Shannon Larkin Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Godsmack Drummer | MetalForge
Shannon Larkin (born April 24, 1967, in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for multi-platinum hard rock band Godsmack since 2002. Before Godsmack, Larkin made his mark with Ugly Kid Joe, known for their hit "Everything About You," and thrash band Wrathchild America. Known for his powerful, groove-oriented drumming style and dynamic stage presence, Larkin has become one of the most recognizable drummers in modern hard rock. His playing combines hard-hitting power with musical sensitivity, perfectly complementing Godsmack's heavy yet accessible sound.
See what drum kit Shannon Larkin (Godsmack) plays — Pearl Reference Pure drum set, Pearl Reference brass snare, Sabian AAX cymbals, and Promark signature sticks. Complete gear guide.
Shannon Larkin Biography
Shannon Larkin (born April 24, 1967, in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for multi-platinum hard rock band Godsmack since 2002. Before Godsmack, Larkin made his mark with Ugly Kid Joe, known for their hit "Everything About You," and thrash band Wrathchild America.
Known for his powerful, groove-oriented drumming style and dynamic stage presence, Larkin has become one of the most recognizable drummers in modern hard rock. His playing combines hard-hitting power with musical sensitivity, perfectly complementing Godsmack's heavy yet accessible sound.
Career Highlights
- 1989: Joined Wrathchild America, entering the professional metal scene
- 1991: Joined Ugly Kid Joe; recorded "America's Least Wanted"
- 1992: "Everything About You" becomes worldwide hit with Ugly Kid Joe
- 1995: Released "Menace to Sobriety" with Ugly Kid Joe
- 2002: Joined Godsmack, replacing Tommy Stewart
- 2003: First Godsmack album "Faceless" peaks at #1 on Billboard
- 2006: Released "IV" with Godsmack, achieving platinum status
- 2007: Formed side project Another Animal with Godsmack's Robbie Merrill
- 2014: Released "1000hp" with Godsmack
- 2018: Released "When Legends Rise," Godsmack's seventh studio album
- 2023: Released "Lighting Up the Sky," announced as Godsmack's final album
Style & Influences
Shannon Larkin's drumming style is characterized by powerful grooves, dynamic control, and a hard-hitting approach that serves the song. He combines rock and metal influences with a deep pocket that makes Godsmack's music instantly recognizable.
Key Influences:
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Powerful groove and feel
- Neil Peart (Rush): Technical precision within rock context
- Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe): Showmanship and hard rock energy
- Alex Van Halen: Hard rock drumming foundation
Signature Techniques:
- Deep pocket playing with powerful backbeat
- Dynamic control from quiet verses to explosive choruses
- Effective use of tom patterns and fills
- Tribal-influenced rhythms in certain songs
- Consistency and reliability night after night
Gear Highlights
Shannon Larkin is a long-time ddrum endorser. His setup is built for power and durability on the road.
Current Setup:
- Drums: ddrum Dios Series (custom finishes)
- Snare: ddrum Dios 14"x6.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Sabian AAX & HHX Series (14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, 10" AAX Splash, 18" AAX Chinese)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series double pedal
- Throne: Pork Pie Big Boy
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Evans (G2 Coated/EC2)
Gear Philosophy:
- Prefers durable, road-worthy equipment
- Maple snare tuned for a powerful, cutting sound
- Uses relatively simple setup for reliability
- Focus on sound quality over visual complexity