Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM is set to step in as the lead vocalist for SKID ROW for four upcoming shows this spring, following the departure of their most recent frontman, Erik Grönwall. The Swedish singer left the band to focus on his health due to his ongoing battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Hale, who has fronted HALESTORM for over two decades, expressed her excitement about the opportunity in a recent social media post. She shared a promotional graphic for the shows and reflected on the significance of SKID ROW in her musical journey. “This is totally wild! I can’t believe my VHS audition tape finally made it in the mail! (I kid, I kid),” she joked.
Hale reminisced about her teenage years, noting how SKID ROW’s music bridged her love of ’80s rock with the ’90s grit that was shaping her musical identity. She credited the band with helping her develop as a musician and expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to join them on stage. “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,” Hale wrote. “There will be blood left on the stage!”
SKID ROW members were equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. Bassist Rachel Bolan referred to Hale as a “sister from another mister,” and guitarist Scotti Hill expressed his excitement, saying, “This is going to be so much fun!”
Hale’s stint with SKID ROW will include the following dates:
– May 17: Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort – Carterville, IL
– May 18: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort – Riverside, IA
– May 31: Nugget Casino Resort – Sparks, NV
– June 01: Hard Rock Live Sacramento – Wheatland, CA
Previously, HALESTORM covered SKID ROW’s “Slave To The Grind” for their 2011 EP *ReAniMate: The CoVeRs eP*, and they have performed the track live.
Grönwall, who joined SKID ROW in early 2022, has been dealing with health issues that made touring challenging. In a statement, he explained, “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.” The band expressed their pride in their time with Grönwall and announced plans to release a live album celebrating their recent period with him.
The band’s most recent album, *The Gang’s All Here*, featuring Grönwall, was released in October 2022.
