Sebastian Bach’s childhood friend Ricky Blade recently shared detailed insider information about why Skid Row refuses to reunite with their former vocalist. He addressed the ongoing tensions in a statement posted on Facebook.
Blade’s comments came after Skid Row launched a new singer search in partnership with Sweetwater. This prompted discussions about a potential reunion with Bach.
“You know, opinions are fine, but when you throw stuff in to disrespect, that’s when you become fair game,” Blade said. “I felt the urge to respond and not because I disagree with two possible choices, both great singers but it’s the lack of respect. I actually wish they would just do one damn show and then end it forever, maybe they could build a stage with two levels, and give Sebastian the bottom level and everybody else can stay on top so they don’t have to actually share the same stage!”
Blade emphasized the fan demand for the original lineup while criticizing the band’s current direction.
“Well if what you’re saying is true, then for Skid Row to truly be Skid Row they’re gonna have to rehire Fallon and Ratkowski, because we all really want to hear that lineup again!” he continued. “Nobody wants to hear any other Skid Row than the one with Sebastian Bach, who gives a rats ass about what anyone else thinks about his personality, if it comes to a vote, you lose! There’s more people that wanted to happen than those that don’t.”
Blade revealed that the root of the conflict stems from tensions with guitarist Rachel Bolan dating back to a Rolling Stone magazine cover incident.
“You would have to personally know Rachel to completely understand,” Blade explained. “Everybody in the band is loyal to Rachel as it should be, but no matter what anybody says the reason is and has always been Rachel. He lost his shit when Sebastian got the cover of the Rolling Stones magazine after they all spent a full day in a photo shoot that they all expected to be on the cover of. That day the magazine came out was the beginning of the end of Skid Row, Rachel’s ego just couldn’t handle it.”
Blade described the situation as similar to a failed relationship where control became the central issue.
“No different than a failed marriage or relationship where one person feels more entitled than the other,” he said. “Trust me, I was there and even when the boys were staying at my house I could tell that Rachel didn’t like Sebastian, Sebastian was too some might call it obnoxious but I call it overpowering. The band belong to DAVE and Rachel alone and Rachel was the dominant force right from the beginning, he lost control when they hired Sebastian, but that’s what most bands realize that has to be done for them to become superstars, Rachel couldn’t handle it.”
The tensions between Bach and his former bandmates have persisted for nearly three decades. This has created one of rock music’s most enduring feuds.
The band’s search for a new vocalist comes after the departure of Erik Grönwall in 2024 due to health concerns. WMMR reported that Skid Row has been actively seeking a replacement through their partnership with Sweetwater. Many fans continue to call for Bach’s return to the fold.
Bach’s departure from Skid Row in late 1996 was marked by controversy and bitter exchanges. Wikipedia documented that Bach was fired after he booked an unauthorized opening slot for Kiss and left insulting messages on guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo’s answering machine. This further deteriorated the already strained relationships within the band.
Despite the decades-long rift, Bach has remained open to the possibility of reconciliation. 98 Rock Online noted that Bach expressed optimism about a potential reunion in a 2024 interview with Metal Hammer. He stated that business issues remain the primary barrier since the band members haven’t shared a room since 1996.
The classic Skid Row lineup featured Bach on vocals alongside Sabo, Bolan, Rob Affuso, and Scotti Hill. They achieved massive commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their self-titled debut album and follow-up “Slave to the Grind” established them as major players in the hard rock scene. This makes the ongoing feud all the more disappointing for longtime fans who continue to hope for a reunion of the original members.
