James Shannon Larkin (born April 24, 1967) is an American musician, best known as the drummer of the rock band Godsmack. He replaced the previous drummer Tommy Stewart in June 2002. Prior to Godsmack, he was a member of Amen, Candlebox, Ugly Kid Joe, and Souls at Zero (formerly Wrathchild America). Shannon played drums for Godsmack on their albums Faceless, IV, The Oracle, 1000hp, When Legends Rise, and their latest album Lighting Up the Sky.

Career

Larkin has been playing drums since the age of ten. He formed Wrathchild America in 1978, recording two albums for Atlantic Records before being dropped by the label. The group disbanded and later reformed as Souls at Zero, signing with Energy Rekords and releasing an eponymous debut album that was well received by critics. He went on to record two albums with Ugly Kid Joe and two more with Amen. He briefly played with Black Sabbath at one show on July 1, 1997, when regular drummer Mike Bordin was unavailable. He joined Godsmack in 2003, replacing departing drummer Tommy Stewart. He has since appeared on their albums Faceless, IV, The Other Side, The Oracle, 1000hp, When Legends Rise, and Lighting Up the Sky. His numerous side projects have included hardcore punk and thrash metal band Kiddie Porn with fellow Wrathchild guitarist Jay Abbene and bassist John "Tumor" Fahnestock, MF Pitbulls with members of Snot, and The Apocalypse Blues Revival with Tony Rombola. He has appeared as a session musician on such albums as Strait Up by Snot and Glenn Tipton's Baptizm of Fire. He has played for Vanilla Ice, Glassjaw, and Stone Sour. He was featured on the Behind the Player series.

Personal life

Larkin is a koi and turtle enthusiast and keeps multiple koi and turtles at his home. Larkin has been tattooed by artists all over the world. In addition to a full sleeve on his left arm and tattoos on his right arm, he has "Amen" tattooed across his knuckles and a hand ripping into the skin on his stomach.

Discography

Wrathchild America

Souls at Zero

Ugly Kid Joe

Glen Tipton

Amen

Snot

Godsmack

Another Animal

As session musician

The Apocalypse Blues Revival