switch up
Legendary US 80s band reveal longtime frontman has quit and been replaced by female singer
Erik opened up about his departure last month
LEGENDARY US 80s group Skid Row have revealed who they have chosen to replace frontman Erik Grönwall after he left the band.
Swedish singer Erik, 36, decided to part ways with American rock band last month to focus on his health after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2021.
3
3
Erik joined Skid Row in 2022 after replacing ZP Theart, but now Lzzy Hale will be taking over Erik's role.
Lzzy, who is the lead singer of rock band Halestorm, said of her new venture: "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.
Read more on music
"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.
Most read in Celebrity
"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.
Nineties rock icon, 56, looks like she’s ageing backwards after becoming a mum at 54, headlining Glastonbury and radio career
"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!"
Lzzy is an American singer who sings and plays the guitar in Halestorm.
Erik opened up about his departure last month, confessed that it "proved challenging" and "loves Skid Row", but he '"'loves and respects his heath more'.
The singer said: "I got the opportunity to join this incredible band 6 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 shot to fame in 1986.
They were a group for 10 years before reuniting again in 1999.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The band boasts 245k followers on Instagram and they even have their own spirits range.
The original band members included Dave Sabo, Rachel Bolan.
3
Topics