Follow Your Favorite Band Today!
Be the first one to follow Skid Row!
Top Skid Row Community Posts
Loading posts...
Sponsor content
Band Timeline
1986
Formation of Skid Row
Skid Row was formed in 1986 in Toms River, New Jersey, by bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave Sabo. They completed their lineup by recruiting guitarist Scotti Hill and drummer Rob Affuso through newspaper ads. Initially led by Matt Fallon, they replaced him in early 1987 with Sebastian Bach after spotting his vocal talent. The band started playing shows in clubs throughout the eastern United States, honing their style and building a following. Their connection with Jon Bon Jovi helped secure a record deal with Atlantic Records, setting the stage for their commercial breakthrough.
1989
Debut Album Release and Breakthrough
Skid Row released their self-titled debut album in January 1989, produced by Michael Wagener. This album marked their commercial breakthrough, delivering hits like "18 and Life," "I Remember You," and "Youth Gone Wild." Their blend of heavy metal and hard rock resonated widely, propelling the album to 5× platinum status in the United States. The success of this debut established Skid Row as a significant force in the late 1980s heavy metal scene. Their energetic performances and accessible yet powerful sound brought them international recognition and set a high bar for their subsequent work.
1991
Release of Slave to the Grind
In 1991, Skid Row released their sophomore album, Slave to the Grind, which showcased a heavier and more aggressive musical style compared to their debut. This album became their most successful release, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Notable tracks included the title track "Slave to the Grind," "Monkey Business," and "Wasted Time." This album solidified Skid Row's reputation in the heavy metal community and demonstrated their ability to evolve artistically. Slave to the Grind also garnered critical acclaim and significant commercial success, reinforcing the band’s status in the early '90s metal scene.
1995
Subhuman Race and Lineup Changes
Skid Row's third studio album, Subhuman Race, was released in 1995. Although it received critical praise for its experimental and heavier sound, it did not replicate the commercial success of the previous albums. Amid increasing internal tensions, lead vocalist Sebastian Bach was fired towards the end of 1996, and drummer Rob Affuso departed. These significant lineup changes led the band into a three-year hiatus. This period marked a challenging time for Skid Row as they navigated shifting musical landscapes and internal conflicts while trying to maintain their identity.
1999
Reformation with New Lead Vocalist
Skid Row reformed in 1999 with Johnny Solinger as the new lead vocalist, replacing Sebastian Bach. This marked a new era for the band, as they recruited several drummers over the years, with Rob Hammersmith becoming the drummer in later years. The band’s sound in this period evolved with Solinger’s contributions. Skid Row released two studio albums, Thickskin (2003) and Revolutions per Minute (2006), which garnered mixed reactions but demonstrated the band's persistence. They also produced EPs like United World Rebellion: Chapter One and Rise of the Damnation Army: United World Rebellion: Chapter Two, reflecting their continued creative output despite changes.
2015
Brief Tenure of Tony Harnell and Continued Lineup Changes
In April 2015, Skid Row replaced Johnny Solinger with Tony Harnell, formerly of TNT. However, Harnell's time with the band was short-lived; he left only eight months later. These quick lineup shifts reflected ongoing instability in the band’s lead vocalist position during that period. The continual changes challenged the band's ability to maintain a consistent presence in the heavy metal scene, but Skid Row remained active in touring and recording, persevering as a classic rock act despite these transitions.
2017
ZP Theart Becomes Official Lead Singer
In January 2017, former DragonForce vocalist ZP Theart officially joined Skid Row as the lead singer after spending a year as a touring member. This welcomed stability after several years of frequent vocalist changes. Theart's arrival rejuvenated the band’s live performances and songwriting dynamics. He remained with Skid Row until March 2022, contributing to their ongoing efforts to stay relevant in the modern heavy metal world. The band continued touring internationally, reinforcing their legacy as a major American heavy metal act.
2022
Erik Grönwall Joins and New Album Release
In March 2022, Skid Row replaced ZP Theart with vocalist Erik Grönwall, who brought fresh energy to the band. That year, they released The Gang's All Here in October, their first studio album in 16 years. The album marked a significant comeback, capturing modern heavy metal sensibilities while honoring Skid Row’s classic sound. Grönwall’s powerful vocals and the revitalized lineup were widely praised. This release reaffirmed Skid Row’s continued relevance and ability to evolve, cementing their enduring presence in the rock and metal community.
2024
Departure of Erik Grönwall Due to Health Issues
In March 2024, Erik Grönwall left Skid Row to focus on his health after undergoing treatment for leukemia. During his absence, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm filled in for live performances before departing herself. This challenged the band's live touring capacity but also highlighted their supportive connections within the rock community. The band continues to navigate changes while prioritizing members' well-being. This chapter underscores the band's resilience and ongoing commitment to their music despite personal and professional hurdles.
Albums
Sponsor content
Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Ryan Cook
N/A
Guitar
Additional
Keri Kelli
N/A
Guitar
Additional
Rob Halford
N/A
Lead vocals
Additional
Dave “The Snake” Sabo
1986
Guitar
Taime Downe
N/A
Additional
Lead vocals
ZP Theart
2016
Lead vocals
Rob Hammersmith
2010
Drums (drum set)
Scotti Hill
1987
Guitar
Rachel Bolan
1986
Bass guitar
Alex Grossi
N/A
Guitar
Additional
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Shawn Mars
1997
1998
Lead vocals
Dave Gara
2004
2010
Drums (drum set)
Kurtis Jackson
1986
1986
Guitar
Johnny Solinger
1999
2015
Lead vocals
Phil Varone
1999
2004
Drums (drum set)
John Ratkowski, Jr.
1986
1987
Drums (drum set)
Cody Howell
1986
1986
Bass guitar
Timothy DiDuro
2004
2004
Drums (drum set)
Sebastian Bach
1987
1997
Lead vocals
Tony Harnell
2015
2015
Lead vocals
Rob Affuso
1987
1998
Drums (drum set)
Charlie Mills
1986
1987
Drums (drum set)
Matt Fallon
1986
1987
Lead vocals
Jim Yuhas
1986
1987
Guitar
Steve Brotherton
1986
1986
Guitar
Story of Skid Row
Skid Row, the New Jersey hard rock titans, exploded onto the scene in 1986. Their classic lineup – Rachel Bolan (bass), Dave Sabo (guitar), Scotti Hill (guitar), Rob Affuso (drums), and the unforgettable Sebastian Bach (vocals) – forged a legacy of arena-rocking anthems. Their debut self-titled album (1989) and its follow-up, Slave to the Grind (1991), achieved multi-platinum status, with the latter hitting #1 on the Billboard 200. These albums spawned a string of iconic hits like "18 and Life," "I Remember You" (both Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits), "Youth Gone Wild," "Monkey Business," "Slave to the Grind," "Wasted Time," and "In a Darkened Room," solidifying their place in the 80s/90s hard rock pantheon. While their third album, Subhuman Race (1995), received critical acclaim, it couldnt replicate the phenomenal success of its predecessors. By 1996, the band had sold 20 million albums worldwide, but internal tensions led to Bach and Affusos departures, plunging Skid Row into a three-year hiatus.
Resurfacing in 1999 with Johnny Solinger replacing Bach, Skid Row continued, albeit with a rotating cast of drummers (most recently Rob Hammersmith). Solinger fronted the band on two studio albums, Thickskin (2003) and Revolutions per Minute (2006), as well as the United World Rebellion EPs (2013 & 2014), receiving a mixed critical response. Despite the lineup changes, Skid Row`s impact on hard rock remains undeniable, cemented by the enduring power of their early, classic-era material.
Sponsor content
Loading....
