Rachel Bolan recently discussed Skid Row’s ongoing search for a new vocalist and the band’s plans to return to touring. He shared details in an interview on the Rockstrap Podcast.
The bassist addressed the band’s systematic approach to finding a replacement singer following Erik Grönwall’s departure nearly two years ago.
“We have a couple of guys on our radar,” Bolan said. “We’ve auditioned a few people, but we’re gonna do a big, gigantic… We were just waiting for the new year to start.”
He explained the band’s selective audition process and the challenges they’ve encountered.
“Not so much an open call, but there’s a lot of people that wanna audition, so we’re just going — us and management and our producer, Nick Raskulinecz, we’re all going through each person saying, like, ‘Okay, let’s get in a room with this person,'” he continued. “‘This person [is a] little too young or a little too green,’ or ‘they can’t sing. Who told them they could sing?’ You get that too.”
Bolan concluded with optimism about the band’s timeline for returning to live performances.
“So we have a couple of guys on our radar that we’re pretty excited about,” he said. “So hopefully before the end of the year we’ll be back out on the road.”
The search for a new frontman comes as Skid Row looks to recapture the magic that made them one of the most recognizable names in hard rock during their peak years.
Yardbarker reported that Skid Row broke through with its self-titled 1989 debut that made them MTV staples, notably because of Sebastian Bach’s piercing voice. The band’s commercial success was undeniable, with their hit single “18 and Life” reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This established them as major players in the hard rock scene.
The New Jersey-based band has experienced multiple lineup changes throughout their career. Various vocalists have attempted to fill the void left by original singer Sebastian Bach’s departure in 1996. Erik Grönwall joined the band in 2022 and brought renewed energy to Skid Row before his own departure. This left the group once again searching for the right voice to carry their legacy forward.
The band is working alongside producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has previously collaborated with major rock acts. The band appears committed to taking their time with the selection process. Raskulinecz’s involvement suggests Skid Row is serious about maintaining their musical standards while adapting to a new era.
The band’s methodical approach to finding their next singer reflects the importance of this decision for their future. With decades of hard rock history behind them and a dedicated fanbase waiting for their return, Skid Row’s choice of vocalist will likely determine the trajectory of their next chapter in rock music.
