GODSMACK

Godsmack formed in 1995 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, led by Sully Erna (vocals, guitar) and Robbie Merrill (bass) — the two founding members who, three decades later, are still in the band.

Their self-titled debut album, Godsmack (1998), established the band's sound. "I Stand Alone," released in 2002 as part of the soundtrack to The Scorpion King, became one of their most recognized tracks — and, twenty-four years later, the source of a second live-performance life (see Featured Video, above).

With Tony Rombola on guitar (since 1996) and Shannon Larkin on drums (since 2002) alongside Erna and Merrill, Godsmack released eight studio albums between Godsmack (1998) and Lighting Up the Sky (2023), sustaining that lineup across more than two decades of touring and recording.

Rombola and Larkin played their final show with the band on October 26, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Arena. The band officially confirmed their retirement on April 2, 2025. That final concert was documented on Godsmack Live at Mohegan Sun, released May 1, 2026 (see Live Recordings, below).

Since 2026, Sully Erna and Robbie Merrill have continued touring with Sam Koltun on guitar and Mike Mangini on drums — a lineup still in transition, with the band never officially declaring permanent membership for either. Koltun made his public debut on May 8, 2026; Mangini, formerly of Dream Theater, made his live debut on June 12, 2026, following a brief stint by interim drummer Wade Murff. Erna has publicly said he hopes Mangini continues, but specialized music-press coverage describes his role inconsistently — some outlets present it as temporary coverage for the rest of the tour, others as de facto membership. The band continues, in 2026, with The Rise of Rock, a world tour that includes new U.S. dates in October and a return to Mohegan Sun Arena on October 24, 2026 — the same stage where the classic lineup's last show took place.