In a recent interview with the Appetite For Distortion podcast, Skid Row drummer Rob Hammersmith discussed the band’s search for a new singer.
“We are on an active search. We have had some really strong candidates. We have some people that we’re really heavily engaged with and looking at. We’re not there yet. As of this moment, as you and I are talking right now, nothing has been finalized,” he explained. “Nothing has been finalized, is really the best way to say that. So it’s a long process. You want it to be a quick and easy process, but like most things in life, that’s not really the case. So, no solid updates, no grand announcements for you as of this moment, other than we are still working through the process.”
When asked if the band has a clear idea of what they are looking for in a new singer or if they will ‘just know’ when they find the right person, the drummer responded: “It’s the latter. I think we know, as individuals and as a group, we know, but to put it in words, it almost feels to me like you’re confining it.”
Unintentionally describing their original frontman, Sebastian Bach, the drummer added,” If I were to give you four or five adjectives to say, ‘This is what I’m looking for’… We want somebody who has a presence and a personality and has something about themselves.”
“Anybody who knows the band’s history kind of knows we’re an energetic band,” Hammersmith continued. “We take pride in that. We’re an energetic band. We have a particular way of doing things. That’s not to say that we’re not open to somebody bringing their own stamp to it, but that’s a very difficult question for me to answer. So I would say that you hit the nail on the head by saying we’ll know it when we see it. But it is a pre-existing thing. That’s a difficult balance.”
“You’re talking about hit songs, and you’re talking about a very long catalog from a band who has a loyal fanbase. And although throughout the years, you see younger fans coming and you see fans turn over, I guess, if you will, but there is still a core… there’s a history and there’s a legacy and a heritage that you have to honor that we want to honor. So we don’t wanna deviate too far from that. But at the same time, there’s room for evolution and each chapter, each era of the band is different in its own right,” he added.
In a previous interview, the drummer talked thoroughly about their search for a new singer but revealed that they hit a wall. “We are still in an active search for the next lead singer of Skid Row. We’ve had some really good some really strong candidates. At this point, no news, no official announcements. As I said, we are still in the midst of a proper search, if you will, but we’re making progress, we’re getting there.”
“So unfortunately, no announcements. All of that said, we like to keep it out there in the rock and metal world. Any ideas are welcome at this point. So, singers out there, if you think you’re right, you know where to find us for sure,” he added.
Though the band made it clear many times that Bach isn’t an option, it’s only a matter of time before they reunite with a former singer.
