Following two years away from the stage and a global search for a new frontman, Skid Row have announced that they only went and found their new lead singer in their own back yard…
New Jersey’s own Justin Sargent is the man in question and he first caught the attention of the band last year. Apparently his “powerful vocals, commanding stage presence, and natural connection to the music” immediately stood out. What followed were months of conversations, rehearsals, and time spent together, ultimately confirming that the band had found not just a new singer, but a brother-in-arms.
“Honestly, for me, it felt like he had been here from the beginning as soon as he walked in the room. He was one of us. A lifer. Then he sang with so much power and conviction, it blew me away. It was amazing,” said Skid Row bass player Rachel Bolan.
“We were so fortunate to receive so many audition submissions from singers wanting to front the band. We wanna thank everyone for their time and effort. There are some truly amazing singers out there! But I think that the moment Justin walked in the door we all kind of knew he was the guy. Everything about him: his voice, his attitude, his demeanor, it all just fit. We can’t wait to hit the ground running and get back to doing what we love to do,” said guitarist Snake Sabo.
“I’ve been singing Skid Row songs for years, but never imagined I’d actually be joining the band!” said Sargent himself. “It’s an incredible honour to be part of something with such a legendary history. The chemistry and energy we’ve found together over the past several months has been amazing. I have tremendous respect for the band’s legacy, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. I can’t wait to get out there, connect with the fans, and give them everything I’ve got. Let’s go!”
As the band now begin preparing celebrations for their 40th anniversary, they’ve just released a new single and accompanying music video, a rather nifty take on The Who’s ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’.
Back on board, following 2022 album The Gang’s All Here, Skid Row were reunited with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Halestorm, Alice In Chains) to record the track, while the accompanying music video was directed by Dale ‘Rage’ Resteghini (Five Finger Death Punch, Guns N’ Roses, Alter Bridge).
“‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ is one of those songs that no matter how many times you hear it on the radio you always turn it up and listen. Anything by The Who is top shelf in my book, but ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ is an anthem of generations,” said fellow Skid Row guitarist Scotti Hill.
While Rob Hammersmith, who’s been drumming with the band since 2010, said: “‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ isn’t just about making noise. It’s about setting a standard… Standing on the shoulders of these giants is the ultimate launchpad to signal a loud, unapologetic new era for us!”
‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ is available to stream now and is also being released as a hand-signed 7″ single, limited to 500 copies worldwide.
