Skid Row took several months to verify that its new lineup could work as a lasting team before making the arrangement official, according to Justin Sargent. He discussed the band’s measured approach in an interview posted on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
Sargent explained that the band wanted to ensure all members could work together effectively and that the initial chemistry would hold. The band made no quick decisions about the new lineup.
“It’s been a couple of months,” Sargent said. “And what was a really great tactic that these gentlemen used here — we spent a lot of time getting to know each other before things became official.”
“Nothing was rushed into. We wanted to make sure that it was a good fit, that we could all be in a room together and hang and have a great rapport.”
The drummer added that the early sessions showed real promise. “And interestingly enough, from day one it just felt solid. And so it was really important for everybody to make sure that that day wasn’t just an anomaly and that this could be something that is gonna be lasting. And, like I said, the last couple months have been proof that that is certainly the case.”
Sargent made these comments about Skid Row’s strategy for building its new lineup.
Sargent was officially announced as Skid Row’s new lead singer in October 2026, as the band celebrates its 40th anniversary. The band launched an online search for their next lead singer in February 2026 and partnered with musical equipment retailer Sweetwater to expand the audition process and reach a wider community of performers. Sargent’s powerful vocals, commanding stage presence, and natural connection to the music made him stand out to the band.
As a Broadway performer and fellow New Jersey native, Sargent joins guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo, bassist Rachel Bolan, guitarist Scotti Hill and drummer Rob Hammersmith. He made his Broadway debut in 2011 in Rock of Ages and has also starred in Bonnie and Clyde and Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark.
The band had parted ways with previous vocalist Erik Grönwall in March 2024 after a two-year stint. Grönwall left due to health issues, as he needed to prioritize full recovery after receiving treatment for leukemia. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm filled in for him on live dates before leaving on her own.
