Nazareth Part Ways With Vocalist Carl Sentance And Announce New Singer
Legendary Scottish rock band Nazareth have officially announced their separation from vocalist Carl Sentance, who had been the group’s frontman for nearly ten years. The statement was published via the band’s official channels and confirmed by founding member and bassist Pete Agnew. According to him, the decision was made for the parties to go their separate ways, with no further details regarding the reasons for Sentance’s departure.
Carl Sentance joined Nazareth in 2015, when the band’s longtime singer Dan McCafferty was forced to step away from touring due to serious health issues. During his time with the group, Sentance became an important part of a new chapter in Nazareth’s history, actively touring, taking part in studio recordings, and helping the band maintain a strong international concert presence. Alongside his work with Nazareth, Sentance also pursued a solo career and released his album Silent Angels in 2024.
At the same time as announcing Sentance’s departure, Nazareth revealed the name of their new vocalist. The role will be taken over by Gianni Pontillo, an experienced rock singer well known on the European music scene. Pete Agnew noted that many fans are already familiar with Pontillo’s vocal abilities, while those hearing him for the first time will soon have the opportunity to see him perform live. According to the band, his voice and stage presence fit naturally into Nazareth’s classic sound.
Gianni Pontillo brings with him an extensive musical background. He has previously worked with bands such as PURE INC., THE ORDER, and SOULS REVIVAL, participated in major rock productions including Rock Circus and This Is Rock, and served as the vocalist of the German hard rock band Victory since 2019. In 2023, Pontillo also launched his own project, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew.
The band has confirmed that 2026 will be one of the busiest touring years in its history. Following the conclusion of the Bending The Rules tour, which ended on December 17, 2025, in Berlin, Nazareth are preparing for an extensive run of live shows with their new singer. The upcoming schedule includes concerts across Europe as well as performances in Latin America, including Brazil and Chile, where the band has long enjoyed strong popularity.
Despite another lineup change, Nazareth continue to demonstrate remarkable longevity and adaptability for a band with a career spanning more than five decades. The arrival of a new vocalist marks the beginning of a new phase for the group, while they remain committed to the musical legacy that has secured their place in the history of classic hard rock.
