Singer makes new plans after unexpected departure: ‘Time to move forward’
After dedicating close to a decade to being the frontman of the iconic rock band Nazareth, Carl Sentance has made the decision to part ways with the band. The unexpected news of Sentance’s departure was officially announced by bassist Pete Agnew, signaling yet another shift in the lineup of the long-standing Scottish group.
Agnew revealed that the band and Sentance had mutually agreed to go their separate ways, stating that Sentance was no longer a part of Nazareth. Sentance had taken on the role of lead vocalist for Nazareth in 2015, following the retirement of the original frontman, Dan McCafferty.
Despite staying silent at the time of the initial announcement, Sentance recently broke his silence in a heartfelt video message to his fans on Facebook. In the video, Sentance expressed his gratitude to his supporters for standing by him during his almost 11-year tenure with the band, acknowledging the passage of time with a sense of wonder. He declared that it was now time for him to embark on a new chapter in his career.
At the age of 64, Sentance emphasized that retirement was not on the horizon for him. Instead, he disclosed his exciting plans for a solo tour commencing in January, followed by international shows with a fresh project called Lords of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal). This new endeavor comprises experienced musicians from prominent bands, such as Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Raven, Tank, and Persian Risk.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, Sentance expressed his enthusiasm for what 2026 has in store for him. He painted a picture of a vibrant future filled with music, starting with a performance in Tokyo, Japan, alongside the Lords of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Additionally, he announced the commencement of his solo tour on January 22, inviting his fans to join him on this musical journey.
While neither Sentance nor Agnew have disclosed further details regarding the departure, Nazareth performed their last show with Sentance on December 17 in Berlin, Germany. The band is now set to continue touring in the upcoming year with Gianni Pontillo taking on the role of lead vocalist.
Agnew expressed his confidence in Pontillo’s exceptional vocal abilities, assuring fans that they were in for a remarkable experience at the shows scheduled for 2026. Pontillo, who has previously fronted Victory, a German hard rock band, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having performed with various bands and appeared in notable productions over the years.
As Nazareth moves forward with a new lineup and exciting prospects on the horizon, the band is poised to captivate audiences with their timeless music and performances. The departure of Sentance marks the beginning of a new era for both him and the band, with endless possibilities and musical adventures awaiting them in the future.