Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan has firmly dismissed the assertion made by L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns that the band is leaving behind “millions of dollars” by opting not to reunite with their former lead vocalist, Sebastian Bach. Bolan humorously remarked on a recent episode of The Candid Mic with Fran Strine, stating, “It’s really funny because everyone thinks that they’re an accountant. They think they’re an accountant, promoters. Everyone thinks that they know how much is coming in.” This comment highlights the misguided assumptions that fans and outsiders often make regarding the financial aspects of rock band reunions.
The topic of a potential Skid Row reunion with Bach continues to be a lively conversation among interviewers and fellow musicians. Despite attempts to reconcile and bridge their differences in the past, plans for a reunion were quickly abandoned, leading both Skid Row and Bach to assert that such a reunion is unlikely to ever materialize. This ongoing speculation fuels interest and intrigue in the rock community, keeping the legacy of the band alive.
When discussing the possibility of reuniting with Bach, Bolan mentioned, “We approached that at one point, and obviously it imploded very quickly. There’s not millions of dollars out there. I mean, as Skid Row, we’re making really good money. It wasn’t much more.” This statement emphasizes that while the band is financially stable, the perceived potential for wealth in a reunion may not be as significant as some believe, debunking the myth of vast profits from such collaborations.
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Tracii Guns’ Perspective on Skid Row’s Reunion Potential with Sebastian Bach
During a recent episode of the Chuck Schute Podcast, Tracii Guns shared his candid thoughts regarding the potential for a Skid Row reunion with Bach. He expressed his admiration for both the band and its members, stating, “I love the band — I love them together, I love them separate.” However, he noted that the current members of the band view Bach unfavorably, calling him a “shithead,” while Bach believes the band is seeking a vocalist akin to David Lee Roth. Guns passionately argued against leaving substantial financial opportunities unexploited, questioning, “What the fuck is wrong with all of you?”
Guns elaborated, “Seriously. No joke. I’m not making a joke or a funny ha ha ha. They don’t ever have to even see Sebastian to go and perform live and to make millions of dollars. Not just a million bucks — millions of dollars.” This statement reflects the lucrative nature of rock performances, suggesting that a reunion could be financially advantageous without the need for direct interaction between the estranged parties.
When pressed on whether he believed the figures surrounding potential earnings were accurate, Guns explained, “Skid Row was a high-impact band. They make pretty decent money now. Even not having a singer, they make pretty decent money. I think the excitement for a good 200 shows over three years, no problem, man. Arenas, for sure.” This perspective underscores the band’s enduring popularity and marketability, even in the absence of its original frontman.
Additionally, Guns pointed to other iconic rock reunions that initially seemed improbable, such as The Who, The Eagles, and Guns N’ Roses, successfully reuniting. He quipped about his own “ulterior motive,” humorously hoping that if Skid Row were to reunite, then L.A. Guns could potentially open for them, revealing the interconnected dynamics within the rock scene.
Rachel Bolan’s Top Priority: Focusing on Band Happiness and Wellbeing
In early 2024, Skid Row parted ways with their latest full-time vocalist, Erik Gronwall, and have since performed a few shows featuring Halestorm's Lzzy Hale as a guest artist. Currently, the band is in the process of auditioning candidates for a new permanent lead singer to continue their musical journey. Bolan emphasized that the decision to not pursue a reunion with Bach is rooted in both personal and professional considerations.
Bolan remarked, “It’s funny hearing [Guns], because other people shout out numbers too. They’re like, ‘They can make this and that and the other thing.’ It’s like, one: No, we can’t. That’s totally false. And two: Quality of life, motherfuckers. You wanna be happy. You wanna be happy doing what you’re doing.” His comments highlight the importance of personal fulfillment and mental wellness in the music industry, reminding fans that financial success isn’t the only measure of success.
In a parting shot to Guns, Bolan offered some advice, saying, “Why doesn’t Tracii just stay in his own yard?” This statement underscores the complexities of interpersonal relationships within the music business, revealing that personal dynamics often play a significant role in band decisions.
Rachel Bolan’s Appearance on The Candid Mic With Fran Strine
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Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire