Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan recently addressed the band’s ongoing search for a new lead vocalist. He shared the update in an interview with The Rock Experience with Mike Brunn.
When asked whether Skid Row could realistically find a new singer and hit the road in 2026, Bolan was candid about the timeline. He suggested the process may extend well into next year.
“We have no expectations,” Bolan said. “You know, to say that something would happen in 2026 might be a far reach.”
Despite the uncertainty around a final decision, Bolan confirmed that the audition process is moving forward into its next phase.
“But we’re taking like five more people into the second phase of the audition process,” he continued, “which is getting into a room with them and seeing how they do in a live situation.”
The update comes as Skid Row continues to navigate life without a permanent frontman. The situation has been more than two years in the making and carries significant personal backstory.
Skid Row has been without a lead singer since parting ways with Erik Grönwall in March 2024. As TalkShopLive reported, Grönwall joined the band in 2022 and stepped back to focus on his health and recovery after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He had received the diagnosis in March 2021, just before joining the group.
Warbas News noted that Grönwall has since revealed he genuinely wanted to stay in Skid Row. He ultimately left because the two sides could not agree on a lighter touring schedule that would accommodate his ongoing health needs.
The split was not without its complications on the road. As The Metalcore reported, guitarist Dave Sabo acknowledged the difficulties leading up to the departure: “We had to postpone and cancel some shows due to health issues, but ultimately, he made the decision to leave.”
Despite the drawn-out search, Bolan has made clear that the band is not feeling pressured to rush. Rachel Bolan’s Instagram showed the bassist stressing that Skid Row has “the luxury of time.” He also confirmed the search had already been narrowed down to a few finalists before entering this latest live-audition phase. Fans will have to wait as the band takes its time to find the right fit before committing to any touring plans.
