Two lineups of Skid Row performing live in 1989 (top) and 2008 (bottom)
Skid Row is an American heavy metal band from Toms River, New Jersey. Formed in 1986, the group originally included guitarist Dave "The Snake" Sabo, lead vocalist Matt Fallon, drummer John Ratkowski Jr., bassist Cody Howell (soon replaced by Rachel Bolan) and guitarist Steve Brotherton (soon replaced by Kurtis Jackson, in turn replaced by Jim Yuhas).
After releasing three studio albums together, Skid Row began an unofficial hiatus in August 1996.[2] Bach left the band in December, claiming that Sabo and Bolan had fired him.[3] The group's remaining members formed Ozone Monday with vocalist Shawn McCabe in 1998.[4]
In January 1999, Sabo, Bolan and Hill reformed Skid Row, adding new lead vocalist Johnny Solinger and drummer Charlie Mills.[5] In July 2000, it was announced that Phil Varone had replaced Mills, who was forced to leave the band due to "lack of income".[6] The new drummer performed on the group's first studio album in over eight years, 2003's Thickskin, but in January 2004 left "abruptly" due to "personal reasons", with Timothy DiDuro taking his place.[7] Varone had rejoined by March,[8] but within two months had left again, with Dave Gara joining as his replacement.[9] Gara remained in the band until April 2010,[10] with Rob Hammersmith taking his place in May.[11]
After more than 15 years with the band, Solinger left Skid Row in April 2015, reportedly in order to focus on his solo career.[12] Sabo and Bolan later disputed that Solinger had left the band of his own accord, claiming that they had instead fired him.[13] Despite rumours of a reunion with Bach, Solinger was replaced by former TNT frontman Tony Harnell.[14] His tenure was short-lived, however, and by the end of the year he had departed after claiming that the other band members "ignored and disrespected" him.[15] Early the following year, Skid Row began touring with former DragonForce frontman ZP Theart,[16] who was made an official member of the band in January 2017.[17] Theart remained until March 2022, when he was replaced by Erik Grönwall.[18]
Grönwall left in March 2024, due to health issues.[19] His temporary replacement was Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.[20]