Lzzy Hale will be joining Skid Row this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
Beloved 80s American rock band Skid Row has announced its new lead singer following Erik Grönwall’s departure last month.
Swedish singer Grönwall, 36, decided to leave the band to prioritise his health after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since 2021. He joined Skid Row in 2022, succeeding ZP Theart, the former front man.
Replacing Grönwall is none other than Lzzy Hale, the lead singer of rock band Halestorm.
Commenting on her new role, Hale expressed her excitement, stating: ‘This is totally wild! I can’t believe my VHS audition tape finally made it in the mail! (I kid, I kid).’
She went on to reminisce about her teenage years on the East Coast, where Skid Row’s music left a lasting impact on her, influencing her own musical journey with Halestorm.
She said: ‘I started listening to Skid Row when I was a teenager growing up on the east coast in central Pennsylvania.
Lzzy Hale is known for fronting the rock band Halestorm (Picture: Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)
‘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.’
Hale expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to join Skid Row, highlighting the band’s support throughout her career: ‘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.’
Skid Row’s previous lead singer had to exit the band because of leukemia (Picture: Getty Images)
She added: ‘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.’
Reflecting on his departure, Grönwall shared his journey with the band, stating: ‘I got the opportunity to join this incredible band six months after my treatment against leukemia.’
Hale says she is excited to make Skid Row her ‘chosen family’ (Picture: Getty Images)
However, he acknowledged the challenges of touring with a compromised immune system, a result of his bone marrow transplant. Grönwall emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health, leading to his decision 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,’ he said. ‘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.’
Skid Row will tour with Hale as the lead singer this summer (Picture: Javier Vicencio/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)
Skid Row, formed in 1986, gained fame in the 80s before disbanding in 1996. They reunited in 1999, continuing to captivate audiences with their iconic rock sound. With Lzzy Hale now at the helm, fans eagerly anticipate the band’s next chapter.
The transition marks a new era for both Skid Row and Hale, promising exciting new concerts for both Halestorm and Skid Row’s dedicated fanbases.
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