Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan has addressed concerns about potential fan backlash following his debut solo album, “Gargoyle of the Garden State.” The album features a politically charged collaboration with Slipknot’s Corey Taylor on the track “Big Stick,” which contains the provocative lines “It’s time to kill the king” and “Let’s kick the fascists out of town.”
When asked directly about his concerns regarding negative reactions from conservative Skid Row fans, Bolan dismissed the worry entirely. “No, I’m really not,” he responded. “We’re all pretty like-minded in Skid Row, though we don’t talk about it much publicly. If people don’t like me because of my views, then okay.” His candid response reflects confidence in both his artistic vision and his band’s shared values.
Bolan’s motivation for the song stems from his deep concern about current events and historical parallels. “I’m not Bono, but I needed to put out that song because of everything going on today,” he explained. “Every morning I see something more bizarre or horrible.” His father served in World War II and shared stories about that era. Bolan now sees events happening in the country that mirror those historical accounts. “It’s scary and it angers me,” he stated.
Rather than simply labeling “Big Stick” as a political statement, Bolan reframes the conversation by distinguishing between politics and morality. He views the song through a moral lens rather than a partisan one. He argues that morals are being “thinly veiled as politics” in contemporary discourse. This distinction underscores his belief that the song addresses fundamental ethical questions.
The collaboration with Corey Taylor came after Bolan sent the Slipknot frontman the song and its lyrics. Taylor delivered a vocal performance that Bolan felt “crushed it.” Taylor’s involvement added significant weight to the track, bringing his own credibility as an artist unafraid to engage with socially conscious material. The pairing of two respected musicians from different bands created a moment of artistic solidarity around themes of resistance and moral clarity.
“Gargoyle of the Garden State” marks Bolan’s first solo venture after more than four decades in the music industry. The album was produced by multi-Grammy Award winner Nick Raskulinecz. It embraces a punk-oriented sound that draws comparisons to influential acts like The Misfits, The Clash, and The Ramones. Beyond “Big Stick,” the album features additional guest appearances from Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt and Danko Jones, alongside contributions from his current Skid Row bandmates.
The album’s title carries personal significance, combining Bolan’s fascination with gargoyles and his deep connection to New Jersey, known as the Garden State. This grounding in place and identity reflects an artist who remains rooted in his origins while expanding his artistic horizons. The punk-leaning direction of the album represents a deliberate shift from the traditional 1980s hard rock sound associated with Skid Row. It allows Bolan to explore new creative territory while maintaining the musical integrity that has defined his career.
