Skid Row Launches Global Search For New Lead Singer
If you’ve spent the last three decades belting out “Youth Gone Wild” in the shower (you totally know you have) and convincing yourself you could hit those stratospheric high notes better than the current lineup, it’s time to put your money where your vocal cords are. In a move that feels pretty much equal parts “American Idol” and rock ‘n’ roll desperation, Skid Row has officially launched a worldwide manhunt for a new lead singer.
Do You Have What It Takes to Front Skid Row?
Teaming up with online retail giant Sweetwater, the New Jersey legends are opening the floodgates to the public. Yikes? This isn’t just a localized casting call; they are accepting video submissions from anyone, anywhere, who thinks they have the pipes – and the patience – to front the band as they approach their 40th anniversary. Could be an amazing opportunity.
How To Audition For Skid Row
The process is surprisingly straightforward, though the execution will separate the karaoke heroes from the touring pros. Aspiring vocalists need to head over to the Sweetwater website to submit their application. The band isn’t asking for your creative interpretation of an obscure B-side; they want to see if you can handle the heavy hitters.
You are required to submit video footage of yourself performing “18 and Life” and “Monkey Business.” These aren’t easy tracks. They require a vocal range that can peel paint off the walls and a stage presence that commands attention. The band has explicitly stated this isn’t a “contest or a gimmick,” but a real search for a permanent member. There is no deadline, which implies they are going to keep this portal open until they find exactly who and what they are looking for, whether that takes two weeks or even two years.
The Revolving Door Of Vocalists
To say Skid Row has had some stability issues would be the understatement of the century. Since the explosive and definitive era of Sebastian Bach ended in 1996, the mic stand has seen a lot of turnover. Johnny Solinger held the fort down for an impressive 16 years, followed by a blink-and-you-missed-it stint by Tony Harnell, and then an era with ZP Theart from the band Dragonforce.
Most recently, fans thought the band had finally struck gold with Swedish singer Erik Grönwall. The former H.E.A.T. frontman brought a youthful, aggressive energy that revitalized the band’s sound on their latest album, The Gang’s All Here.
However, the realities of life on the road are brutal. Grönwall, a leukemia survivor, had to step down in 2024 to prioritize his health, a move that was heartbreaking but necessary. Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale (the Goddess of amazing rock pipes) stepped in to save the day for a string of dates, proving she’s one of the best in the business. Unfortunately, that was never going to be a permanent arrangement.
Why The Sebastian Bach Reunion Is Not Happening
Let’s address the screamer in the room, shall we? Every time Skid Row announces they need a new lead singer, the comments section erupts with one name: Sebastian Bach.
Bach has been vocal – very vocal – about his willingness to reunite. He’s told the press he’s ready to go. The fans want it. The promoters would probably pay millions for it. But Rachel Bolan and Snake Sabo would apparently rather eat denim than share a tour bus with him again.
The bad blood here runs deeper than the Mariana Trench. Despite Bach claiming it’s just “business” standing in the way, Sabo and Bolan have repeatedly shut it down, prioritizing their mental health and happiness over a paycheck. Bolan has noted that the “hang” has to be good, and Bach’s tenure with the band was often marked by infighting.
Skid Row’s Musical Direction
When asked about what they’re looking for in a candidate – if they wanted a singer stylistically similar to Bach or Solinger – or possibly another style, drummer Rob Hammersmith stated in part to Blabbermouth:
“We would be open to either of those scenarios. When you’re dealing with a situation like ours, there’s a legacy there.”
So it sounds like there’s some flexibility, as well as room to potentially create more musical content. Could possibly be an interesting gig. Now, do you have the pipes?
