Former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin has responded to the band’s decision to bring in ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini for their current tour. He shared his thoughts in a video on Shannon Larkin’s Inside Skinny Productions.
Larkin addressed the criticism from some fans who argue that Mangini is “overqualified” for the role. He pushed back on the notion that technical ability prevents a drummer from adapting to a more straightforward rock 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.
He went on to suggest that critics may not be fully familiar with Godsmack’s broader catalog. He noted that the band’s music extends beyond their most well-known tracks.
“And for what it’s worth, these people that feel this way, prog rock nation or whatever, they probably only heard the songs that everyone hears from Godsmack, and they don’t listen to the rest of the records where we’re not progressive, but we play more intricate metal riffs and songs, like ‘Locked & Loaded’, like ‘Livin’ In Sin’,” he continued. “I mean, I could name songs that aren’t just ‘Keep Away’ and ‘Voodoo’ and ‘Speak’ and ‘Cryin’ Like A Bitch’ or whatever.”
Larkin pointed to the band’s track record of success as evidence that their approach has worked. He also expressed confidence in Mangini’s ability to fit the role.
“And I’m certainly not defending it, because you just look at success, people. And we were very, very successful, and Godsmack will continue to be very successful, whether it’s Mike Mangini playing the drum or Sully Erna, who played on the first two records and could play the drums if he wants anyway,” he said. “But 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.”
Responding to fan comparisons circulating online — such as likening the pairing to Virgil Donati playing for AC/DC — Larkin shifted the focus to feel and vibe as qualities that transcend technical skill.
“So anyway, all these people are… They like to say, ‘That’s like if Virgil Donati played for AC/DC.’ And in every example that I’ve read, and as I see all these comments, I’m thinking, man, everybody that you’re naming, whether it’s in the positive sense, your Virgil or your whoever, you people will never be that,” he said. “You can have all the talent in the world, but what you don’t have is vibe or feel.”
Larkin closed by praising Mangini’s character. He suggested that true mastery of an instrument brings with it a sense of humility.
“And see, Mike has that too. But Mike’s not a man that would sit there and write, ‘Oh,’ negative remarks. Because with accomplishment on your instrument also comes these scores of hours, weekly or daily, of practice,” he said. “And so once you get to the level of a Mike Mangini, you gain humbleness. It just happens with greatness.”
Godsmack recruited Mangini to play the remainder of their 2026 “The Rise Of Rock” tour following the sudden departure of drummer Wade Murff. The move came amid a broader period of transition for the band, which had already seen Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola exit prior to the current run of dates.
Mangini made his live debut with Godsmack on June 12, 2026. Frontman Sully Erna formally introduced him to the crowd during the show, and his arrival was met with enthusiasm from fans in attendance.
Mangini served as the drummer for Dream Theater from 2010 to 2023. That tenure cemented his reputation as one of the most technically accomplished drummers in progressive metal and placed him among a short list of musicians widely regarded as elite practitioners of the instrument.
The first leg of “The Rise Of Rock” tour is scheduled to wrap up on July 3 in Bangor. The second leg is set to resume on September 6 in El Paso.
