Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan recently addressed the band’s touring hiatus and their ongoing search for a new vocalist in a statement shared on Ultimate Classic Rock.
Bolan explained the band’s current approach to planning future tours and their careful selection process for a new singer.
“You know, the last few times we had a tour booked, or something happened, or we were in the middle of doing a record. So now we’re at the point where we’re like, let’s take our time,” Bolan said. “If we don’t tour for a few years, then so be it. We’re always going to be able to tour. We just have to find the right person.”
The bassist detailed their thorough vetting process for potential vocalists.
“We [want to] really go through everything meticulously [and find out about the potential singers], okay, can you go on the road? How many days can you [do it]? These poor people are getting a barrage of questions,” he continued. “We want to be in a [good] situation. None of us have any plans of retiring anytime soon. So it’s like, let’s just run it and run it and run it until we can’t move our legs.”
Bolan also reflected on the time that has passed since their last performance and his eagerness to return to the stage.
“In June, it will be two years since our last show with Lzzy Hale. So it went by pretty quickly, at first. You know, we’ll talk to each other on the phone. I’ll talk to one of the guys, and they’ll be like, ‘Man, we haven’t gigged in a while.’ I’ll sit there and a friend will ask me to get up and sit in with a band or something. I’m like, ‘Hell yeah. How many songs? I’ll learn all of them,” he said.
The band’s current situation stems from significant changes that occurred in 2024. This marked one of the most challenging periods in their recent history.
WRIF reported that the group hasn’t had a permanent singer since March 2024, when Erik Grönwall departed because of health troubles tied to his leukemia fight. The 38-year-old vocalist’s exit came after health concerns coupled with grueling tour schedules became too demanding for his recovery process.
WDHAFM revealed that the band has narrowed its search to a handful of contenders nearly two years after Grönwall’s departure. The selection process has become more sophisticated. Producer Nick Raskulinecz—known for his work with Foo Fighters and Rush—is assisting with auditions alongside the band’s management team.
The band’s last performances were a brief string of shows with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm in May 2024, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock. This represents the longest break the band has taken from touring in their recent history. It highlights the significance of finding the right permanent vocalist before returning to the stage.
Despite the extended hiatus, the band remains committed to their methodical approach to selecting their next frontman. The thorough vetting process reflects their determination to ensure long-term stability and compatibility with their demanding tour schedules. They are learning from the challenges that led to Grönwall’s departure.
