Godsmack frontman Sully Erna recently discussed the band’s future plans and explained why they decided against retirement. He shared insights about the group’s evolution in an interview with Billboard.
Erna revealed that he and founding member Robbie Merrill seriously considered ending the band before ultimately deciding to continue with new members and a fresh perspective.
“Me and Robbie sat down and had a long talk. We contemplated kind of retiring the band…but we were just like, ‘We don’t really want to stop yet. We feel like we have some gas in the tank. We love what we do,'” Erna said.
The frontman expressed confidence in the band’s new lineup and their ability to honor Godsmack’s legacy.
“(Hunt and Koltun) are strong, great players that really did an amazing job at honoring the music. Their attention to detail is perfect, (and) because the vocals don’t change I really think people will enjoy the music and the brand the same as they have in the past, because that’s really what it’s about. It’s about celebrating the music, celebrating the catalog,” he continued.
Erna drew parallels between the band’s current situation and their early beginnings. He emphasized a return to their roots.
“So we’re like, ‘Let’s run this thing and see how it feels.’ Me and Robbie started this thing together a long time ago; it was just me and him to begin with, now it’s back to me and him. We made a promise to each other in the early days –’we don’t know what this thing’s gonna be. Let’s just write some music, get in the studio, have fun with it, and no pressure.’ And the thing ended up turning into a multi-platinum brand,” he explained.
The singer expressed optimism about what he calls “Godsmack 2.0” while maintaining realistic expectations about the future.
“And now we’re kind of using the same concept. We don’t know if it’s gonna feel good, not feel good, if it’s gonna have longevity or if it’s gonna die next week. But we’ve got some gas in the tank now, so let’s go out there and run it and see how it feels, see how people respond. Who knows; we might get surprised again and have Godsmack 2.0 for the next 10 years running, the second chapter in my life,” Erna said.
Erna confirmed that fans can expect fresh material in the coming years.
“Definitely there’s gonna be a new record — I just don’t know when it’s coming. We’ll probably get some new music out by early ’27, I suppose. I’m starting to noodle (on new songs), but it’s a little too soon to say,” he concluded.
This announcement comes after a significant period of transition for the band. The group recently underwent major lineup changes that marked the end of an era.
TalkShopLive reported that Godsmack’s final performance with original members Tony Rombola (guitar) and Shannon Larkin (drums) took place at Mohegan Sun. The show marked what the band described as the “end of an era.” The performance represented the final curtain for the original core format that included Erna, Merrill, Rombola, and Larkin, who had been together for decades.
The band’s new lineup features guitarist Sam Koltun, formerly with Dorothy, and drummer Murph. TalkShopLive noted that Koltun joined after an audition where he “blew our mind.” He brings valuable experience from his previous work with other bands. Murph was selected as the new drummer. He was noted for being a “great guy, great player” with a strong visual presence that complements the band’s performance style.
The emotional farewell performance at Mohegan Sun will be preserved for posterity in a double live album titled “Godsmack: Live at Mohegan Sun.” The album is set for release on May 1, 2026. Erna has described this recording as “the most powerful thing they’ve ever recorded.” It captures the intensity and emotion of the original lineup’s final show together.
The revamped Godsmack has already begun booking performances for their new chapter. WMMR revealed that the band will headline MMRBQ 2026 on May 9, 2026, at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. They will share the stage with Alice Cooper, The Hooters, Everclear, and other notable acts. This performance represents one of their first major appearances with the new lineup as they “return home to New England” to deliver high-energy shows for their dedicated fanbase.
