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SKID ROW announces JUSTIN SARGENT as their new singer

Release THE WHO cover "Won't Get Fooled Again"

30-10-2026

A new chapter begins for SKID ROW. After more than two years away from the stage and an extensive global search, legendary hard rock band SKID ROW has officially announced Broadway alum Justin Sargent as the new lead singer, ushering in an exciting new era as the band celebrates its 40th anniversary. And in a fitting twist of fate, after searching around the world, SKID ROW found their new voice right where it all began — in their home state of New Jersey.

Sargent first caught the attention of the band last year. His powerful vocals, commanding stage presence, and natural connection to the music immediately stood out. What followed were months of conversations, rehearsals, and time spent together, ultimately confirming that the band had found not just a new singer, but a brother-in-arms.

SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan comments: “Honestly, for me, it felt like he had been here from the beginning as soon as he walked in the room. He was one of us. A lifer. Then he sang with so much power and conviction, it blew me away. It was amazing.”

SKID ROW guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo states: “We were so fortunate to receive so many audition submissions from singers wanting to front the band. 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.”

Sargent said: “I’ve been singing SKID ROW songs for years, 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!”

Sargent is a singer and actor who has starred on Broadway as Peter Parker in “Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark” (music by Bono and The Edge), Drew in the mega hit rock musical “Rock Of Ages”, and was in the original Broadway cast of “Bonnie & Clyde”.

Born in Murphysboro Illinois and raised in Florida, Justin has been performing since high school. Since he graduated, he has been lucky enough to make a living doing what he loves. He has performed alongside music legends like John Legend, Alice Cooper, Sara Bareilles, Dee Snider, Kip Winger, Graham Russell, and has been a guest singer with the band AIR SUPPLY. Justin has toured the country singing everything from QUEEN to Andrew Lloyd Webber. His TV/film appearances include “Jesus Christ Superstar: Live” on NBC, “Law & Order: SVU”, “Mr. Robot”, “Delocated”, “Royal Pains” and more.

The announcement follows an extensive worldwide 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.

The band extends its thanks to everyone who submitted performances and supported the journey. The response from musicians and fans around the world was nothing short of extraordinary.

To celebrate the announcement, SKID ROW has unleashed a powerful new recording of the classic THE WHO anthem “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, accompanied by an electrifying new music video. The track serves as both an introduction to SKID ROW‘s new frontman Sargent and a bold statement of intent as the band looks toward the future.

Watch “Won’t Get Fooled Again” below.

Worldwide auditions officially opened February 5, with no submission deadline. SKID ROW will continue reviewing submissions until the right singer is found.

“I first saw SKID ROW play in New Jersey before they were signed, and they totally blew me away with the sheer quality of their songs, and the infectious high-energy of their performance,” commented Sweetwater‘s resident rocker and content creator Nick Bowcott. “We at Sweetwater are excited to partner with the group to host this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

For more information, visit Sweetwater.

On January 31, SKID ROW guitarist Scotti Hill was asked by The Music Universe about the band’s singer search following the March 2024 departure of Erik Grönwall. Scotti said:  ”Yes, we are working on that. We’re gonna really get it kicking in here in a few weeks. Let me see — in about a week we’re gonna make an announcement for a real push, and we’re gonna get it done and we’re gonna get the right person for the job and we’re gonna get back out there.”

After the interviewer noted that the “singer has to be really top-notch” to be able to handle the SKID ROW material, Scotti concurred. “It’s not an easy job. It’s not an easy job, really,” he said. “I mean, that stuff is really hard to sing. And it’s gotta be the right chemistry, because in our band we get along really great. We get along really well. We’re family, and we need somebody to be family with us.”

SKID ROW 2027 tour dates:

March 5 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente
March 20 – New Buffalo, MI – Four Winds Casino
April 2 – Kansas City, MO – VooDoo Lounge at Harrah’s
April 3 – Welch, MN – Island Event Center
April 9 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods
April 10 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata
April 16 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live
April 17 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Casino
April 18 – Shelton, WA – Little Creek Casino
April 23 – Quapaw, OK – Downstream Casino
April 24 – Grant, OK – Choctaw Casino
May 9 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville
May 14 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple
May 29 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Sep. 25 – French Lick, IN – French Lick Resort

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