Sully Erna Says Godsmack Is Taking a Full Year Off Following European Tour — Here’s Why
After wrapping up a high-energy world tour in early 2025, iconic hard rock outfit Godsmack is officially hitting pause. Frontman Sully Erna confirmed that the band will be taking a full year off, marking a rare moment of rest for the group after three decades of relentless touring and recording.
A Pause After a Global Run
In a recent in-depth interview with Hungarian outlet HammerWorld, Erna opened up about the band’s future and reflected on Godsmack’s 30-year journey. When asked what lies ahead, Erna’s answer was clear: “After this European tour, we’re taking a full year off.”
While that may sound like a major step back, Erna was quick to note that the downtime won’t mean creative inactivity. “I’ll probably start something new during that time—I just don’t know what yet,” he said. “I usually work on Godsmack for a certain amount of time, and then when we take a break, I shift to solo stuff. I think I might do that again.”
Erna also hinted at a potential pivot to film and television work, adding, “I’ve started getting some offers to focus on TV and film. I might end up writing music for movies or even acting again.”
A Surprising Resurgence in Popularity
Despite lineup shifts and the passage of time, Godsmack is arguably more popular than ever. Erna described a renewed energy among fans and a noticeable uptick in attendance. “We did Sofia, Bulgaria—sold out in two days, over 13,000 people. Romania was big, and so was Poland,” he said. “There’s this new interest in the band again, and we’re seeing a younger generation growing up listening to us.”
He emphasized that this growth isn’t driven by a new album cycle, but by something deeper. “We’re not promoting a new record right now,” Erna said. “We’re just promoting the brand, the legacy. We’re playing our greatest hits and doing it because we love it. We’re back in control—not the record labels, not the management. That’s the greatest gift.”
Lineup Changes Behind the Scenes
The 2025 tour also marked a major transition for the band. Longtime drummer Shannon Larkin and lead guitarist Tony Rombola stepped away from touring, citing a desire to live a simpler, quieter life. In their place, Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill were joined by touring members Will Hunt (drums) and Sam Koltun (guitar).
In March, Erna addressed the changes: “Tony and Shannon have some personal things going on, and they’re not with us. So we have a couple of guest musicians playing with us that are phenomenal.”
In an official statement issued in April, Godsmack confirmed that Larkin and Rombola had exited on good terms and would not be continuing with the band “for no other reason than to fulfill their desire to live a more simple and quiet life away from touring.”
Still, Larkin hasn’t disappeared from the stage entirely—he recently filled in for Jamie Miller with Snot at Welcome to Rockville, showing that his drumsticks haven’t collected dust just yet.
What’s Next for Sully Erna?
While Godsmack is on pause for the rest of the year, Sully Erna himself isn’t stepping away from the spotlight. He’s scheduled to perform a solo show at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio Concert Series in Uncasville, Connecticut on Saturday, September 6. Fans can expect a more intimate performance—and possibly a glimpse into whatever creative venture Erna decides to tackle next.
Final Album, Ongoing Legacy
Godsmack’s most recent studio album, Lighting Up the Sky (2023), was announced as their final full-length release. But even without new records on the horizon, the band continues to build on its legacy—proving that timeless music and genuine passion for performing can keep a band thriving for generations.
As Erna put it: “We’ve survived so much over the years, gone through tough times, and we’re still here. People keep coming to the shows. The band hasn’t stopped growing—and I couldn’t be happier.”