SCOTTISH ROCK WITH A SWISS VOICE

With hard-hitting rock songs and unforgettable ballads, Nazareth have made a name for themselves around the world over the past 58 years. Since the end of 2025, a Swiss frontman has been breathing new life into the veteran outfit: Basel native Gianni Pontillo is the new voice of Scotland’s legendary rockers. He is looking forward to an emotional homecoming at Pratteln’s rock temple.

Formed in 1968 in the Scottish town of Dunfermline, Nazareth belong to the first generation of hard rock pioneers alongside bands such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and Black Sabbath. With nearly 60 million records sold worldwide, Nazareth are, alongside Simple Minds, Scotland’s most successful internationally renowned band. Since last December, the group has been fronted by Gianni Pontillo. Over the past three decades, the Basel singer has made a name for himself with Pure Inc, The Order, Fun Halen, Pontillo & The Vintage Crew and, most recently, the German hard rockers Victory. Now, joining Nazareth marks the next major step in his career. Pete Agnew, the last remaining original member of this rock institution, contacted Gianni for the first time at the end of 2025. “Pete called me personally after someone from the scene had sent him a video of me. I could hardly believe it. Nazareth. The legendary pioneers of hard rock. I’ve known and loved this band since I was a child. I remember watching my parents dance around the living room to ‘Love Hurts’, and they even had a Nazareth ‘Greatest Hits’ album in their record collection.”

By now, Nazareth and Pontillo have already played several shows together, and the newcomer feels completely at home in his new role: “It’s simply fantastic! The guys in the band, the crew and everyone around them are just amazing. Respect is everything here. That’s something you hardly ever come across in today’s music business.” The fans’ reactions have been overwhelmingly positive as well. “I’ve already met lots of die-hard fans and they’re all really happy with me as the new frontman. They’ve also shared some fascinating stories about the band and original singer Dan McCafferty.” Performing Nazareth’s timeless classics is something Pontillo thoroughly enjoys. Asked about his personal favourites, he replies: “I honestly love all the songs. But ‘Hair Of The Dog’ and ‘Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman’ are definitely two absolute highlights. One has an incredibly cool rock groove, the other is an amazing blues number with a really funny lyric. Pete and I sing those in unison and our voices blend together perfectly.” In November, Pontillo will perform in Pratteln with his new band for the very first time. A very special occasion for the singer: “Z7 is my home. I practically grew up with this venue. I attended my very first concert here and have played here many times before as an opening act for incredible bands. This place is legendary, the sound is first-class and the entire team is simply fantastic. I’m already looking forward to this show. It’s going to be very emotional because all my friends and family will be there. It’s going to be a wonderful celebration.”