Remembering Johnny Solinger: Skid Row's Texas Frontman (1965–2021)

Replacing a famous frontman is one of the hardest jobs in rock and roll. Johnny Solinger took it on with grit, a big Texas voice and 15 years of hard work on the road. The singer who fronted Skid Row after Sebastian Bach, and who later returned to his country roots, died in June 2021 at age 55, weeks after revealing that he was battling liver failure.

A Dallas Rocker

A Dallas native, Solinger made his name in the Texas rock scene of the 1990s with his band, Solinger. His powerful voice and energetic stage presence earned him a loyal local following and caught the attention of musicians far beyond Texas.

Stepping Into Skid Row

Skid Row, formed in New Jersey in 1986, had exploded in 1989 with its self-titled debut album and hits like "Youth Gone Wild," "18 and Life" and "I Remember You." After original singer Sebastian Bach left, the band recruited Solinger in 1999. He sang on the albums Thickskin in 2003 and Revolutions per Minute in 2006, along with the United World Rebellion EPs, and toured the world with the band through 2015.

Following in Bach's footsteps was never easy, but Solinger won over many fans with his commitment to the songs and his relentless touring schedule, keeping Skid Row on stages around the globe for more than a decade.

Back to His Roots

Throughout his career, Solinger returned again and again to the country music he grew up with. He released solo work, including a self-titled album in 2008, showing a more personal and down-home side of his voice.

A Final Fight

In May 2021, Solinger shared with fans that he had been hospitalized for more than a month with liver failure. Friends launched a fundraiser to help cover his medical care, and messages of support poured in from across the rock world. Skid Row shared the news of his passing in late June, expressing sadness for his family and fans, and his former bandmates and fellow singers paid tribute.

Johnny Solinger kept a classic band alive for a new generation of fans, and he did it with heart. His recordings with Skid Row and his solo work are a reminder of a voice that deserved more time.

Did you ever see Skid Row live during the Johnny Solinger years? Share your memories in the comments below.