Skid Row drummer Rob Hammersmith recently sat down with Appetite for Distortion to discuss the realities of working in the music industry, emphasizing the need for resilience and teamwork.
Thick Skin: A Requirement for Survival
Hammersmith delved into the challenges of being in the entertainment business, particularly for those stepping into well-established bands. Using the example of guitarist Richard Fortus being compared to Guns N’ Roses’ original member Izzy Stradlin, he explained:
“Thick skin is a requirement… That’s not exclusive to music, that’s true of so many industries. But in entertainment, you’ve got to have thick skin even if you’re an original member or a multiplatinum artist.”
He admitted to struggling with this at times but credited his dedication and the band’s “family-like” dynamics for keeping him grounded:
“Being in a band is like a family. You have moments or periods where things are easier, and other times when they’re really challenging. The struggle is figuring out your role in something bigger than any one individual.”
Skid Row’s Search for a Permanent Vocalist
Currently, Skid Row is in the process of finding a new permanent singer, a task Hammersmith described as both exciting and complicated:
“There are so many factors involved. Whether it’s a band, a marriage, or another industry, it’s about relationships and making the right fit.”
Having been with the band for 15 years, Hammersmith shared how they’ve been reevaluating their approach:
“We really wanted to take a moment to say to ourselves, ‘How do we want to go about this differently than we’ve done in the past?’”
While the band has had several strong candidates, the search continues as they aim to find the right person who aligns with their vision.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges of lineup changes and industry pressures, Skid Row remains committed to moving forward. Hammersmith’s reflections underscore the complexities of being in a long-standing band while hinting at an exciting future as they finalize their lineup. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the iconic rock group.
