Skid Row will not release a new album before their upcoming tour dates begin, guitarist Dave Sabo said in an interview with Eddie Trunk. Sabo explained that the band is actively writing but wants to take time to see what new vocalist Justin Sargent brings to the creative process.
Sabo was asked whether the band planned to release new original material before the tour starts, given that the band has been writing songs.
Eddie Trunk asked, “How long before a new album of original material? You said you’ve been writing. Do you want to get that out next year before these dates start, or are you not sure?”
“It won’t be out before the dates start,” Sabo said. “We want to get out and play, but you know, we’re continually writing, and we also want to see what Justin brings to the table as well. At the end of the day, it’s ‘best idea wins,’ that’s the way it’s always been, you know. It’s just very much five guys throwing their ideas into the middle of the room, and whatever works best, works best.”
He continued, “And, you know, obviously Rachel and I have this partnership that we’ve had since the very beginning, and it’s worked out great. We’re very fortunate in that respect. And we still have so much fun doing what we do, creating together. So, this whole process is going to be a little bit different because Justin’s in the band now. Let’s see what he brings to the table, and I’m sure he’ll come up with some great stuff. But again, we just want to make sure that it’s the best material we could possibly put out there. We don’t want to rush into anything. We’re just dying to play. It’s really what it comes down to: we’re dying to go out and jam.”
Sabo’s comments came during a recent conversation about the band’s recording plans and upcoming performances.
Justin Sargent was announced as Skid Row’s new singer on October 29, 2026, following an extensive worldwide search. The Broadway veteran, known for his work in Rock of Ages and Bonnie and Clyde, joins the band after more than two and a half years without a permanent vocalist. Sargent has performed alongside music icons including Alice Cooper, Dee Snider, and Kip Winger.
The search for a new singer began after Erik Grönwall departed in March 2024 to focus on his recovery from leukemia. Grönwall had sung on Skid Row’s 2022 album The Gang’s All Here and its supporting world tour. During a North American tour in May and June 2024, Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale filled in on vocal duties as the band returned to performing after a two-year break.
Skid Row announced 14 new tour dates for 2027, with performances beginning March 20 in New Buffalo, Michigan. The tour includes stops at major festivals, including Welcome to Rockville in May and Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio. The band’s focus on playing live shows reflects Sabo’s statement that the band is eager to perform with their new lineup before committing to a new album.
