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Nazareth Names Gianni Pontillo as New Lead Singer After Carl Sentance Departs

Carl Sentance calls his exit a move to the next chapter, with early‑2026 solo dates already booked.

Overview

  • Founding bassist Pete Agnew announced the parting and unveiled Pontillo, saying fans can expect one of the busiest touring years in 2026.
  • The lineup change was revealed days after Nazareth wrapped the 2025 Bending the Rules dates with a Dec. 17 show in Berlin.
  • Pontillo brings recent frontman experience with Germany’s Victory and past work with Pontillo & The Vintage Crew, Pure Inc., The Order and Souls Revival.
  • Sentance, who led Nazareth since 2015 and sang on Tattooed on My Brain and Surviving the Law, said it was time to move on and plans a Lords of NWOBHM stop in Tokyo and a solo tour starting Jan. 22.
  • No reason for the split was given in the band’s statement; the current roster is Pete Agnew, guitarist Jimmy Murrison, drummer Lee Agnew and Pontillo.