Skid Row’s Rachel Bolan recently discussed the band’s ongoing singer search. He explained their deliberate approach to finding a replacement as they work to avoid repeating past mistakes, in an interview with The Aquarian.
When asked about the progress of their singer search through Sweetwater and the audition videos appearing on YouTube, Bolan provided insight into their comprehensive process.
“We are taking our time with everything and we’re focused on a few people right now,” Bolan said. “A couple of them have auditioned live and then some are still just the video auditions. We’ve had 300 submissions, and that’s just the Sweetwater submissions.”
The bassist explained that the band is conducting auditions through multiple channels to ensure they find the right fit.
“We also have been doing outside auditions, as well, for people that have more experience,” he continued. “Sometimes we’re like, ‘Okay, let’s bring this person in.’ Rob and Scotty will fly in and we’ll get in a room with people.”
Bolan revealed the extensive scope of their search. He noted they have evaluated hundreds of potential candidates.
“We’re talking 300 to 320 people between physical in-person auditions and digital auditions,” he said. “We’re definitely taking our time because we have the luxury right now. We’re not in the middle of a record. We don’t have a tour coming up. Let’s not rush into anything because a couple of times we had to rush into it. It worked out for a while and then it didn’t. So that’s where we’re at. We’re definitely starting thin the herd, if you will.”
The musician also addressed comparisons to reality television. He clarified the band’s perspective on their public audition process.
“The other day, somebody said, ‘Yeah, you got that reality show,'” Bolan recalled. “I was like, ‘We have a reality show? What are you talking about?’ They’re like, ‘Yeah, the audition thing.’ I’m like, ‘Oh okay, that’s not how I see it. But okay, cool.'”
Bolan’s comments about avoiding past mistakes reflect the band’s turbulent history with vocalists since their classic lineup era. The current search represents another chapter in Skid Row’s ongoing quest for stability in their frontman position.
The band’s vocalist history has been marked by frequent changes since the departure of original singer Sebastian Bach in 1996. Following Bach’s exit after nearly a decade with the group, Skid Row has cycled through multiple singers. These include Johnny Solinger, who held the position from 1999 to 2015, Tony Harnell who briefly served from 2015 to 2017, and most recently Erik Grönwall, who departed in April 2024 due to health issues.
This pattern of vocalist instability has clearly influenced the band’s current methodical approach to their search. Rather than rushing to fill the position as they may have done in previous transitions, Skid Row is taking advantage of their current schedule flexibility to conduct a thorough evaluation process.
The partnership with Sweetwater for the audition process represents a modern approach to talent scouting. It utilizes both digital submissions and traditional in-person auditions. The 300-plus submissions through this platform alone demonstrate the significant interest in joining the veteran metal act. The additional outside auditions for more experienced candidates show the band’s commitment to exploring all options.
Since Grönwall’s departure, Skid Row has maintained a deliberate pace in their search. They have no immediate touring or recording commitments pressuring them to make a hasty decision. This strategic approach marks a departure from their previous quick transitions and reflects lessons learned from decades of lineup changes.
