Multi-platinum hard rock powerhouse Godsmack continues to evolve in 2026, with breaking news confirming that acclaimed drummer Mike Mangini has joined the band as their new live drummer. Mangini, best known for his work with Dream Theater as well as Extreme, Steve Vai, and Annihilator, steps into the role to join Godsmack’s current touring lineup. The addition of Mangini brings one of rock and metal’s most technically gifted drummers into the fold as the band continues its successful Rise of Rock Tour alongside Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy.
Photo: DRUM! Magazine
Recently, guitarist Sam Koltun joined the Vulgar Display of Podcast to discuss his journey from the St. Louis music scene to becoming a member of one of hard rock’s biggest bands. During the conversation, Koltun reflected on growing up in St. Louis, playing local venues, and eventually relocating to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time. He also discussed joining Godsmack following the band’s 2025 European tour, his straightforward Gibson Les Paul and Diamond Amplification guitar setup, and the welcoming atmosphere created by Sully Erna and the Godsmack camp. Koltun described his hometown performance with Godsmack as a “bucket list” moment and one of the most meaningful shows of his career.
Tonight, June 14, Godsmack returns to the St. Louis area for a highly anticipated performance at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The show features an impressive lineup with Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy, delivering one of the summer’s biggest rock concerts. For Koltun, the performance carries special significance as it marks his first hometown appearance as a member of Godsmack. Having spent his formative years performing throughout the St. Louis club circuit before moving to California, the opportunity to return home on a major amphitheater stage represents a full-circle moment in his musical journey.
Godsmack’s current lineup changes signal a new chapter for the band following the departures of longtime members Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola in 2025. With Sam Koltun now handling guitar duties and Mike Mangini stepping behind the drum kit, fans are witnessing the next evolution of a band that has remained a dominant force in hard rock for nearly three decades. As The Rise of Rock Tour continues across North America throughout the summer and fall, audiences will have the opportunity to experience this revitalized lineup firsthand.
The Rise of Rock Tour continues through September with stops across the United States and Canada.
06/14 Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
06/16 Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater
06/18 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
06/20 TInley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
06/21 Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
06/23 Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
06/24 Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre
06/27 Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
06/28 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
06/30 Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
07/02 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
07/03 Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
09/06 El Paso, TX – Speaking Rock Entertainment Center (no Stone Temple Pilots)
09/07 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
09/09 Denver, CO – The Junkyard
09/11 Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (no Stone Temple Pilots)
09/12 Phoenix, AZ – KUPD UFest
09/15 Chula Visa, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
09/17 Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
09/19 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/20 Corning, CA – Rolling Hills Casino (no Stone Temple Pilots)
09/22 Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
09/24 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
09/26 Nampa, ID – KQXR XFest
The Barn 