Full Breakdown
Nazareth Announces Departure of Carl Sentance and Introduction of New Lead Singer Gianni Pontillo
12/22/2025, 8:35:23 PM
Departure of Carl Sentance
Scottish rock band Nazareth has officially announced the departure of lead singer Carl Sentance, who joined the group in 2015 following the retirement of founding frontman Dan McCafferty. The announcement was made by co-founding bassist Pete Agnew, stating, "Carl Sentance and Nazareth have come to a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band." This change comes shortly after the band completed their Bending the Rules tour in Berlin, Germany.
Introduction of Gianni Pontillo
Nazareth has introduced Gianni Pontillo as their new lead singer. Agnew expressed confidence in Pontillo's abilities, stating, "Those who have seen and heard Gianni will already know what an incredible voice he has, and those of you who haven't are in for a wonderful surprise when you come to see us in 2026." Pontillo is recognized for his previous work with the German heavy metal band Victory, as well as collaborations with other groups such as Pure Inc., The Order, and Souls Revival.
Upcoming Plans for 2026
The band is gearing up for what Agnew describes as "one of the busiest in Nazareth's history" in 2026, with plans to tour extensively. Agnew emphasized the excitement surrounding the new lineup, indicating that fans will have ample opportunities to see the band perform live. Sentance, meanwhile, has scheduled a series of solo performances in Europe and appearances with the Lords Of NWOBHM in London and Japan.
Historical Context
Nazareth was formed in December 1968 in Scotland, originally consisting of Pete Agnew, guitarist Manny Charlton, drummer Darrell Sweet, and Dan McCafferty. The band has a storied history, with their best-selling U.S. album being the 1975 platinum-certified "Hair of the Dog." Their most recent albums, "Tattooed on My Brain" (2018) and "Surviving the Law" (2022), both achieved Top 10 status on the UK rock charts.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm from some fans, there may be mixed feelings among others regarding the departure of Sentance, who had been with the band for nearly a decade. The transition to a new lead singer can often evoke nostalgia for previous lineups, particularly in a band with such a long history.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Carl Sentance and Nazareth have come to a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band." — Pete Agnew, Co-founding Bassist
- "Next year is going to be one of the busiest in Nazareth's history." — Pete Agnew, Co-founding Bassist
- "Those who have seen and heard Gianni will already know what an incredible voice he has." — Pete Agnew, Co-founding Bassist
As Nazareth embarks on this new chapter with Gianni Pontillo, the band aims to maintain its legacy while introducing fresh talent to its storied lineup.
