Carl Sentance Breaks Silence On Nazareth Departure: 'It's Time To Move On'

Carl Sentance has announced his departure from the iconic Scottish rock band Nazareth, stating it was "time to move on." The band confirmed the news on social media, revealing that Sentance will be replaced by Gianni Pontillo. The announcement follows the completion of Nazareth's 2025 "Bending The Rules" tour in Berlin, Germany, on December 17th.

Sentance, who joined Nazareth in 2015 after founding member Dan McCafferty retired due to illness, expressed gratitude to fans for their support over nearly 11 years. In a video message, Sentance said, "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." He also shared his excitement for 2026, which will include performances in Japan with the Lords of New Wave of British Heavy Metal and a solo tour beginning on January 22nd.

Nazareth's founding bassist, Pete Agnew, praised Pontillo's talent, promising fans an exciting experience with the new lineup. Pontillo, known for his work with bands like Pure Inc. and Victory, is set to join Nazareth as they prepare for a busy 2026.

Sentance's departure marks the end of an era for Nazareth, a band that formed in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1968 and gained fame with hits like "Hair of the Dog" and "Love Hurts." As Nazareth looks to the future, Sentance is eager to embark on new musical adventures.