In a recent interview with Chris Akin of the Classic Metal Show, NAZARETH's founding bassist Pete Agnew spoke about the band's latest addition, singer Gianni Pontillo.

Pontillo joined the Scottish rock legends in December 2025 as the replacement for Carl Sentence.

According to Agnew, "This man fell into our lap.

It was a gift from the gods.

Gianni is an amazing vocalist, and he's an amazing vocalist for NAZARETH." Agnew praises Pontillo's voice, saying it fills the slot of founding member Dan McCafferty, who retired due to illness in 2015.

"We've only played half a dozen shows with Gianni so far," Agnew notes.

"Everybody's raving about not just him; about the band in general." The renewed excitement around NAZARETH stems from Pontillo's energetic stage presence and ability to recapture the magic of their classic sound.

"When somebody really creates a great mood, it raises everybody's game," Agnew explains.

"It's like we've just done the album." The band has completed the 2025 leg of their tour, which ended on December 17 in Berlin, Germany.

Pontillo's background includes stints with PURE INC., THE ORDER and SOULS REVIVAL, as well as his work with VICTORY and PONTILLO & THE VINTAGE CREW.

NAZARETH originally formed in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1968, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1971 and achieving mainstream success with albums such as 'Razamanaz' and the hit single 'Hair Of The Dog'.

With a career spanning nearly six decades, NAZARETH continues to tour and release new music.

Image credit: MrJayGatsby