Godsmack were very adamant about Lighting Up the Sky being the band’s final album upon its release in 2023, but now frontman Sully Erna says there’s a good chance the veteran rock act will release at least one more LP.
While promoting Lighting Up the Sky in February 2023, Erna told Heavy Consequence why it would be the band’s final release, explaining, “We’ve come to this realization that it’s time because — and I say this as humbly as I can — we’re coming up on almost 30 years of the band being together. We have 26 Top 10 singles and 12 number ones. I mean, God, this record we’re feeling is probably the best work we’ve ever done.”
He continued, “At what point do we start honoring the career and the music and putting together our greatest hits show? Who wants to go see Aerosmith and not hear ‘Dream On’ and ‘Same Old Song and Dance,’ and all the greatest songs that have been the soundtrack to our lives?”
Related Video
However, things have changed in the Godsmack camp since then, as drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola both retired from the band this past spring.
In a new interview with Life in Six Strings with Kylie Olsson, the host asked Erna if there will be another Godsmack album, to which he responds (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), “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.”
He added, “[Shannon and Tony] have [officially retired], and very honorably. And we’re still really good friends. There’s no drama there. 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. 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.”
Godsmack played their 2025 shows with guitarist Sam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) and current Evanescence drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence) joining Erna and founding bassist Robbie Merrill in the touring lineup. As Erna mentioned above, it appears the lineup moving forward is not set in stone yet.
As of now, Godsmack are set to play the Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple festivals in May, followed by a run of European shows in July. Pick up tickets here.
Watch Sully Erna’s interview with Life in Six Strings with Kylie Olsson below.
