The rock singer is speaking out after being replaced in his former band.
Nazareth and Carl Sentance have “parted ways and he is no longer in the band,” Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew announced Sunday. Sentance has been the band’s lead singer since 2015.
Sentance did not resolve the breakup at the time even after Nazareth named Gianni Pontillo as the band’s new lead singer. On Tuesday, Sentance finally responded.
“Hey guys. Merry Christmas to you all. You’ve probably heard about my departure from Nazareth. I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me for almost 11 years. 11 years — can you believe it? It’s crazy. Time flies, but now it’s time to move on,” Sentance said in a statement. video message on Facebook.
Sentance, 64, said he will embark on a solo tour in January before touring with his new band Lords of NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal), featuring members of Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Raven, Tank and Persian Risk. Sentance released a solo album last year and previously fronted Persian Risk and the Geezer Butler Band.
“2026 is going to rock for me, guys. It’s going to be amazing,” Sentance said Tuesday. “Starting in Japan, Tokyo, with the Lords of New Wave of British heavy metal. Back to the roots. Yes. And on January 22nd I start my solo tour again… It’s gonna rock, guys. Come rock with us. 2026. Happy New Year. See you then.”
Agnew and Sentance gave no further explanation for the lineup change to Nazareth. The Scottish band last performed with Sentance on December 17th in Berlin, Germany and plan to continue touring next year with Pontillo as the band’s lead singer.
“Those who have seen and heard Gianni already know what an incredible voice he has, and those of you who haven’t are in for an amazing surprise when he comes to see us in 2026,” Agnew he said Sunday. “Next year will be one of the busiest in Nazareth’s history, so there’s a good chance we’ll see a new line-up and we can’t wait to showcase this man’s amazing talent. See you rockin’.”
As of 2019, Pontillo was the lead singer of the German hard rock band Victory. He has also performed with Pure Inc., The Order, Souls Revival, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew and produced “Rock Circus” and “This Is Rock” by Das Zelta.
Co-founded by Agnew in 1968, Nazareth are a Scottish hard rock/heavy metal band best known for 1970s and 1980s hits such as “Love Hurts”, “Hair of the Dog”, “This Flight Tonight”, “Dream On” and “Where Are You Now”. The original line-up included singer Dan McCafferty, guitarist Manny Charlton and drummer Darrell Sweet, all of whom have since passed away.
Agnew, who turns 80 next year, leads the band’s current line-up, including guitarist Jimmy Murrison, drummer Lee Agnew (Pete’s son) and Pontillo. Nazareth have also continued to release new music over the years, most recently with 2022’s “Surviving the Law” (featuring lead vocals by Sentance).
Previously billed as a “farewell” tour, Nazareth’s upcoming tour dates include two shows in the US: May 2 at the Family Arena in Saint Charles, Missouri; and May 8 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Minnesota. Both shows will also feature Foghat.
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