Ok, so not ‘news’ per se, but it’s not a concert review (at least not all of it). Let me know what you think, and enjoy!
Does Skid Row Hate Their Fans?
Fans of Skid Row want 1 thing: a reunion with Sebastian Bach!
So many 80s and 90s metal bands had breaks ups, losses, line up changes, and more but continued on for the sake of music and fans (and money).
Many bands cannot get back together due to deaths but still carry on with the name and maybe one original/semi-original guy. Examples include: Firehouse (singer C.J. Snare passed in 2024), Warrant (singer Jani Lane passed 2011), Quiet Riot (basically an entirely different band with one semi-original), Ratt, Dokken, Great White (why they still want to use this name is beyond me), and so many more. It may not be the same, but they still do what they can to deliver the most original experience as possible. But eventually, where possible, they get back together with original members.
A few bands get away with not being original like Megadeth. Dave Mustaine gets away with it as the voice, lead guitarist, founder, and main songwriter, while being the only original member. Mike Muir pulls of this feat with Suicidal Tendencies as well. He maintains the brand and the voice. Band members have come and gone but it doesn’t matter. It works.
Other bands are more stubborn. One of the most bitter break-ups in the rock world was Guns n Roses. Axl, while carrying on the name and voice with a completely new lineup, once called Slash a “cancer that is better off being removed.” This version of GNR satisfied a need to hear them again after disappearing for years, but it wasn’t what the fans needed. Somehow, Axl, Slash, and Duff are playing together again. It may not include Izzy and Steven, but it’s still GNR. If these three can do it, then I’m certain anyone can. So, why not Skid Row?
When hair metal saw a resurgence in the late 90s/early 2000s, “Skid Row” came out with a new album with Johnny Solinger on vocals. I’ll admit, I saw them, I liked them, even met them. It was great to hear these songs live again. Was it the same? No, but it was fun. It felt like a great cover band. After Johnny was Tony Harnell, then ZP Theart, then Erik Grönwall with a new album. Lzzy Hale filled in for some live show obligations and now they have a contest to find a new signer with only one stipulation. And it’s the one stipulation that is a slap in the face to fans: your name cannot be Sebastian Bach.
Scotti Hill, Rachel Bolan, and Snake Sabo are cool guys. But think of other bands in the past and who comes to mind. Aerosmith: Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. Guns n Roses: Axl & Slash (anyone else is a bonus). The Rolling Stones: Keith and Mick. Poison: Brett and CC. But when it comes to Skid Row? Sebastian…and…a band? Most people I talk to can’t name the band members (sorry fellas). The ones who can usually name Rachel Bolan. But they all know Sebastian because he’s the voice. He was amazing and frankly he still is. He’s aged like everyone else, but still is light years ahead of his generational rock peers. To most people, Sebastian is Skid Row. If he owned the band name and had a new band, he’d be playing arenas. Imagine Bon Jovi still touring without Jon Bon Jovi? It just wouldn’t make sense, and neither does Skid Row anymore.
Last time I saw “Skid Row” it was in some tiny basement-like club with maybe 200 people. Sebastian does better selling out 1k capacity clubs on his own, and larger theaters when he’s got another band in tow. And while as a fan, I love that I can easily be 5 feet from the stage at these venues, I am rooting for you to sell out arenas again, but that only happens under one condition: giving fans what they want.
The band says they love playing and it’s not about the money. So can it be for the fans? Can they just figure it out? Sebastian says he wants to do it. Everyone is older and hopefully more mature now. Can it really be that bad to get in a room and see what happens before it’s too late?
Some shows in New England this month. I’m going to the ones in bold.
- July 2 – Godsmack: Xfinity Center – MA
- July 5 – Hatebreed: Worcester, MA
- July 14 – Motionless in White: Bridgeport, CT
- July 15 – Weird Al Yankovic – Mohegan Sun, CT
- July 17 – Shinedown / Coheed & Cambria: Mohegan Sun
- July 18 – Muse – Xfinity Center, MA
- July 24 – John Mellencamp: Xfinity Center – MA
- July 24 – Billy Ray Cyrus: Foxwoods – CT
I’ve shared my first concert experience on here, but how about my first arena show – The Smashing Pumpkins, 1996
I’ll call this “Tales from the Archives” and hope you enjoy!
A couple Concert/Music Related Giveaways I Thought I’d Share
- Win a TRIP to Nashville to see Luke Bryan on 9/24. Enter by 8/14/26
- Win an Audio-Technica Record Player from Emma Swift + Limited Edition Vinyl + Limited Edition Art Print + T-Shirt. Enter by 7/20/26
Looking for a new Podcast?
This is a good one featuring a personal friend. I’m not biased or anything, but lots of great metal and rock artists being discussed. Give it a try! Maybe you’ll discover a new band or genre!
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