Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan opened up about the band’s late singer Johnny Solinger in a recent interview.
Bolan was asked by a fan who had attended a Skid Row concert in Barcelona during the Solinger era how he remembers his former bandmate. His response was heartfelt and candid. It reflected on both the bond they shared and the memories they made together.
“Johnny was a brother, you know, and I miss him a lot,” Bolan said. “Man, we had so many good times together and I remember being in Barcelona in particular.”
Bolan went on to recall a specific moment from that time in Barcelona, describing a quiet, meaningful exchange between the two.
“We were eating tapas before the show and it got so quiet,” he continued. “We were just eating so much different food and we were enjoying it so much and we just looked over and we’re like, ‘Man we have a great life, don’t we dude?’ And yeah, I miss that guy.”
Despite acknowledging that their relationship wasn’t without its differences, Bolan made clear that what they built together was something special.
“He was a special dude you know,” he added. “We disagreed on a lot of stuff but we made it.”
Bolan’s words carry particular weight given the circumstances surrounding Solinger’s passing. The singer died on June 26, 2021, at the age of 55 due to liver failure. He had publicly revealed the diagnosis just one month before his death. His passing marked the end of a chapter that had defined Skid Row for well over a decade.
Solinger joined Skid Row in 1999, stepping into one of rock’s most scrutinized vocalist roles following the departure of original frontman Sebastian Bach. He went on to become the band’s longest-serving singer, spending more than 15 years with the group before parting ways in 2015. His tenure was marked by consistent touring and a steady creative output that kept the band active through a challenging period in their history.
During his time with Skid Row, Solinger recorded two full studio albums with the band — Thickskin in 2003 and Revolutions Per Minute in 2006. He also contributed to the first two chapters of the United World Rebellion EP trilogy, released in 2013 and 2014. He toured extensively alongside the band, including a high-profile worldwide run in 2000 as the opening act for KISS.
Beyond his work with Skid Row, Solinger pursued a passion for country music. He released a regional album in 2008 that blended his rock roots with a country sensibility. The record featured a track called “You Lie,” recorded with his Skid Row bandmates, showcasing the personal and creative bonds he had formed within the group.
In the final weeks of his life, Solinger revealed publicly that he had been hospitalized for over a month and was battling liver failure without health insurance. He was taking at least seven medications and faced an extensive road of physical therapy ahead. His openness about his condition moved many in the rock community. His death just weeks later left a lasting mark on those who had known and worked alongside him — including Bolan, whose recent words make clear that the loss is one he still carries with him.
