A legendary rock band has announced a new lead singer after splitting with its longtime frontman.
Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew announced Sunday that “Carl Sentance and Nazareth have come to a parting of the ways, and he is no longer with the band.” Sentance had been the group’s lead vocalist since 2015.
“We would like to introduce you now to our new lead singer, Gianni Pontillo,” Agnew said. “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.”
“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.”
Sentance had been with Nazareth for the past decade, most recently completing the band’s 2025 tour dates in Berlin, Germany, on Dec. 17. No reason was given for his departure, but Sentance also worked as a solo artist, releasing the album “Silent Angels” in 2024.
According to Blabbermouth, Pontillo has 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.
Sentance, 64, has not commented on the split from Nazareth, but said on Facebook he has a dozen solo concerts scheduled in 2026. He also formed a new group called Lords of NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) featuring members of Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Raven, Tank, and Persian Risk.
“With the ever growing interest and respect around the world for the rock music genre known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal means there’s never been a better time to celebrate the music of those pioneering bands from the era,” Sentance said Sunday. “We have succeeded in bringing together a group of musicians that were key members of some of the biggest bands of that time to faithfully perform many of those classic songs that are now a major part of rock music history.”
