Godsmack

Godsmack
From left to right: Robbie Merrill, Sully Erna, Criss Angel, Shannon Larkin, Tony Rombola
Background information
Origin	Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres	Heavy metal hard rock post-grunge nu metal alternative metal
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Universal, Republic, BMG Rights Management
Associated acts	Another Animal
Website	godsmack.com
Members	Sully Erna Robbie Merrill Tony Rombola Shannon Larkin
Past members	Lee Richards Tommy Stewart Joe D'Arco

Godsmack is an American rock band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band is composed of founder, frontman and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin. Since its formation, Godsmack which has resulted in six studio albums, one EP (The Other Side), four DVDs, one compilation album (Good Times, Bad Times... Ten Years of Godsmack), and one live album (Live and Inspired).

The band has had three consecutive number-one albums (Faceless, IV, and The Oracle) on the Billboard 200. The band also has 20 top ten rock radio hits, including 15 songs in the top five, a record number of top ten singles by a rock artist.

Since its inception, Godsmack has toured on Ozzfest on more than one occasion, and has toured with many other large tours and festivals, including supporting its albums with its own arena tours. Godsmack has sold over 20 million records in just over a decade. In honor of the band's success and the release of their sixth studio album, 1000hp, Mayor Marty Walsh has declared August 6 as "Godsmack Day" in the city of Boston.

In February 1995, Sully Erna decided to start a new band as the lead singer after playing the drums for more than 23 years, including more than two years in the now-defunct band Strip Mind. His new band, The Scam, formed with Erna on vocals, Robbie Merrill on bass, local guitarist and friend Lee Richards on guitar, and Tommy Stewart on drums. The Scam quickly changed its name to Godsmack, after recording one demo. The newly formed band started playing small bars in their hometown of Boston. Locally popular songs such as "Keep Away" and "Whatever" soon brought them to the top of the hit charts in the Boston/New England area.