Skid Row have announced Justin Sargent as their new frontman after more than two years of searching for a replacement. The band shared the news on Instagram.
Sargent, a Broadway performer from New Jersey, will replace the band’s former singer. Skid Row held auditions with many vocalists over the past two years before selecting him. The band also announced tour dates to mark their return to live performances.
The official announcement from Skid Row reads: “New Blood. Same Attitude. After more than two years off searching the globe for their next frontman, Skid Row found him in the very state the band was born… New Jersey! Welcome Justin Sargent To Skid Row!”
The band added details about what comes next: “The band has been holed up, making noise, and getting ready to begin the next chapter. And there’s no better way to kick the doors down than with their take on THE WHO’s legendary anthem ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ along with a music video!”
They also thanked everyone involved in the search: “To everyone who stepped up and auditioned, the band sends much respect. There are some badass singers out there! 40 years of Skid Row. The next chapter starts now.”
Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan spoke about Sargent’s arrival. “Honestly, for me, it felt like he had been here from the beginning as soon as he walked in the room,” Bolan said. “He was one of us. A lifer. Then he sang with so much power and conviction, it blew me away. It was amazing.”
Guitarist Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo also described the moment Sargent auditioned. “We were so fortunate to receive so many audition submissions from singers wanting to front the band,” he said. “We wanna thank everyone for their time and effort. There are some truly amazing singers out there! But I think that the moment Justin walked in the door we all kind of knew he was the guy. Everything about him; his voice, his attitude, his demeanor, it all just fit. We can’t wait to hit the ground running and get back to doing what we love to do.”
The announcement marks the end of Skid Row’s search for a new vocalist and the start of a fresh era for the band.
Sargent joins Skid Row following the departure of Erik Grönwall in March 2024. Grönwall, who had been with the band for a two-year stint, decided that the demands of touring were not conducive to his health and recovery. Grönwall was Skid Row’s fourth frontman since Sebastian Bach left the group, and during his time with the band he appeared on the album The Gang’s All Here, which came out in October 2022 and marked Skid Row’s first studio album in sixteen years.
After Grönwall’s exit, Skid Row performed a series of shows with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm serving as guest vocalist on lead vocals. Those gigs concluded in June 2024, and the band then launched their search for a permanent replacement. In February 2026, Skid Row officially opened worldwide auditions with no submission deadline and partnered with music retailer Sweetwater to reach a global audience of musicians.
Sargent brings extensive stage experience to the role. He made his Broadway debut in 2011 in Rock of Ages and has also starred in Bonnie and Clyde and Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark. Beyond Broadway, Sargent has worked with Windborne Music, a Virginia-based production company, on shows featuring the music of Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard and the Rolling Stones. The band spent months working with Sargent before making the final decision, with the new position representing a process that had been in development for a year.
