Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan recently addressed the band’s ongoing search for a new permanent singer. He specifically discussed the possibility of hiring well-known vocalists like Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale in an interview with 101 WRIF.
The discussion arose when Bolan was asked about the challenges of bringing in a singer with an established career and fanbase.
Bolan responded thoughtfully about the dynamics involved when asked about whether the band considers the potential complications of hiring a singer with significant musical history.
“Yeah. I would think people would wanna hear, like, ‘Wow, what would it sound like for Skid Row to play a Halestorm song.’ And, yeah, that’s the one thing about bringing in someone well known,” Bolan said. “But I guarantee whoever we get will be well known [laughs], as soon as he’s in the band.”
Bolan also provided an update on the band’s current search process and creative activities.
“We’re still looking [for the new singer]. We’re taking our time. But Snake [guitarist Dave Sabo] and I do get together and write [new Skid Row music]. We just wrote a little bit today, as a matter of fact. He just left [my house] about 10 minutes ago,” he continued. “So, yeah, we just keep the machine rolling, and when we find someone, we’ll find someone.”
The bassist emphasized the band’s methodical approach to finding their next frontperson.
“But we’re not gonna rush it. We did this promotion through Sweetwater and probably have listened to about 300 submissions at this point. And there’s some really good stuff on there. And, we’ve auditioned people outside of that as well that were really good,” Bolan explained. “So, it’s a long process, and were prepared for it.”
This comes after Lzzy Hale performed four shows as Skid Row’s frontwoman in spring 2024. This demonstrated the potential for collaboration between established artists.
The band’s current vocalist search stems from their latest lineup change. This has become a recurring theme in Skid Row’s history over the past three decades.
WDHA FM reported that Skid Row parted ways with singer Erik Gronwall in March 2024 due to his health concerns and the demands of touring. Bassist Rachel Bolan noted that despite a strong run with Gronwall, “the road was just too much for him with his past health issues.” This marked the band’s latest vocalist change nearly two years before their current search.
Following Gronwall’s departure, Ultimate Classic Rock confirmed that Lzzy Hale of Halestorm performed vocals for Skid Row during a short run of shows in May 2024. She helped fulfill commitments after Gronwall’s exit. This temporary collaboration allowed the band to continue live performances amid their vocalist transition and demonstrated the chemistry that sparked discussions about potential permanent arrangements.
The ongoing search reflects a pattern that has defined Skid Row since the mid-1990s. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Skid Row has cycled through multiple singers since firing original frontman Sebastian Bach in 1996. Bolan and guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo have repeatedly ruled out any reunion. The band has dismissed reconciliation possibilities on numerous occasions while progressing with auditions for new candidates.
Recent updates from WDHA FM indicate that the band is making progress in their search. Bassist Rachel Bolan revealed that they will audition additional prospects throughout the year alongside management and producer Nick Raskulinecz. This methodical approach suggests the band is committed to finding the right fit rather than rushing into another potentially temporary arrangement.
