Just when the rock world thought the book was closed on Godsmack’s studio career, Sully Erna has officially ripped up the script. After adamantly stating that 2023’s Lighting Up The Sky would be the band’s final “full body of work,” the departure of original members Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin has triggered a massive creative rebirth. Erna has confirmed that a brand-new Godsmack album is officially in the works, effectively launching “Godsmack 2.0.” But the bombshells don’t stop at the music—Sully has also taken his high-profile romantic relationship with hard rock powerhouse Dorothy public, confirming that the two are “best friends in love” and ready to dominate the road together.
The Godsmack 2.0 & Romance Cheat Sheet:
- The Reversal: Despite a 2022 retirement vow, Sully Erna confirms a new Godsmack record is planned for an early 2027 release.
- The Lineup: The “New Chapter” features drummer Wade Murff and guitarist Sam Koltun (of Dorothy’s band).
- The Romance: Sully Erna and Dorothy are officially a couple, with Dorothy recommending “falling in love with your best friend.”
- The Collaboration: The couple will release a new song together titled “Set Me Free” ahead of a massive summer tour with Stone Temple Pilots.
- The Future: Erna suggests Godsmack 2.0 could run for another 10 years.
From Retirement to “Godsmack 2.0”: Why Erna Changed His Mind
For the last three years, Sully Erna and Robbie Merrill have been telling fans to treat Godsmack as a “legacy act.” The plan was simple: play the hits, skip the studio. However, the exit of Rombola and Larkin in early 2025 changed the internal chemistry of the band. Speaking with Billboard, Erna admitted that the new blood brought in—Wade Murff and Sam Koltun—has recharged the battery.
“Definitely there’s gonna be a new record—I just don’t know when it’s coming,” Erna revealed. “I’m starting to noodle on new songs, but it’s a little too soon to say.”
Erna explained that he and bassist Robbie Merrill contemplated retiring the band entirely when the original lineup fractured. “We were just like, ‘We don’t really want to stop yet. We feel like we have some gas in the tank. We love what we do.’” By returning to the core duo that started the band in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Erna feels the pressure is off, allowing them to capture the same “no expectations” magic that led to their multi-platinum success in the late 90s.
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A Hard Rock Match Made in Heaven: Sully and Dorothy Go Public
While rumors have been swirling through the industry for months, the relationship between Sully Erna and Dorothy is now officially public knowledge. Dorothy recently told Eddie Trunk on Trunk Nation that she has “never laughed so much in my life,” describing Erna as a “good, solid man” who makes her feel safe.
Dorothy doubled down on the news over the weekend via her Instagram stories, telling her followers: “I highly recommend falling in love with your best friend, 10/10.”
The couple isn’t just sharing a life; they’re sharing the stage. Their upcoming collaboration, “Set Me Free,” is expected to drop before they head out on a massive North American co-headlining tour alongside Stone Temple Pilots.
The Road Ahead: 2025-2026 Tour Dates
Godsmack is hitting the road with a vengeance, balancing massive US amphitheater dates with a heavy European festival run. If you want to see “Godsmack 2.0” in action, you can grab tickets here and catch them on the following dates:
Godsmack with Stone Temple Pilots & Dorothy:
- 05/07 Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
- 05/10 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
- 05/14 Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater
- 05/17 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
- 05/29 Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
- 06/21 Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
- 06/27 Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
- 07/02 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
- 09/17 Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
The band will also spend July and August hitting major European stops, including the Tallinn Rock Festival in Estonia and the Motocultor Festival in France.
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The Final Word from Loaded Radio
Sully Erna has always been a “heart on his sleeve” kind of guy, and this latest pivot proves it. While some purists might struggle with a Godsmack that doesn’t feature Larkin or Rombola, Erna is betting on the brand and the vocals to carry the torch. With a new romance fueling his creative fire and a fresh lineup that he claims is “honoring the music perfectly,” the second chapter of Godsmack might just be their most interesting one yet. We’re calling it now: “Set Me Free” is going to be the rock anthem of the summer.
TL;DR:
The Bottom Line Sully Erna has officially reversed his decision to stop Godsmack’s studio output, confirming a new album is in the works with the band’s new “2.0” lineup. Simultaneously, Erna and Dorothy have confirmed their romantic relationship, with a new collaborative single and a massive North American tour with Stone Temple Pilots set to kick off this May.
The post GODSMACK 2.0: Sully Erna Reverses Retirement Vow, Confirms New Album and Romance with Hard Rocker Dorothy appeared first on Loaded Radio.
