Sully Erna recently provided a major update on Godsmack’s future, teasing a reinvented version of the band with new members and plans for 2026, as shared in an interview with Kylie Olsson.
The frontman addressed speculation about a potential tenth Godsmack album, despite previously ruling out the possibility.
“I think there will. I said there wasn’t going to be, and at least I know there won’t be with the original members. [Shannon and Tony] have [officially retired], and very honorably, and we’re still really good friends. There’s no drama there,” Erna said.
He continued to outline the band’s evolving lineup and future prospects.
“I’m putting some new people in place. I’m still in some trial periods, but we have some plans coming in 2026 that we’re excited about. And it’s gonna be good,” he continued. “I mean, the band’s coming into the height of our career. All these years later we’re hitting another moment where we’re doing our best attendance. And it’s kind of come full circle.”
This marks a significant shift from Erna’s previous stance on new Godsmack material and the band’s future direction.
Blabbermouth reported that Erna had definitively ruled out new music in an October 2024 interview, stating: “There’ll be no more new GODSMACK… we’re gonna go out now and start honoring the catalog of music that we created over the last 30 years.” His recent comments represent a complete reversal of this position as the band undergoes major lineup changes.
The band’s 2026 plans are already taking shape with concrete tour dates. ERR News confirmed that Godsmack will headline several European festivals, including Leyendas Del Rock in Spain, Dynamo Metal Fest in the Netherlands, and the Tallinn Rock Festival scheduled for July 31 to August 2, 2026.
These upcoming performances will likely serve as the testing ground for the band’s new lineup configuration. The PRP noted that Erna’s openness to creating new material comes directly after the sizable lineup changes, suggesting the fresh blood in the band has reinvigorated his creative ambitions.
The timing of this announcement comes as Godsmack continues to build on the success of their latest release. Blabbermouth revealed that their most recent album “Lighting Up The Sky” was released in February 2023 via BMG, following their 2018 gold-certified “When Legends Rise.” This demonstrates the band’s continued commercial viability even as they transition into this new era.
The announcement marks a significant transition for Godsmack as they prepare to enter a new chapter with fresh members while maintaining their momentum.
