Shannon Larkin has been a part of the metal world for over 30 years. He’s best known as the drummer for Godsmack, but his journey to success was far from simple. He got his start in the band Wrathchild America, while also working as a session drummer. Session drumming was far from his passion, though. He was working across genres, even recording with acts like Vanilla Ice. He steadily gained recognition for his drumming abilities, and was given the opportunity to play with Black Sabbath for one night only.

 

As he built a name for himself in the drumming world he was contacted by Sully Erna, who he’d known for many years, to join Godsmack. Larkin solidified his place in drumming history when he joined Godsmack and brought his signature, lighter style to the band’s metal sound. One of metal drumming’s signatures is its heavy-handedness, but Shannon found a way to bring the energy while keeping things a little bit smoother. Godsmack was successful before Shannon joined, but saw even greater success after, pounding out two platinum records in a 3 year period.

 

The success Godsmack was having was hard on the band, with lead singer Sully Erna asking for a break from the endless recording and touring. The break ended up being an opportuity for Larkin to join up with Whitfield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe, as well as Godsmack bandmates Tony Rombola, Robbie Merill, and Lee Richards. They formed supergroup Another Animal, and put out their first album in 2007. This caused tensions within the group after Erna felt that his band had gone behind his back to record music, but the group resolved its issues and is back to making music together.

 

Larkin remains one of metal’s most influential drummers, bringing his slightly softer approach to the mainstream.