Finally, after a
long seven years, Skid Row has released their first studio album, Thickskin, and
thank God, IT'S AWESOME! It came out on August 5th, the same day that
the Poison summer tour hit Orlando with the Skiders. I picked up the disc at
Virgin Megastore across from the House of Blues and after the show, the guys
were cool enough to all sign it for me. Along with the new disc, a DVD titled
"Under The Skin-The Making of Thickskin" has also been released.
Getting back to the
actual show, this was the first time I had the opportunity to see a complete
set. I did go to the KISS/Nugent/Skid Row show back in 2000, but I spent to
much time drinking in the parking lot and only caught the last 3 songs of their
set. Skid Row hasn't lost a thing. They were one of the best live acts that
I've seen in a LONG time.
To catch you up on
some Skid Row history, there are two new members that make up the band.
John Solinger was
picked to replace Sebastian Bach after personalities conflicted. Sebastian went
on to tour and promote his solo career along with starring and co-staring on and
off Broadway in productions Jekyll & Hyde, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and
Jesus Christ Superstar. John Solinger formerly fronted his own band out of
Texas.
The other new
member to Skid Row isn't really that new to the rock n roll way of life. Phil
Varone was formerly from Saigon Kick and Rachel's side project, Prunella
Scales. Phil was brought in during the KISS farewell tour when Charlie Mills
quit, who was actually replacing Rob Affuso who is now playing with his Big
Band/Motown company called
Soul System
Orchestras.
Other official
Skid Row releases include:
