---
name: "Shannon Larkin"
band: "Godsmack / Ugly Kid Joe / Amen"
genre: "Hard Rock / Heavy Metal / Nu Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "ddrum"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/shannon-larkin"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Shannon Larkin

Shannon Larkin is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Godsmack / Ugly Kid Joe / Amen, a defining act in hard rock / heavy metal / nu metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Shannon Larkin |
| Band | Godsmack / Ugly Kid Joe / Amen |
| All bands | Godsmack, Ugly Kid Joe, Amen |
| Genre | Hard Rock / Heavy Metal / Nu Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | ddrum |
| Drum kit | ddrum Dios Series |
| Signature snare | ddrum Dios 14x6.5" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |

## Biography

Shannon Larkin (born April 24, 1967) is an American drummer best known as the former drummer of Godsmack, a position he held from 2002 to 2024, making him the band's longest-serving drummer. His powerful, groove-oriented style was essential to Godsmack's signature heavy sound. Before Godsmack, Larkin played with Wrathchild America, Souls at Zero, Ugly Kid Joe, and Amen. He has been playing drums since age ten and briefly filled in for Black Sabbath on one show in 1997 when Mike Bordin was unavailable. Known for his hard-hitting style and versatility, Larkin has been a Sabian cymbal artist for decades.

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.

## Band History

- **Godsmack** — 2002–present (current)
- **Ugly Kid Joe** — 1991–1997
- **Amen** — 1999–2002

## Gear

- **Drums:** ddrum Dios Series
- **Snare:** ddrum Dios 14x6.5" 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, ddrum Throne
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- When Legends Rise - Remo Performance (2018)
- When Legends Rise - Drum Cam (2019)
- Drum Battle - Sully vs Shannon (2010)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Shannon Larkin play?**

A: Shannon Larkin plays a ddrum Dios Series.

**Q: What cymbals does Shannon Larkin use?**

A: Shannon Larkin uses 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).

**Q: What band is Shannon Larkin in?**

A: Shannon Larkin drums for Godsmack / Ugly Kid Joe / Amen, a hard rock / heavy metal / nu metal band.

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Shannon Larkin on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/shannon-larkin)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*