Just days after the surprise announcement that his tenure with Scottish rock icons Nazareth had come to an end, vocalist Carl Sentance has personally addressed the split. In a video message released to fans on Tuesday, December 23, the singer confirmed his exit and expressed gratitude for his decade-plus run with the band, while pivoting enthusiastically toward his future endeavors.
The news of the lineup change broke on December 21, mere days after the group wrapped up their 2025 “Bending The Rules” tour in Berlin. While the band’s official announcement was brief regarding the reasons for the change, Sentance‘s update suggests an amicable desire to pursue other creative avenues.
In his video address, Sentance focused on the positive memories of the last eleven years and outlined a busy schedule for 2026, which includes a return to his heavy metal roots.
“Hey, guys. Merry Christmas to you all. You’ve probably already heard about my departure from Nazareth. I wanna thank every single one of you for supporting me over nearly 11 years. 11 years — can you believe it? It’s crazy. Time flies, but now it’s time to move on.
“2026 is gonna rock, guys, for me. It’s gonna be wonderful. We start off in Japan, Tokyo, with the Lords of New Wave of British Heavy Metal [Lords of NWOBHM]. Back to the roots. Yes. And the 22nd of January, I start my solo tour again. It was a success last year, so come and see us. Check out the dates on my web site, carlsentance.com. It’s gonna rock, guys. Come and rock with us.
“2026. Happy New Year. We’ll see you then. Yes.”
Sentance joined Nazareth in 2015, stepping into the formidable shoes of founding vocalist Dan McCafferty, who was forced to retire due to health issues. His departure marks the end of a stable era for the group as they approach their 58th anniversary.
Founding bassist Pete Agnew issued the official statement on behalf of the band earlier in the week, confirming the split and immediately naming Sentance‘s successor.
“Carl Sentance and Nazareth have come to a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band,” Agnew stated.
“We would like to introduce you now to our new lead singer, Gianni Pontillo. 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.
“Next year is going to be one of the busiest in Nazareth‘s history, so there is a good chance to see the new lineup, and we can’t wait to introduce you to this man’s amazing talent.”
The incoming vocalist, Gianni Pontillo, is a seasoned performer in the European hard rock scene. Best known for fronting German legends Victory since 2019, he has also lent his voice to projects such as Pure Inc., The Order, and his own outfit, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew.
Nazareth fans won’t have to wait long to see the new lineup in action. As Agnew noted, 2026 is projected to be one of the band’s busiest years yet, continuing a legacy that began in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1968. From their early days supporting Deep Purple to the global success of albums like Razamanaz and Hair of the Dog, the band remains a touring juggernaut more than half a century into their career.
