Jon Bon Jovi played a big part in helping to break Skid Row in the ’80s, and now he’s urging Lzzy Hale to stay on as the veteran rock band’s permanent singer.
Skid Row’s Dave “The Snake” Sabo was childhood friends with Jon in New Jersey, and was very briefly the first guitarist for the band Bon Jovi prior to Richie Sambora’s arrival. Jon eventually helped Skid Row secure their first record deal.
In a video segment with Rock Sound, Jon was presented with questions from fellow rock stars. One of the questions came from Lzzy Hale. Before the host even relayed the Halestorm frontwoman’s query, Jon exclaimed, “She should please join Skid Row. Please, Lzzy Hale, join Skid Row. Put the two bands together, if you need to. But this is the best thing that happened to Snake since he met me [Laughs].”
The rock legend then went on to answer Lzzy’s question about keeping the magic alive through all phases of a band’s career, responding, “You have to be a fan first. You always have to wanna push yourself. Every day I wake up and try to write a better song.”
Lzzy recently fronted Skid Row for a series of shows following the exit of singer Erik Grönwall, who left the band earlier this year due to health issues. Her performances with the band were met with rave reviews.
Following those shows, Lzzy reflected on the experience in a social media post, expressing gratitude while letting fans know that her commitments to Halestorm won’t allow her to stick around with Skid Row.
“This experience of getting to deep dive into Skid Row has given me a rare opportunity to deepen my love for these men I get to call friends,” she wrote. “And the soul bonding moments we created together musically will live with me forever. … Even though this particular time in my life prevents me from committing to a permanent role in Skid Row… I am sending in my official request to the universe that we will be able to join forces again down the road.”
After seeing Jon Bon Jovi’s comments, Lzzy took to social media again, writing, “What a compliment, what an honor, and what a tremendous piece of advice! Thank you for your kind words and candor @jonbonjovi.”
As of now, Skid Row have not named a permanent new singer. Classic frontman Sebastian Bach has thrown his hat into the ring numerous times, even saying there’s a “good chance” of a reunion if he can smooth over an unspecified miscommunication with his old band.
For now, fans can catch Lzzy Hale when Halestorm kick off a co-headlining North American tour with I Prevail in early July. Pick up tickets here.
See Bon Jovi’s comments, as well as Lzzy Hale’s reaction, below.