If there’s one thing Scottish rock band Nazareth has never been afraid of, it’s change. Loud guitars? Check. Decades-spanning career? Absolutely. Lineup shifts that keep fans on their toes? Yep, that too. And as of December 21, 2025, the legendary Scottish rock band is officially entering yet another new era; frontman included.
Pete Agnew, the band’s founding bassist and now the last original member standing, shared the news via Facebook (seen below) that longtime singer Carl Sentance has parted ways with the band. In his place? Gianni Pontillo, who’ll be stepping into the spotlight just in time for what’s shaping up to be a packed 2026. If that sounds like classic Nazareth energy, that’s because it is.
This isn’t a dramatic reinvention. It’s more like a reminder that this band has been rolling with the punches (and rocking through them) since 1968.
A Legacy Built on Evolution
Nazareth’s story starts in Scotland, with original singer Dan McCafferty (passed in 2022), guitarist Manny Charlton (passed in 2022), bassist Pete Agnew, and drummer Darrell Sweet (passed in 1999). While the band’s lineup shifted plenty over the years (as rock bands tend to do), one thing stayed remarkably consistent for decades: Dan’s unmistakable voice.
GettyThat changed in 2013, when McCafferty stepped away due to health issues. From there, the frontman role saw its share of turbulence; Linton Osborne’s short run ended also due to illness, followed by Carl Sentance stepping in later that same year, per Louder. Talk about bad luck, right?
Sentance ultimately stayed with the band for nearly a decade, lending his vocals to albums like “Tattooed on My Brain” and “Surviving the Law,” and helping keep Nazareth firmly planted in the modern hard-rock conversation. His exit, announced without specific details, was shared directly by Pete Agnew… and the tone was respectful, forward-looking, and refreshingly positive.
“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 line up and we can’t wait to introduce you to this man’s amazing talent. See you in rock.”
No drama. No digs. Just rock-and-roll moving forward.
So, What’s Next for Nazareth?
Let’s be real; Nazareth doesn’t need to prove anything at this point. Their catalog already speaks volumes. Songs like “Hair of the Dog,” “Love Hurts,” and their fiery cover of Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight” are permanently etched into rock history. Add in fan favorites like “Razamanaz,” “Bad Bad Boy,” and “Broken Down Angel,” and you’ve got a legacy that spans generations.
Gianni Pontillo stepping in feels less like a gamble and more like a continuation of what the band does best: adapt, evolve, and keep playing loud. Pete’s excitement about 2026 being one of their busiest years says a lot, especially this late in the game. It seems like Nazareth isn’t slowing down… they’re doubling down.
For longtime fans, this is another chapter in a story they’ve been following for decades. For newer listeners, it’s a reminder that classic rock bands don’t have to live in the past. Sometimes, they’re still writing new lines; and yep, we’re here for it.
GOOD LUCK
YOU GUYS ROCK
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