Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew recently discussed the band’s new era following a significant lineup change. He shared his thoughts on how the transition has revitalized the legendary rock group in an interview with The CMS Metal Show.
The conversation centered around the band’s recent vocalist change, where Carl Sentance departed in 2025 and was replaced by 48-year-old Gianni Pontillo. When asked about the challenges of making such a change at this stage of their career and what qualities they sought in a new singer, Agnew provided insight into how the transition unfolded.
“Well, that’s what happened with this. This man fell into a lap but was late. It was a gift from the Gods. Gianni is an amazing vocalist and he’s an amazing vocalist for Nazareth,” Agnew said. “He actually creates the Nazareth sound that people would want to hear.”
The bassist emphasized how well Pontillo fits the band’s legacy and vision.
“This is the guy that’s really filled the slot of Dan McCafferty if you like. He’s got an amazing voice and he loves that. He’s a much younger guy as well. I mean, Gianni’s only 48, but his favorite period of rock comes from the same time as us,” Agnew continued. “You know, all the songs that we like, it’s all the same thing. So, he’s an amazing singer. He’s a very nice man, which is great.”
Agnew also described the positive impact the change has had on both the band and their audience.
“And he just came along at the right time. I’d never known the guy up until about a year and a half ago, when first one was first pointed out to me. And I was absolutely blown away when I heard him singing. And the great thing is all the fans are absolutely in love with him,” he said. “So we’ve only played half a dozen shows, I think. And everyone, you know, everybody’s raving about not just him about the band in general, you know. It’s really lifted the sort of spirits of the band and the whole atmosphere of the thing as an atmosphere of rejuvenation, you know. It feels as if we just had some really nice medicine.”
The singer change represents a significant moment in Nazareth’s long history, particularly given the band’s deep connection to its founding members and the legacy of its previous vocalists.
Noise11 reported that Gianni Pontillo is a Swiss-born Italian vocalist who brings extensive experience from the European rock scene. Since 2019, he has served as the frontman of German heavy metal band Victory, which is led by ex-Accept guitarist Herman Frank. Before joining Victory, Pontillo performed with several groups including Pure Inc., The Order, and Souls Revival. In 2023, he launched his own project called Pontillo & The Vintage Crew.
The departure of Carl Sentance marked the end of a decade-long tenure with the band. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Sentance was replaced in December 2025 after serving as Nazareth’s lead singer since 2015. Co-founding bassist Pete Agnew announced the split with a brief statement: “Carl Sentance and Nazareth have come to a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band.”
Agnew’s reference to Pontillo filling “the slot of Dan McCafferty” carries particular significance in the band’s history. Wikipedia documented that Dan McCafferty was Nazareth’s founding frontman, having joined the band when it formed in December 1968 alongside Pete Agnew, guitarist Manny Charlton, and drummer Darrell Sweet. McCafferty retired in 2013 after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that restricted his breathing. He passed away on November 8, 2022, at age 76, leaving Pete Agnew as the last surviving original member.
The new lineup has already begun performing live, with Pontillo making his debut with Nazareth on February 26, 2026. American Songwriter revealed that Pete Agnew described 2026 as “one of the busiest years in Nazareth’s history,” with plans to return to touring throughout the year following the completion of their Bending the Rules Tour in Berlin.
