Godsmack's New Era: Wade Murff & Sam Koltun Join

0:00It's May 2nd, welcome to music news today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Shannon Larkin, the former Godsmack drummer, just opened up on his YouTube live stream about retiring a year and a half ago after they're lighting up the Sky Tour. He says it all ended beautifully with no hard feelings toward frontman Sully Urna. Now Godsmack is launching version 2.0 with new drummer Wade Murph and guitarist Sam Colton and Shannon's hyped for their next badass. Record Sully Urna confirmed last year that Larkin and guitarist Tony Rambola stepped away on good terms to chase a simpler life off the road. The band brought in Evanessence's Will Hunt on drums and Colton for a European tour back in spring of 2025 signaling fresh directions. Ahead, fans got emotional over the changes, but the split felt respectful after decades of grinding tours. That relentless schedule beat up their bodies, especially post-abriety for Shannon, so they hugged it out and moved on.

1:00The new live album, Live at Mohican Sun, dropped May 1st, captures their final show with the original lineup from October 26th 20th 24, like a heartfelt retirement party. Wade Murph, a session beast who's drummed for Daughtry, Prong, and Sebastian Bach, steps in strong with metal chops inspired by Slayer and Pantera. Sam Colton, fresh from Dorothy, nails Tony's parts with Flair, rehearsal starts soon and Sully swears the sound stays true while feeling recharged. God's Max locked in for the rise of Rock Tour next year, hitting spots from Bristol, Virginia, on May 10th through Namba Idaho in late September, with stone temple pilots and Dorothy along for the ride. They're pumped, sounding solid, and ready to keep the blue collar rock alive.