The last time I saw Skid Row play was way back on 14th November 1991 at The Edinburgh Playhouse, supported by Love+Hate on the ‘Slave to the Grind’ tour.
This was a particularly special gig for me and although it’s 30 plus years ago, I remember it vividly. Sebastian Bach gave an electrifying performance as he climbed the P.A. scaffolding and screamed at the audience. I remember, Rachael Bolan, Scotti Hill and Dave ‘The Snake’ Sabo running up the back stairs into a theatre box, giving the patrons who occupied the box a special treat as they played just inches from them. I recall standing on the seats while security tried furiously to regain some type of control. At the end of the show Katie Putnick interviewed Sebastian and the band outside in the foyer for the much missed Channel 4 T.V. show, ‘The Word’. Yes, fond memories indeed!
I don’t know how it’s happened, but I have never seen Skid Row since, although I regularly listen to their debut album and the classic Slave to the Grind. I made it my mission to catch the guys on my door-step at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Halloween night, no less!
The opening band tonight are Collateral. This band are reasonably fresh on the scene and steadily making a name for themselves. They harness the look, feel and vibe of the vintage metal years. Fronted by Angelo Tristian, who gave a sterling performance, grinning ear to ear as he sang at the top of his lungs! The band gave an exciting performance, and it was really nice to see genuine enthusiasm and passion from them. Keep your eyes on Collateral and as they are headline material and will be back before too long!
Next up were Enuff Z Nuff, the hair metal glam rocking band fronted by ‘Chip Enuff.’ The flamboyant Chip came on stage and his wardrobe did not disappoint. Adorned in red velvet trousers and a fluffy, feathered hat, the band hit the ground running playing a melody of Beatle’s songs as an opening. This was somewhat unexpected and was met with a mixed reception. I would have liked to have heard more original songs, maybe some new material as opposed to covers. Still, the band played them very well and they looked like they were having fun.
The Gang is All Here? Well, the jury is out on that one. I’ll reserve judgement until the end of the show. To me the gang is missing one crucial member, the fore mentioned Sebastian Bach. Skid Row have played with a succession of singers who have not been able to fill the large boots left behind by Bach. How do you replace such a larger-than-life frontman? Well, the answer is with Swedish H.E.A.T. frontman, Eric Grönwall who is known for being the winner of the 2009 Swedish ‘Idol’ franchise, T.V. Show. Although Grönwall would have only been 6 or 7 when ‘Slave to the Grind’ came out, he fits right into the band and completes them perfectly.
The new frontman came out on stage and immediately commanded the attention of the audience. He brimmed with confidence and panache! As the first number kicked in, he got those notes pitch perfect and absolutely nailed every song! It has taken Skid Row as a band a long number of years to find the right frontman and by God, have they struck gold…Sebastian who? WOW! Grönwall took the band to a new level and within the first 20 seconds of his singing I knew, and I am sure everyone else who may have still been on the fence, knew the longevity of Skid Row was cemented and that the band are well on their way to a brand new lease of life!
Sadly, Dave Snake Sabo had contracted Covid, however his guitar tech stood in. Rachael Bolan thumped his bass and added that magic to the proceedings. Scotty Hill and his manic expressions did bring a smile to my face as I always thought he was the quiet shy one…he was bouncing about like a jumping bean! Hand on heart, Skid Row put on an excellent show. They played as good as I remember seeing them first time around…maybe even better! You better get along and see them, it’s a Rock n’ Roll master class!
Words and pictures: Stevie Oi!