Swedish singer Erik Grönwall has stepped away from Skid Row, primarily for health-related reasons. As a temporary replacement, Halestorm leader Lzzy Hale is set to fill in on the band’s upcoming shows.
The split between Grönwall and Skid Row is an amicable one, with the former citing the rigors of touring with a compromised immune system in a statement on the band’s social media:
“I got the opportunity to join this incredible band six months after my treatment against leukemia. And one month after that, I was on a world tour with Skid f**** Row. Wow! It was a dream come true. However, it proved challenging touring the world with an impaired immune system, which is a result of my bone marrow transplant.
I respect and understand that Skid Row is a touring band, but since I can’t prioritize my health being in the band, I have decided that it’s better for me to step aside.
I love Skid Row, I have nothing but respect for the guys in the band but I love and respect my health more. I’m getting stronger and healthier every day but after consulting my doctor I need to allow myself more time to recover, which I can’t do as the lead singer of Skid Row. That’s why I have reached the tough decision to move on.
I want to thank the guys for this incredible opportunity. And I want to thank all the Skid Row fans who accepted me as the lead singer of this iconic band. Health first!”
Skid Row made a collective statement, saying that they were “proud of what they have created and accomplished with Erik over the past two years” and “wish nothing but the best to him and his health.”
The band also announced a live album featuring Grönwall on vocals: “To celebrate the last two years, the band will be releasing a live album that perfectly captures this moment of time in the band’s 35-plus-year history, to be announced soon.”
Lzzy Hale will be stepping in to sing classics such as “I Remember You” and “18 and Life.” Currently, Skid Row have four concerts booked that will feature Lzzy on vocals, and you can see those dates below (get tickets here).
Meanwhile, fans hoping for the return of classic Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach shouldn’t hold their breath. While the singer has expressed interest in a reunion, bassist Rachel Bolan has repeatedly pushed back on the idea. In the meantime, Bach has his own North American tour set to kick off on May 10th, the same day his new solo album, Child Within the Man, arrives.
Skid Row 2024 Tour Dates:
05/17 – Carterville, IL @ Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort
05/18 – Riverside, IA @ Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
05/31 – Sparks, NV @ Nugget Casino Resort
05/01 – Wheatland, CA @ Hard Rock Live Sacramento