Skid Row singer Johnny Solinger has announced he is quitting the band in order to pursue a solo career.
“The past 15 years has been a great experience and I have appreciated the opportunity to be the lead singer in one of the most prominent bands of the 1990′s and share stages with the likes of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Kiss performing in front of millions throughout the world,” Solinger wrote in a statement on his Facebook page.
“I wish Skid Row the best of luck in their future pursuits.”
Founding Skid Row member Snake Sabo said in a statement, “We had a lot of great times together and created a lot of great music. We wish him nothing but the best.” Added co-founder and bassist Rachel Bolan, “Sometimes things just end. People go in different directions and grow apart and you have to make a decision. He will always be our brother”
The news didn’t seem to come as a shock to the band, given that they have already announced that Solinger will be replaced by former TNT vocalist Tony Harnell. Skid Row guitarist Scotti Hill said, “Tony’s experience, power and undeniable range made our decision an easy one.”
Drummer Rob Hammersmith added, “I believe this will be a great year for SKID ROW. I’m looking forward for things to come.”
Solinger joined Skid Row in 1999 to replace lead singer Sebastian Bach, who was fired from the band after they released their 1995 album, Subhuman Race. The news of Solinger’s departure comes months after he ruled out a reunion of the classic Skid Row line-up, an idea floated by Sebastian Bach in a 2012 Facebook post.
When asked about joining Skid Row Harnell said, “I’m so excited and honored to be a part of such a great band with an amazing legacy and legions of faithful fans! The guys and I have known each other for many years and this is such a natural fit. I look forward to getting out there and playing live together and being a part of making new music and creating our future together. It’s time to rock!”
In August 2014, Skid Row released the second chapter of their United World Rebellion trilogy, Rise of the Damnation Army – United World Rebellion-Chapter Two. The band have said they will head into the studio to record the third chapter of the trilogy this year and also said they will head out on another world tour in support of the record.
Watch: Skid Row – We Are The Damned
I have decided to leave Skid Row to pursue my solo career. The past 15 years has been a great experience and I have…
Posted by Johnny Solinger on Monday, 6 April 2015
