Page 48 - Black Velvet Magazine Issue 107

BV107 pg 48-51 Skid Row.qxp_BV107 pg 48 01/12/2022 20:07 Page 1

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SKID ROW – WOLVERHAMPTON KK’S STEEL MILL, 19.10.22
2022 has been a good one for Skid Row. They’ve released their long-awaited sixth studio album, ‘The Gang’s All Here’, received great support
and approval from rock fans upon the announcement of new vocalist Erik Grönwall, played a Las Vegas residency supporting The Scorpions, and
now get to tour the UK in all its glory, kicking things off in KK Downing of Judas Priest’s music venue, KK’s Steel Mill.
After UK rockers Collateral and Chicago’s Enuff Z’Nuff warm the crowd up, it’s time for the New Jersey-based five-piece. Opening with the powerful
‘Slave To The Grind’ (and a blast of fireballs into the air), you’re instantly impressed with vocalist Erik Grönwall’s pipes. His voice is quite simply
amazing, he makes every Skid Row song his own, every key is on point and he can hit any note, no matter how high. He is almost superhuman, and
all while covering every inch of the stage. He really has injected a new lease of life into Skid Row.

Their set features mostly songs from their two classic
albums, the self-titled ‘Skid Row’, and sophomore release
‘Slave To The Grind’, but they do not sound dated at all. “I
can tell this is not your first rock show,” Erik comments to
the audience before ‘Big Guns’. He’s right about that. While
‘Big Guns’ and ’18 and Life’ are old favourites, they sound
as good today as they did 30+ years ago. The crowd sings
along to ’18 and Life’ full of fondness, while the band’s pas-
sion for punk rock is displayed in tracks such as the vigor-
ous ‘Riot Act’ and a cover of The Ramones’ ‘Psycho
Therapy’, which bassist Rachel Bolan sings, giving Erik a
few minutes to rest his voice.

CONCERTS