Skid Row plays the Coach House May 16
Photo by: Evan Bartleson
Skid Row is one of the last standing metal bands to hit the mainstream prior to grunge dominating in the early 90s. Currently on a U.S. tour, Skid Row makes a few stops in Southern California where they will be playing one night at the Coach House on May 16.
Skid Row was formed in 1986 by bassist Rachel Bolan and former Bon Jovi guitarist Dave “The Snake” Sabo in New Jersey. The pair added guitarist Scott Hill, drummer Rob Affuso, and vocalist Sebastian Bach to the lineup. With the group complete, they released their first album in 1989, entitled Skid Row, which featured hit singles “18 and Life” and “I Remember You,” both went multi-platinum.
OC Concert Guide had the opportunity to talk to the group’s bassist and co-founder Bolan about their influences, aspirations and accomplishments.
OCCG: Who is the most influential person you’ve worked with?
SR: The person that has really taught me a lot is Michael Wagener, who produced three of our records and worked on numerous other projects with us.
OCCG: Whom would you like to eventually work with?
SR: I’d like to sit down and write with Corey Taylor. We have spoken about it a few times, but our schedules haven’t lined up.
OCCG: What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far considering you’ve been active for 25 years?
SR: It’s hard to say. Every time I think we’ve hit our peak, we accomplish something else that blows my mind. I think being around for 25 years is an accomplishment in itself.
OCCG: How have you improved within these past 25 years?
SR: I think the band has become a better band overall. We don’t really have bad shows. There will be an occasional hiccup, but overall we play really well.
OCCG: What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced as musicians?
SR: Ha! The answer is in the question.
OCCG: Where do your get ideas for your songs?
SR: We get ideas from everywhere. You never know when it will hit you. You never know where the inspiration will come from.
OCCG: What message do you want to send out?
SR: If there is any message. It would be to believe in yourself.
OCCG: What have you learned, as musicians, that you couldn’t have learned any other way?
SR: How to play instruments.
OCCG: What plans do you have for the rest of the year as a group?
SR: Release the new EP, “Rise of the Damnation Army – United World Rebellion – Chapter Two,” then tour through the year.