During his conversation with Guitar World, Skid Row axeman Dave Sabo discussed the band’s current singer Erik Grönwal and looked back on the band’s history. In particular, he reflected on the massive change that the band experienced after Sebastian Bach left the band and how it all went from there.
Asked about Erik Grönwal and his importance to “the revitalization of Skid Row,” he replied:
“Man, Erik has been huge. His sound, his look, and his vibe are exactly what we needed and very much in keeping with Skid Row. And he’s got an incredible story of his own; through that, he’s grown into an absolute beast of a singer.“
“With his positivity, electricity, humility, and gratitude, I cannot say enough good things about Erik and what he’s meant to this band since he joined. He is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met, and he fits in like he’s been with us for decades.“
“But Erik’s talent and work ethic are fierce, man, so much so that he finished eight of the 10 tracks while he was still in Sweden before we even got in a room with him.
“We were in a tough spot because when ZP [Theart, the previous Skid Row singer] was still in the band, we were all dividing apart, but we kept hoping we could come back together, but it wasn’t happening. We had different philosophies, wants, and needs, and there was no animosity or blowout arguments; it was just time to part ways.“
“So, Erik coming on and being to do what he has, in many ways, saved this whole thing for us. I don’t know what we’d have done without him, with the residency we had with the Scorpions, or with this record.“
“And the very first time he took the stage with us, which was basically the first time we had seen him in person as a member of Skid Row, he hit the stage, started singing, and I was just like, ‘Holy fucking shit, dude, this is fucking awesome.'”
After being reminded about how people will always tend to compare any of their singers to Sebastian Bach, Sabo was also asked whether he thinks this is the strongest that Skid Row has ever been. He said:
“People will compare, and we hear people calling for reunions all the time, but there’s no need. Even before Erik, we never felt a need to go there. Things happened the way they did, and things had gotten very toxic by the end of a certain period in our history.“
“There’s a reason we didn’t look back despite getting far away from who we are. Even if we were far away from that place, we knew going back to something that didn’t work was not something that would make Skid Row better.“
“I do think Skid Row is stronger now than ever before. Erik can hit all the notes from those early albums and does it effortlessly. He’s got a ton of energy, and for us to sit here and watch him perform, man, it’s a pleasure. I couldn’t ask for anything better than what Erik has given us, and I wouldn’t trade it for anyone from the past.”
Photos: P. Schwichtenberg (Dave Sabo – Wacken Open Air 2014 02), dr_zoidberg (Sebastian Bach (48288889407))
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