After more than two years away from the stage and an extensive global search, long-running hard rock band Skid Row has named Justin Sargent as its new lead singer, ushering in a new era as the band celebrates its 40th anniversary. And in a fitting twist of fate, after searching around the world, Skid Row found its new voice right where it all began—in its home state of New Jersey.
The announcement follows an extensive search that attracted overwhelming interest from singers across the globe. Earlier this year, Skid Row partnered with leading music retailer Sweetwater to further extend the search and engage the global music community.
Sargent is a singer and actor best known for starring roles on Broadway in musicals such as “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark” and “Rock of Ages.” He now takes the spot most recently occupied by Swedish singer Erik Grönwall, who was Skid Row’s singer from 2022 to 2024 and left the band due to health reasons.
“Honestly, for me, it felt like (Sargent) had been here from the beginning as soon as he walked in the room,” Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan said. “He was one of us. A lifer. Then he sang with so much power and conviction, it blew me away. It was amazing.”
“We were so fortunate to receive so many audition submissions from singers wanting to front the band,” guitarist Snake Sabo said. “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.”
“I’ve been singing Skid Row songs for years,” Sargent said, “but never imagined I’d actually be joining the band! It’s an incredible honor to be part of something with such a legendary history. The chemistry and energy we’ve found together over the past several months has been amazing. I have tremendous respect for the band’s legacy, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. I can’t wait to get out there, connect with the fans and give them everything I’ve got. Let’s go!”
To celebrate the announcement, Skid Row has released a new cover of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” along with a music video. For the recording, the band reunited with Grammy Award-winner Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Halestorm, Alice in Chains), the producer behind the its 2022 studio album, “The Gang’s All Here.”
“‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ is one of those songs that no matter how many times you hear it on the radio you always turn it up and listen,” guitarist Scotti Hill said. “Anything by The Who is top shelf in my book, but ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ is an anthem of generations.”
“‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ isn’t just aboSKut making noise—it’s about setting a standard and making a statement: two rock ‘n’ roll elements The Who helped write the book on,” drummer Rob Hammersmith said. “Standing on the shoulders of these giants is the ultimate launchpad to signal a loud, unapologetic new era for us!”
The music video was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dale “Rage” Resteghini (Five Finger Death Punch, Guns N’ Roses, Alter Bridge).
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” also will be released as a limited, hand-signed 7-inch single. Pre-orders are available here. The single is limited to 500 copies worldwide.
Skid Row also is ready to return to the stage and has announced its first live dates with Sargent, scheduled for 2027.
Tour dates:
3/5 — Rancho Mirage, CA — The Show at Agua Caliente
3/20 — New Buffalo, MI — Four Winds Casino
4/2 — Kansas City, MO — VooDoo Lounge at Harrah’s
4/3 — Welch, MN — Island Event Center
4/9 — Mashantucket, CT — Foxwoods
4/10 — Atlantic City, NJ — Borgata
4/16 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live
4/17 — Reno, NV — Silver Legacy Casino
4/18 — Shelton, WA — Little Creek Casino
4/23 — Quapaw, OK — Downstream Casino
4/24 — Grant, OK — Choctaw Casino
5/9 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville
5/14 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/29 — Niagara Falls, ON — OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
9/25 — French Lick, IN — French Lick Resort