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Nazareth Names Gianni Pontillo as Lead Singer After Split With Carl Sentance

Pete Agnew announced the change on social media, signaling an unusually busy 2026 for the veteran band.

Overview

  • Agnew said on December 21 that Carl Sentance "is no longer with the band" and introduced Gianni Pontillo as the new frontman.
  • The announcement followed the close of the 2025 Bending the Rules tour in Berlin on December 17.
  • Pontillo fronts Germany’s Victory and recently recorded albums with the band, alongside work with Swiss acts including Pure Inc., The Order, Souls Revival, and Pontillo & The Vintage Crew.
  • Sentance had led Nazareth since 2015 after founder Dan McCafferty retired due to illness; McCafferty died in 2022.
  • Sentance has scheduled solo European shows for early 2026 and appearances with the Lords of NWOBHM in London and Japan, while Nazareth projects heavy touring next year.