Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan recently discussed the band’s ongoing search for a new vocalist. He shared insights about their audition process and some memorable submissions they’ve received. His comments were made during an interview on The Rock Is George Podcast.
Bolan addressed the timeline for announcing their new singer. He explained the band’s deliberate approach to the selection process.
When asked about when Skid Row will announce their new singer, Bolan provided a detailed response about their current situation.
“Well, we are taking our time because we have the luxury of that right now,” Bolan said. “We’re not in the middle of making a record. We don’t have a tour booked. We are looking closer at a few people and but you know, we’re like I said, we’re going to take our time, get in a room.”
The bassist emphasized the complexity of choosing a new band member beyond just vocal ability.
“There’s so much involved other than just, oh, cool. They’d be great for the band,” he continued. “There’s the hang there. There’s all the business behind everything. There’s, you know, having, you know, getting someone with experience that knows what it’s like to be out on the road and knows that sometimes it’s not great, you know, for whatever band you are. Sometimes it’s just rough. It’s rough out there.”
Bolan also touched on some of the more questionable audition submissions the band has received.
“There’s been some [terrible audition videos] that are I’m like, ‘Wow. Okay. All right.’ Someone told them that they could sing,” he said with a laugh. “You know what? You got to give it to them. They’re auditioning. They’re putting themselves out there for a national act that is and they’re going to be under a lot of scrutiny online, you know, and I got to give it to him, man. They’ll do something one day, you know. It might not be with this band, but with that that kind of drive and that just Yep. I’m the goods. That that’s big part of it, man.”
The band continues their search without rushing the process. Several candidates are currently under consideration.
This careful approach comes after a challenging period for the band. The band has experienced significant changes in their lineup over recent years. The search for a new frontman became necessary following the departure of their previous vocalist earlier this year.
Blabbermouth reported that Skid Row’s previous lead vocalist Erik Grönwall departed the band in March 2024. The 38-year-old Swedish-born singer joined in 2021. He cited health challenges as the primary reason for his exit. Grönwall had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2021. He stated it had become “increasingly difficult to prioritize” his health and full recovery while serving as the band’s frontman.
The band has implemented a comprehensive search strategy to find their next vocalist. WRIF noted that Skid Row launched a global audition partnership with Sweetwater, the world’s leading musical instrument retailer, in early 2026. Through this initiative, the band has reviewed approximately 300 submissions. They have also auditioned several strong external candidates.
Skid Row’s recent history with vocalists reflects a pattern that Bolan has acknowledged as having “kind of become a thing” for the band. The group has cycled through multiple singers over the years. This includes Tony Harnell who had multiple stints with the band between 2015-2021, Johnny Solinger who served as vocalist from 1999-2015, and original singer Sebastian Bach who fronted the band from 1987-1996. This history of turnover has influenced their deliberate pace in the current search process.
As of April 2026, Ultimate Classic Rock confirmed that Bolan stated the band is progressing with “serious candidates.” They remain motivated by management to prepare new material despite not having a permanent vocalist in place. The bassist has also been working on a solo album during this interim period. He has been collaborating with musicians from across the musical spectrum while the band continues their methodical search for the right fit.
