In a recent interview on Chris Akin Presents, Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan addressed the band’s reaction to the departure of their lead singer, Erik Grönwall, in March 2024. Grönwall’s decision to leave was met with mixed feelings from fans, and Bolan opened up about the situation, acknowledging the complexity of the departure.
“Well, I’ll put it this way: we understand exactly what you’re saying,” Bolan said in response to the host’s suggestion that Grönwall’s statement about leaving the band seemed a bit “fishy.” “And I’d be a liar if I said sometimes I don’t feel the same way.”
Bolan clarified that the band was given the same explanation Grönwall shared publicly via his YouTube video. “We were told exactly what he announced to the rest of the world. That’s exactly what we were told. That’s exactly what he sent in a text to Snake,” he explained, referring to Skid Row’s guitarist, Dave “Snake” Sabo. “I’m not gonna sit here and sh*t talk the guy because it’s not gonna do anything. But we had a really, really, really good thing going, and we’re here now.”
The bassist went on to acknowledge that fans were not the only ones questioning Grönwall’s decision. “You’re not the first person to say this to any of us. We’ve all been DMed, and a lot of fans think the same thing,” Bolan said. “And, like I said, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I thought the same thing at times, but we’re just going by what he told us.”
Erik Grönwall announced his departure from Skid Row on March 27, 2024, citing the need to prioritize his health and full recovery. The band quickly moved forward, with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm stepping in as lead vocalist for a series of concerts in late May and early June 2024.
However, the singer’s decision to leave took another turn when Grönwall recently revealed plans to tour Europe in 2025 with legendary guitarist Michael Schenker. This raised eyebrows among fans, with one user commenting, “What happened to not being able to tour?”
Grönwall responded to the comment, clarifying his position: “Hey, medicine-free and one with all the vaccinations! I never said I wasn’t able to tour, only that the amount of touring at the time was too much to handle during my recovery process. Feels great to head back out!”
While the situation remains complicated, the band and Grönwall’s fans continue to watch as the singer charts his next steps in his career and recovery.
