Last month, Godsmack kicked off their 2015 European tour. Noticeably missing was drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola.
The day before the gig, frontman Sully Erna told Bulgaria radio station Z-Rock that “personal things” were preventing Larkin and Rombola from taking part in their European tour. He added that “a couple of guest musicians” would instead be joining them on those dates, and that he and bassist Robbie Merrill were “trying to figure out exactly what’s happening.”
He continued: “I can tell you that there has definitely been some changes that have happened in the last few months. They are changes that we’re not sure will be permanent or temporary…”
Now, Larkin has broken his silence on the situation. In a since-deleted video shared to Facebook, the drummer addressed his absence from Godsmack’s current tour, saying:
“Well, there’s been lots of speculation about [why Tony and I are not on the road].
“First of all, I just wanna thank everybody for the outpouring of texts, all my family and friends. I’m okay. Tony’s okay. But we did quit the band last year, after lots of talking to Sully and Robbie. And they understood that we didn’t wanna tour anymore — that’s the reason — and we understood that they wanted to tour. And so we understood each other. And in the end, Godsmack’s out there touring and we are happily here living our lives.
“Tony turned 60. I’m 58. Look, it’s not a physical thing. We wanna be home with everything that we love.
“[It’s been] 40 years — think of that; 40 years I’ve been touring. 28 years for Rombola. And we’re getting a little older, so we decided to quit it. And that’s it.
“But thanks. And we love you all, the fans and everything.
“This wasn’t a bad thing, and I know it looks like it, but I will talk more about it in the future. But it’s all love. We’re brothers for life with Sully and Robbie, and we wish Will and Sam the best. And all the fans, keep going [to the shows]. They’re kicking f*cking a**.
“As Sully said at the very end, all good things must come to an end. So Godsmack didn’t come to an end — it’s just a new chapter for them — and it’s certainly a new chapter for Tony and I. And we’re already making music, and everybody’s happy. So be happy, people.”
After Larkin shared his video, the band released a statement on their Facebook page officially announcing Larkin and Rombola’s exit from the band.
“After almost 3 incredible decades, two of our most cherished members, Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin have decided to retire from the band permanently, on good terms, but for no other reason than to fulfill their desire to live a more simple and quiet life away from touring” the statement reads, in part.
