Iconic band bids farewell to lead singer, reveals new ‘amazing’ member
A well-known Scottish rock band has recently made a significant change by announcing the departure of their lead singer. Nazareth shared on social media that Carl Sentance, who had been a part of the group since 2015, is no longer part of the band. In his place, Gianni Portillo has been introduced as the new frontman. The band expressed excitement about Portillo’s exceptional vocal talents, stating that those who have witnessed his performances already know the incredible voice he brings to the table, while promising those who have yet to experience his talent are in for a delightful surprise at their shows in 2026.
The decision to bring in a new lead singer comes shortly after Nazareth wrapped up their Bending the Rules tour in Berlin, Germany. As the group gears up for a fresh chapter with Portillo, Sentance seems to be wasting no time with his U.S. tour dates confirmed for 2026. Portillo is no stranger to the music scene, having served as the lead singer for the German heavy metal band Victory and contributing his vocal talents to Pure Inc., The Order Souls Revival, and Pontillo & The Vintage Crew.
Nazareth, a band with a rich history, was originally formed in December 1968 in Scotland by bassist Pete Agnew, guitarist Manny Charlton, drummer Darrell Sweet, and Dan McCafferty as per WPDH. Sentance stepped into the band in 2015 following McCafferty’s retirement. The band’s recent albums, “Tattooed on My Brain” from 2018 and “Surviving the Law” released in 2022, both achieved Top 10 rankings on the UK rock charts. Their most successful U.S. album to date is the 1975 platinum-certified “Hair of the Dog,” which reached the Top 20.
As Nazareth embarks on this new phase with Portillo at the helm, fans can anticipate a dynamic blend of talent and experience to continue the band’s legacy. With a string of successful albums and a history of delivering electrifying performances, Nazareth’s future with Portillo as their frontman appears promising. The band’s upcoming shows in 2026 promise to showcase Portillo’s exceptional vocal skills, offering fans a fresh yet familiar sound that pays homage to the band’s legendary rock roots.