Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan has offered a new update on the band’s ongoing search for a permanent vocalist. He shared the details in a recent interview.
Bolan was asked directly about the current state of the band following Erik Grönwall’s departure in 2024 and Lzzy Hale’s temporary fill-in appearances, and whether a full-time singer had been found yet.
“We have our eye on about five guys,” Bolan said. “We have the luxury of time, since we aren’t mid-record or on tour. We’ll probably go with someone new – someone with experience but not necessarily a recognizable name.”
The conversation then turned to whether former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach could be a candidate. The interviewer noted that the description of “not necessarily a recognizable name” seemed to rule out at least one obvious choice.
“No, that wasn’t even a question,” Bolan replied, when Bach’s name was raised.
The comments confirm that Skid Row is taking a measured approach to filling the vocalist role. No immediate announcement is expected.
The band’s current situation traces back to March 27, 2024, when Grönwall announced his exit after just two years as frontman. The departure was driven entirely by health concerns rather than any creative or professional falling out.
Grönwall had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2021 and subsequently underwent a bone marrow transplant. The treatment left his immune system significantly impaired. The physical demands of fronting a touring rock band proved incompatible with the ongoing medical follow-ups his recovery required. His final show with the band took place on March 22, 2024, at the EPIC Event Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
On the same day Grönwall’s departure was announced, Skid Row confirmed that Lzzy Hale of Halestorm would step in as a temporary live vocalist to cover upcoming scheduled dates. Hale’s involvement was always framed as a short-term arrangement to keep the band’s live commitments intact, not a permanent replacement.
Grönwall has since spoken candidly about the circumstances of his exit. “I really wanted to still be in Skid Row,” he said, “but we couldn’t find common ground.” The statement points to a situation where both sides were willing but ultimately unable to reconcile the band’s touring schedule with the demands of his continued recovery.
With Hale having since returned to her full-time role with Halestorm, Skid Row has been without a permanent frontman for well over a year. Bolan’s latest comments suggest the band is in no rush to make a hasty decision. They prefer to identify the right long-term fit over filling the seat quickly. The search, it appears, remains very much open.
Source: loudersound.com
