no longer enjoyable. The physical and emotional demands of the road had simply become too much for both of them.
Erna emphasized that the departures were amicable. “They got to that point in their lives where they just didn’t wanna tour at this level anymore. It’s hard work. The road is a lonely place,” he stated. He further noted that the band honored their decision with respect. The band even held a retirement party for the two musicians, which was captured on film for the upcoming live album “Live At Mohegan Sun.”
However, Erna didn’t shy away from admitting his initial emotional struggle with the news. “I’m not gonna lie — I had some bitterness at first,” he confessed. “And even though I understood it, and they had my blessing, they had my respect, and it wasn’t anything that kind of fell out on bad terms, it didn’t sit with me well.” He revealed that watching the documentary footage of the retirement celebration moved him deeply. He cried multiple times while reviewing the edits.
The departures of Rombola and Larkin mark the end of a significant era for Godsmack. Drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola retired from Godsmack in April 2025 after years of dedicated service, according to NumetalAgenda. Larkin had been with Godsmack since 2002, bringing valuable experience from his previous work with Wrathchild America and Ugly Kid Joe. Rombola had served as the band’s lead guitarist since the mid-1990s, making both musicians integral to the group’s sound and identity.
The loss of these two core members represents the end of 30 years of musical partnership for Erna. As he reflected on the impact of their departure, Erna emphasized the profound emotional weight of closing this chapter. “It’s 30 years of my life, and they were truly the best parts of my life. So, yeah, closing that chapter, it took me a minute to kind of get ahold of it, but it’s coming.”
Despite the emotional challenges of the transition, Godsmack is not disbanding. Frontman Sully Erna has confirmed the band will continue with replacement members and has plans for new material in 2026, according to WRAT. Erna is actively recruiting musicians to fill the void left by Rombola and Larkin’s departures. He noted that he is still in trial periods with potential candidates but remains optimistic about the band’s future direction.
