"Pre-order of my biography is now available in Swedish! I will sign this bad boy when you pre-order," proclaims former Skid Row singer Erik Grönwall. Get it here.
Scheduled for publication on September 12, 2024 via Harper Collins Nordic, the cover art and description of Power are as follows:
Erik Grönwall became known to the Swedish people when he won Idol 2009 and in three weeks sold gold with the single Higher. In his biography Power - Music, Life, Death, we get to take part in Erik's life - from his upbringing to Idol participation, the illness and recovery from leukemia and the journey to becoming the frontman of the Heavy-Metal band Skid Row. We also get to know about his decision to leave the band in the spring of 2024 to follow the values he set up during his illness.
"I never thought I'd release an autobiography, let alone at the age of 36. But sometimes it feels like I've lived two lifetimes in like a third of a lifetime. I feel that I have something to share and I hope that it can give hope to more people who are struggling. Life after an illness can actually be better than ever." Erik Grönwall
Erik Grönwall, born in 1987, is the rock singer and songwriter who won Idol 2009 and has been the singer of the groups H.E.A.T and the legendary band Skid Row. He lives in Knivsta outside Stockholm where he lives with his wife and 4-year-old son.
Yesterday, Skid Row announced that they are amicably parting ways with singer Erik Grönwall. The band shared the following message :
"Today Skid Row and Erik Grönwall jointly announce that Erik will step down as the vocalist for Skid Row. Longtime friend Lzzy Hale of Halestorm will be taking over vocal duties for the upcoming scheduled four concerts. Erik has decided that the travel and rigors of the road is not conducive to his overall health and recovery, and wants to focus on a lifestyle that is more amenable for his well-being, healing and family. Skid Row is proud of what they have created and accomplished with Erik over the past two years and we wish nothing but the best to him and his health. 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+ year history, to be announced soon."
Grönwall took to social media to explain his decision to leave the band, writing: "Yes, I have decided to leave Skid Row. The main reason being that it’s proved difficult to prioritize my health and full recovery as the lead singer of the band.
"In 2021 I was undergoing treatment against leukemia and that gave me a superpower called perspective. I decided to use that perspective and write down the values I wanted to live by for the rest of my life. On top of that list it says “health first”. I’ve had to look at that list a lot of times this last year, questioning if I’m really living according to my values. At the end of the day I realized the answer was no.
"As a result of the treatments and transplant my immune system was impaired. You can think of my immune system as a 4 year old kid bringing home all kinds of viruses from preschool. It takes awhile to build up that resistance again but my immune system is getting stronger every day. However I’m still doing regular check ups (blood tests) at the hematology department in Sweden, which has proved challenging while keeping up with the Skid Row schedule. I have way too much respect for my medical history to push myself to the limit.
"I love Skid Row, I have nothing but respect for the guys in the band but I love and respect my health more. I understand that Skid Row is a touring band but like I told the guys: 'if I can’t prioritize my health, then I’m not the right guy for the job'.
"Please note, I’m NOT sick and it’s not that I don’t want to tour. I love being on the road. And of course we have tried to find the right balance together but at the end of the day I realized that it was better for me to step aside.
"So now I’m going to focus on my full recovery, and come back stronger than ever. Meanwhile I’m finalizing my biography. And I’m going to start writing my own music again.
"Lastly, once again thank you to everyone who accepted me as the singer of this iconic band.
"Always remember that no job, no money, no fame is worth your health or well being. Health first always. I owe this decision to the guy in the second picture and I’m proud to be able to say that I kept my promise to him. Health first!"
Skid Row x Lzzy Hale 2024 concert dates:
May
17 - Carterville, IL - Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
18 - Riverside, IA - Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
31 - Reno, NV - Nugget Casino Resort
June
1 - Sacramento, CA - Hard Rock Live Sacramento
