If you’ve caught Godsmack over the years, you’re aware that singer Sully Erna can hold his own on the drums as the band has implemented a drum battle featuring Erna and the group’s regular stickman Shannon Larkin. While it’s definitely a highlight of performances, the concert feature has also earned praise from one of rock’s greatest drummers — Rush’s Neil Peart.

Speaking with Mulatschag TV (as seen in the video below), Sully Erna revealed that Peart spoke on behalf of the band for their forthcoming documentary. “[He] did a review on me and Shannon's drum battle. And it might have been the last time he went on camera, because he'd been retired. He literally is done — he shut off that part of his life now. He feels he's done everything he can do. Literally, he told Shannon that right to his face. Shannon's, like, 'Aren't you gonna play a little?' And he's, like, 'Nah, I think I'm done.' Shannon's, like, 'Yeah, but you're not even gonna have a drum set in your basement?' He goes, 'Son, I think I've done everything I can do on the drums.' Shannon was, like, 'Yes, you have, sir.' [Laughs] And so he was done, man."

Continuing the discussion, Erna added, "We got to meet him a few times, and I'm very good friends with his personal assistant. He agreed to do an interview, and we have that on video, luckily. And we're very, very proud of that. That's an extremely important thing for me and Shannon, especially after all the work we've put into that drum battle, to hear the actual icon of drumming praise us for the work that we did is a real honor… [He's] one of my biggest inspirations in the world. He changed my life, for sure."

Want to catch the rhythmic magic of Erna and Larkin? The band is hitting the road this summer with New Years Day, while also booking fall tour dates in North America with Halestorm. See their upcoming shows and get ticketing info here.

Godsmack Speak With Mulatschag TV