Just days after wrapping up their 2025 touring commitments, Scottish hard rock institution Nazareth has announced a significant changing of the guard at the microphone. The band has officially parted ways with vocalist Carl Sentance, who had fronted the group for a decade, and has named Gianni Pontillo as his successor.
The announcement came via social media on Sunday, December 21, shortly after the group concluded the 2025 leg of their “Bending The Rules” tour with a final show in Berlin, Germany on December 17. Founding bassist Pete Agnew issued a formal statement confirming the split and welcoming the new vocalist to the fold.
Agnew‘s full statement reads as follows:
“Carl Sentance and Nazareth have come to a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band.
“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.”
Gianni Pontillo arrives with a robust hard rock resume. He has served as the frontman for German legends Victory since 2019 and launched his own project, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew, in 2023. His career history also includes tenures with Pure Inc., The Order, and Souls Revival, as well as participation in major productions like “Rock Circus” and “This Is Rock.”
Pontillo steps into a role previously held by Sentance, who joined Nazareth in 2015 following the retirement of original vocalist Dan McCafferty due to health issues. Sentance remains active musically, having released his latest solo album, Silent Angels, just last year.
The lineup change comes as Nazareth prepares to enter its 58th year of existence in 2026. Formed in Dunfermline in 1968, the band became international superstars in the 1970s with a string of hit records produced by Roger Glover, including Razamanaz, Loud ‘N’ Proud, and Hair Of The Dog. The latter album, released in 1975, birthed the timeless title track—later covered by Guns N’ Roses—and the power ballad standard “Love Hurts.”
