Skid Row recently announced they have amicably parted 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."
Lzzy Hale shared the following message via social media after the news broke:
"This is totally wild! I can't believe my VHS audition tape finally made it in the mail! (I kid, I kid)
I started listening Skid Row when I was a teenager growing up on the east coast in central Pennsylvania. They were one of the only bands at that time that truly bridged the gap for my love of '80s big choruses and riffs, but had the same poignant dirt and grime that was seeping into the cracks of my mind during the '90s. By the early '00s, Halestorm was well coming into its own, inspired by these powerful songs that helped me unlock a door within myself as a young musician. I can say without a second thought that if it weren't for Skid Row in my bones, I would not be the rocker I am today.
And this summer, my world turns full circle. Because not only am I able to share the stage as acting front person for this integral band, but even more importantly, I get to call these boys my chosen family. No matter how much we both tour, or how much time has gone by, we light up when we see each other. They have seen me through my rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, all while cheering me on. Time, space, history, age are all relative, irrelevant and elastic 'cuz we are all just astronauts cut from the same cloth, worshipping the same magic that is this music. I'm so grateful for their support of me in my career, and as a fellow human.
Love you guys! There will be blood left on the stage!"
Following up during an interview with New Jersey-based radio station 105.5 WDHA last week, Lzzy commented on the possibility of doing more than just the four scheduled shows fronting Skid Row.
Lzzy: "You never know. I will say something that most likely will happen is that these will not be the only four dates you ever hear. I will say that. As far as me being the permanent member of Skid Row, we're gonna all have to find a plateau in our schedules to do that, but you never know. Sounds like a pretty good gig for me, if I ever get to that point. I'm just so grateful for the guys. And then think about it coming full circle. And it all comes from the right place. I mean, Erik, what an amazing voice and what a perfect fit for them and brought them into a whole new game changer. There's everything going on with his health, and how wonderful is it that amicably both parties can be, like, 'Hey, we're looking out for each other.' 'Hey, I can't give you what you need.' And also, 'Hey, us as a band, we can't give you what you need to look after yourself. So, hey, let's do that.' And 'Hey, let's bring in our buddy Lzzy.' I'm helping out my buddies. Everybody's doing it for the right reasons. And so it's a beautiful thing."
