Skid Row has named Justin Sargent as their new frontman after searching for more than two years. The band announced the decision on Instagram, saying Sargent came from New Jersey, the state where Skid Row was born.
Band members described how they auditioned many singers before choosing Sargent. They explained that his voice, attitude and demeanor matched the band’s sound and spirit perfectly.
The band’s announcement stated: “New Blood. Same Attitude. After more than two years off searching the globe for their next frontman, Skid Row found him in the very state the band was born… New Jersey! Welcome Justin Sargent To Skid Row!”
“The band has been holed up, making noise, and getting ready to begin the next chapter,” the band continued. “And there’s no better way to kick the doors down than with their take on THE WHO’s legendary anthem ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ along with a music video!”
“Skid Row Is Getting Back On Stage! ” the statement added. “First shows announced, with more dates coming soon at SkidRow website. To everyone who stepped up and auditioned, the band sends much respect. There are some badass singers out there! 40 years of Skid Row. The next chapter starts now.”
Bassist Rachel Bolan said about Sargent’s first meeting with the band: “Honestly, for me, it felt like he had been here from the beginning as soon as he walked in the room. He was one of us. A lifer. Then he sang with so much power and conviction, it blew me away. It was amazing.”
Guitarist Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo added: “We were so fortunate to receive so many audition submissions from singers wanting to front the band. We wanna thank everyone for their time and effort. There are some truly amazing singers out there! But I think that the moment Justin walked in the door we all kind of knew he was the guy. Everything about him; his voice, his attitude, his demeanor, it all just fit. We can’t wait to hit the ground running and get back to doing what we love to do.”
The announcement also said the band has been preparing material and will kick off the new chapter with a cover of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” which includes a music video. Skid Row has already announced first shows, with more dates to follow.
Sargent’s path to Skid Row began when band manager Robby Hoffman saw him perform at a charity event in New Jersey. The band had Sargent on their radar in 2025, followed by months of conversations, rehearsals, and time spent together before confirming they had found both a new singer and a brother-in-arms. The worldwide search for a frontman opened on February 5, 2026, with a partnership between the band and Sweetwater, the world’s leading online retailer of musical instruments and pro-audio equipment.
Sargent is a singer and actor with Broadway experience. He debuted on stage in Rock of Ages in 2011 and has performed in the original Broadway cast of Bonnie & Clyde and as Peter Parker in Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark, which featured music by Bono and The Edge. Born in Murphysboro, Illinois and raised in Florida, Sargent has performed since high school and toured the country singing music ranging from Queen to Andrew Lloyd Webber. He has also worked alongside music icons including Alice Cooper, Dee Snider and Kip Winger.
The cover of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” was produced and recorded by Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz, who also produced Skid Row’s 2022 studio album The Gang’s All Here. Sargent suggested the song himself. The group will embark on a tour in 2027, with concerts planned in California, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, Connecticut, New Jersey, and more.
