After nearly a decade fronting legendary rock band Nazareth, Carl Sentance is moving on. The vocalist’s departure was announced Sunday by bassist Pete Agnew, marking another lineup shift for the long-running Scottish group.
Agnew shared that the band and Sentance had come to “a parting of the ways,” adding that Sentance “is no longer with the band.”
Sentance had served as Nazareth’s lead singer since 2015, stepping into the role following the retirement of original frontman Dan McCafferty.
At the time of the announcement, Sentance did not publicly comment — even after Nazareth revealed Gianni Pontillo as its new lead singer. That changed Tuesday, when Sentance addressed fans directly in a video message posted on Facebook.
“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,” Sentance said in the video.
Now 64, Sentance made it clear he’s not slowing down. He shared plans for a solo tour beginning in January, followed by international dates with a new project, Lords of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal).
The group features veteran musicians from influential bands including Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Raven, Tank and Persian Risk.
“2026 is gonna rock, guys, for me. It’s gonna be wonderful,” Sentance said. “We start off in Japan, Tokyo, with the Lords of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Back to the roots. Yes. And the 22nd of January, I start my solo tour again… It’s gonna rock, guys. Come and rock with us. 2026. Happy New Year. We’ll see you then.”
Neither Sentance nor Agnew has shared additional details about the change. Nazareth last performed with Sentance on December 17 in Berlin, Germany, and the band is moving ahead with plans to tour next year with Pontillo at the mic.
“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,” Agnew said in the announcement.
“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. See you in rock.”
Since 2019, Pontillo has fronted the German hard rock band Victory, while also building a résumé that includes performances with Pure Inc., The Order, Souls Revival and Pontillo & The Vintage Crew, along with appearances in Das Zelt productions like “Rock Circus” and “This Is Rock.”
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.