Former Skid Row drummer Phil Varone recently explained who he believes is preventing a Sebastian Bach reunion with the band. He shared his insights from his time as a member in a discussion on the Beardo and Weirdo Podcast.
Varone addressed the ongoing speculation about whether Sebastian Bach could ever return to Skid Row as their singer. When asked directly about the possibility, he provided a candid assessment based on his firsthand experience with the band dynamics.
“Do you think there’s anything that will get Sebastian Bach back in Skid Row?” was the question posed to the former drummer.
“No. Bach will go. It’s the band. Cuz even when I was in the band, there was negotiating on that. Doc (McGhee) wanted it. Those guys just won’t do it,” Varone responded.
He elaborated on the internal resistance within the band. He specifically pointed to guitarist Rachel Bolan’s position on the matter.
“Rachel won’t do it. I’m not going to speak for him now, but at the time I can only tell you what I witnessed and it was just that wasn’t going to happen. It’s something deep. I mean, that would be a question for them, but I just knew there was a hatred there,” he continued.
Varone acknowledged that perspectives may have evolved over time. He emphasized the intensity of the conflict he witnessed during his tenure with the band.
“I look at things differently these days cuz we’re older, but at the time it was different, you know? I mean, I don’t know the dynamics of it,” he concluded.
Varone’s observations align with statements from current band members who have consistently ruled out any possibility of Bach’s return. The drummer’s insider perspective sheds light on the deep-rooted tensions that have prevented any meaningful reconciliation between the parties involved.
Loudwire reported that guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo confirmed in 2024 that failed reunion talks in 2015 revealed the same fundamental issues that originally tore the band apart. The discussions took place after the band fired singer Johnny Solinger. They quickly exposed persistent problems over control and personality clashes that made any reunion impossible.
The band’s stance has remained firm despite ongoing fan interest in a potential reunion. Blabbermouth noted that Sabo definitively stated in May 2024 that a reunion “is not gonna happen.” He emphasized the finality of the band’s position on the matter.
Rachel Bolan’s resistance, specifically mentioned by Varone, has been documented in previous interviews where the bassist confirmed his unwillingness to work with Bach again. After brief text conversations with the former frontman, Bolan reportedly recalled why they originally parted ways. He prioritized the band’s peace of mind over any potential financial benefits from a reunion.
Despite the band’s clear rejection, Bach has remained open to the possibility of reconciliation. The former vocalist has expressed in various interviews that he believes the chemistry between the original members could still produce quality music. He acknowledges the personal obstacles that continue to prevent any collaboration from moving forward.
