October 2024, GODSMACK’s performance at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut marks the last performance featuring the classic GODSMACK lineup of vocalist‑guitarist Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin, following the decision by Rombola and Larkin to retire.

GODSMACK recently announced “The Rise Of Rock” 2026 tour, a North American run featuring special guests STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and DOROTHY, Sully said about the musicians replacing Rombola and Larkin on TalkShop Live:

We have a strong lineup right now. I wanna mention this — this is the first time I’ve said this on any platform. So you and the fans are hearing this for the first time. But we have welcomed in a new guitar player named Sam Koltun, who’s amazing. He was actually playing with Dorothy. He’s played with some other bands along the way. And he came in for an audition. And I gotta tell you, the guy blew our mind. His attention to detail, his performance, his playing really elevated the frontline a little bit more than it was. And he’s just an incredible guitar player. So I want people to know that, ’cause I want them to welcome him into this project. He really loves the band. He honored the music. He honored what Tony played. And, and I gotta tell you, it sounds identical. It’s incredible how well he can play the stuff and put his own little flair to things. And for the first time we’re gonna mention Wade Murff, who is gonna be the new drummer at this point. And again, great guy, great player, strong, looks great visually.

I think for people that are gonna come see GODSMACK now, they’re gonna really feel at home when they hear the band and how we sound because I don’t think much has changed in that aspect, but there’s this new breath of life now too,” Sully added. “There’s this thing that’s been like recharged, and it’s exciting.