Rachel Bolan recently discussed Skid Row’s ongoing singer search and revealed what the band is looking for in their potential new frontman. He shared insights about the band’s requirements in an interview with Classic Metal Show.
The bassist outlined the band’s expectations for their next vocalist. He emphasized the importance of experience and understanding the realities of touring life.
“We just wanna get someone that understands how we work, how we tour, that the road isn’t always great, because it’s not for any band,” Bolan said. “And we want someone with experience that knows that.”
He explained the band’s transparent approach to discussing expectations with potential candidates.
“But the people that we’re interested in past the virtual audition stage, we discuss with them,” he continued. “It’s, like, ‘Here’s how we operate, and this is how long you’ll be away from home.’ We’re completely transparent. ‘And here’s how we’ve been doing it for 40 years.’ And they gotta decide, like, if you get the gig, you have to be ready for this. And sometimes you gotta leave the hotel room at 3:30 a.m. because we gotta be at the airport by five. And it’s just the way it is.”
Bolan emphasized that personal chemistry is equally important as musical ability.
“And that’s how we operate. And the hang is so important,” he said. “We’ve learned that over the years. It’s just, like, you could go out and do great shows, but sometimes you’re just, like, ‘I can’t be in a room with this guy anymore.’ You know what I mean? And I’m sure they say that about me too. But the hang is such a big part of it.”
The band is taking advantage of their current schedule flexibility to find the right fit.
“And the great thing is we have the luxury of time right now,” Bolan explained. “We’re not in the middle of making a record. We don’t have a tour booked. We’re writing songs, we’re piling up some songs and whatnot, ’cause when we find someone, things are gonna start happening fast, We’ll hit the road again and we’ll probably go in the studio again. And so we’re taking our time because we have that luxury to do that.”
Bolan’s comments come as Skid Row continues their search for a permanent vocalist following a series of lineup changes that have defined the band’s recent history.
The band has experienced significant vocalist turnover since their split with original frontman Sebastian Bach in 1996. Johnny Solinger served as the band’s singer from 1999 to 2015. He provided stability during a crucial period of the band’s evolution. Most recently, Erik Grönwall joined the group in 2021 but departed in 2022 due to health issues. This left the position vacant once again.
In early 2024, Skid Row released “The Gang’s All Here.” The album featured Grönwall’s final recordings with the band. The album marked both an ending and a new beginning for the group. It showcased their continued creative output while highlighting the ongoing need for a permanent vocal solution.
The search for a new frontman has generated considerable speculation within the metal community. Rumors have circulated about potential candidates, including established vocalists like Todd La Torre of Queensrÿche. No official announcements have been made regarding specific auditions or candidates.
Skid Row’s methodical approach to finding their next singer reflects lessons learned from nearly three decades of lineup changes. The band’s emphasis on compatibility and touring experience suggests they are prioritizing long-term stability over quick fixes. They recognize that the right chemistry between band members is essential for sustained success in the demanding world of professional touring.
