GODSMACK's SHANNON LARKIN Recruits His Drum Tech To Sing For THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVIVAL Side Project

THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVIVAL, the side project of GODSMACK drummer Shannon Larkin and guitarist Tony Rombola, has recruited Shane Hall as its lead singer. The band's first song will be released in the next week.

Says Larkin: "[Shane's] previous band was also with Tony and I, and it was a funk band! We did it for fun for many years, recording over 30 songs together (never released one song or did one show!). We called ourselves FUNKYANTZ. We only stopped because Shane lives in [California], and our bassist Chris lives in [Massachusetts], and we just couldn't line up our schedules in life to continue as a band… Oh, and Shane is also one of my best and most trusted friends, has been my drum tech for the most part of the last 20 years of my life, and has a wonderful, versatile voice. He loves and grew up on all the same music as me, and has a style and flair that is undeniable. Tony and Brian [Carpenter, bass] also adore Shane as a singer, but just as important, as a human."

THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVIVAL was formed out of the ashes of THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE, which released its second album, "The Shape Of Blues To Come", in July 2018 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group.

The news of THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE's dissolution was broken by singer Ray "Rafer John" Cerbone, who blamed the group's breakup on scheduling conflicts.

In a July 4 Facebook post, Larkin explained the decision to end THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE, saying that "The Shape Of Blues To Come" "did a little better than the [band's] first [album] sales-wise, but not enough for Provogue to continue with a third. And my vision of traditional blues had changed drastically into trying to create a new sound that incorporated more of a classic rock feel, psychedelic even; garnishing the foundation of the band which was, is, and will always be blues, with a new element.

"I think it's evident from the first to the second record my path was changing," he continued. "So with no record deal and no pressure from labels, management, etc. I wrote a bunch of new tunes with Tony and realized it was a different band, and I wanted a different approach and voice for the new material.

"My time is limited with the juggernaut that is GODSMACK rolling pretty constantly, so I didn't fuck around. I talked to Bri and Tone and pitched the REVIVAL idea, which they endorsed, called a meeting, and told Rafer. It fucking sucked. But he's a pro and a great man, so he didn't punch me in the nose, and our friendship remains.

"For those that question this change, I respond with it was my only choice to start a different band. I could've just fired Ray and remained THE REVUE with a new singer, but it would never be that band without Ray, and I want both worlds to co-exist. And I got no rules. I love Ray's voice and want to explore more writing with him, and it would be a shame to stop performing those records live... but that'll be down the road a bit. So, I created some confusion. But I did it... so blame me."