Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini has joined Godsmack’s touring lineup, following the unexpected departure of drummer Wade Murff – marking the latest personnel change for the multi-platinum hard rock band during its 2026 tour. The move continues a period of transition for Godsmack following the departures of longtime members Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola.
Mangini made his live debut with the group on June 12 at the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, Missouri, performing the full set without a single rehearsal. He joins the current Godsmack lineup, which features vocalist and guitarist Sully Erna, bassist Robbie Merrill, and guitarist Sam Koltun. The performance launched his stint on the band’s ongoing “The Rise Of Rock” world tour, which is scheduled to run through September with supporting acts Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy before heading to European festivals.
Murff’s tenure with Godsmack proved brief. After joining the band earlier this year and performing a series of spring dates, he exited shortly after the launch of the group’s North American run, reportedly to take on touring duties with Black Veil Brides. His departure came only weeks after Erna had publicly indicated that Murff and Koltun were expected to become permanent members of the band’s evolving lineup.
Mangini, who spent 13 years with Dream Theater before the return of original drummer Mike Portnoy in 2023, was brought in on short notice to keep Godsmack’s tour on schedule. Widely regarded as one of rock and metal’s most accomplished drummers, Mangini’s résumé includes stints with Dream Theater, Extreme, Steve Vai and Annihilator, as well as a teaching role at Berklee College of Music. Since leaving Dream Theater, he has released solo material and launched the band Monolith.
Following his first performance, Mangini wrote on social media, “Taking this all in today with show 1 done,” adding that he was grateful to the band and crew for trusting him “with no rehearsal.” He also referred to Erna and Merrill as his “Boston brothers,” reflecting the musicians’ shared Massachusetts roots.
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