Godsmack frontman Sully Erna has criticised rock bands that lean heavily on backing tracks, arguing that the imperfections of a live performance are part of the appeal.
Speaking with Get On The Bus, Sully Erna pointed to Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix as examples of musicians whose performances could be compelling precisely because they weren’t flawless. A cracked vocal or a note bent slightly out of tune could capture something that artificial intelligence cannot recreate.
“It’s a unique moment that you get to experience and witness that will never happen again in another show the same way,” he said, as transcribed by Blabbermouth.
Erna suggested some bands within Godsmack’s own genre would struggle without their technology, although he declined to name them. His criticism extended to performances supplemented by layers of prerecorded guitars, backing vocals and percussion.
Watch Godsmack’s ‘I Stand Alone’
When the interviewer raised Ministry, Nine Inch Nails and Skinny Puppy, Erna made a distinction. He acknowledged that electronics are fundamental to industrial music, describing that approach as its own art form.
His objection was to rock musicians presenting a performance that depended heavily on recorded parts. He did not identify any of those industrial acts as examples of the bands he was criticising.
Godsmack Have New Music In Their Sights
The comments arrive as Godsmack prepare to return to writing. In September, Erna outlined plans to finish this years touring commitments, take a break and then begin work on another record, with new music potentially arriving during the Australian winter of 2027.
That would follow Lighting Up The Sky, the 2023 album previously positioned as their final studio release. Erna’s September comments concerned plans to start writing, rather than a finished album or confirmed release date.
The sessions would also bring a different group of musicians together. Guitarist Sam Koltun and drummer Mike Mangini now join Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill, following the departures of Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin, who decided they no longer wanted to tour.
Read more about Godsmack’s plans for new music in 2027.
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