A rock singer is speaking out after being replaced in his former band.

Nazareth and Carl Sentance came to “a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band,” Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew announced Sunday. Sentance had been the group’s lead vocalist since 2015.

Sentance did not address the split 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 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 a video message on Facebook.

Sentance, 64, said he’s going on a solo tour in January and then will be touring with his new group, 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 was previously the frontman for Persian Risk and the Geezer Butler Band.

“2026 is gonna rock, guys, for me. It’s gonna be wonderful,” Sentance said Tuesday. “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.”

Agnew and Sentance did not give any further explanation for the lineup change to Nazareth. The Scottish music group last performed with Sentance on Dec. 17 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 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 Sunday. “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.”

Pontillo had been the lead singer of the German hard rock band Victory since 2019. He also performed with Pure Inc., The Order, Souls Revival, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew, and productions of “Rock Circus” and “This Is Rock” by Das Zelt.

Nazareth, co-founded by Agnew in 1968, is a Scottish hard rock / heavy metal band best known for ‘70s and ‘80s hits like “Love Hurts,” “Hair of the Dog,” “This Flight Tonight,” “Dream On” and “Where Are You Now.” The original lineup included singer Dan McCafferty, guitarist Manny Charlton and drummer Darrell Sweet, who have all died.

Agnew, who turns 80 next year, leads the band’s current lineup, including guitarist Jimmy Murrison, drummer Lee Agnew (Pete’s son) and Pontillo. Nazareth has also continued to release new music over the years, most recently 2022’s “Surviving the Law” (with Sentance on lead vocals).

Nazareth’s upcoming tour dates, which were previously billed as a “farewell” tour, include two U.S. concerts: May 2 at Family Arena in Saint Charles, Missouri; and May 8 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Minnesota. Both shows will also feature Foghat.