Bret Michaels’ guitarist Pete Evick recently discussed his son Gavin Evick’s plans to audition for the new Skid Row singer position. He explained why he believes his son has a key advantage for the role. The comments were made during an interview with Border City Rock Talk.
Evick spoke about his son’s initial hesitation and eventual decision to pursue the opportunity. He highlighted the importance of industry connections.
“My kid [Gavin Evick] wants that [new Skid Row singer] gig really bad. Let’s just hope that Dee Snider stays doing what he’s doing. And Sebastian is happy with Twisted Sister and there’s the possibility that my kid can slide into Skid Row,” Evick said. “He wasn’t going to [do the audition]. And then I think something changed in his heart and he’s going to submit the videos that they’re requiring for. But you know, me and Bret [Micheals, Poison frontman] know all those guys. The world the world is who you know. That’s a fact.”
The guitarist then reflected on what Skid Row might be looking for in their next vocalist. He drew from the band’s history with previous singers.
“But I believe 100%. And I don’t know this to be a fact. But what I do know is those Skid Row guys had Johnny Solinger in that band for a long time. Solinger was nowhere near the talent of Sebastian Bach, right? Nowhere near. But they loved him. They loved him. And he loved them and he wanted to be in Skid Row,” he continued.
Evick emphasized that dedication to the band might be more important than just vocal ability.
“Now, I’m not saying anything about Tony Harnell or Erik Grönwall or anyone that’s been in Skid Row, but I do know that those were guys looking for opportunities. I think the guys in Skid Row are looking for someone that wants to be in Skid Row, not wants to be in the band that sing I Remember You. Those guys have a lifestyle,” he explained. “And I think that they want someone that wants I think more than the talent, they obviously want someone that can sing that stuff, but I think they also want to find a guy that is going to be proud to be in Skid Row. Not just singing those songs but living that life.”
Pete Evick’s comments come at a crucial time for Skid Row. The band has been actively searching for a permanent vocalist following their recent lineup changes and ongoing audition process.
The 23-year-old Gavin Evick has already emerged as a frontrunner in the band’s singer search. He advanced through multiple rounds of auditions. He performed tracks like “18 and Life,” “Monkey Business,” and “Slave to the Grind” in video submissions that earned him a spot in live auditions held in Nashville. Bassist Rachel Bolan praised his “raw energy and vocal range” during the selection process.
Skid Row’s search for a new vocalist began in earnest after the band parted ways with singer Erik Grönwall in August 2024. Grönwall had joined the band in 2022. He left amicably citing health and family reasons after being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2021 and experiencing exhaustion from extensive U.S. tours. The band has maintained a supportive stance. Grönwall stated he was “grateful for the run, but time for a new chapter.”
The audition process has been comprehensive. It featured an open call that began in fall 2024, followed by fan voting in February 2025 where Gavin placed second among the top 10 candidates. The band’s requirements include strong vocals matching the Sebastian Bach and Erik Grönwall style, with a high range up to E5, stage presence, and the ability to handle 100+ shows per year. Over 50 serious applicants have participated in the search. Live tests emphasized endurance for 90-minute sets.
Skid Row has experienced significant vocalist changes throughout its history. This includes original frontman Sebastian Bach’s departure in 1996 amid internal tensions, Johnny Solinger’s 16-year tenure from 1999 to 2015, and brief stints with Tony Harnell. The band’s current focus on finding a “long-term brother” reflects their desire for stability after years of lineup changes. They continue to build on the momentum from their 2023 album “The Gang’s All Here.”
