A trip to the O2 Academy last Friday, Skid Row had been on my list of bands to see for a while. I had been intrigued by the online differences of opinion and comparisons made following the departure of Sebastian Bach. However new frontman Eric Gronwall didn’t disappoint so read on for more on this.
I arrived a little late due to work commitments so missed the first band Enuff Z’Nuff, really sorry guys!
However, I was in time for The Treatment, hailing from Cambridge this hard rock band certainly made a huge impression on the Sheffield crowd. Some might say that they almost upstaged the headliners, putting on a powerful and hugely entertaining show including songs from latest 2021 album release ‘Waiting For Good Luck’.
Singer Tom Rampton has a great voice with stage presence in abundance, the band work together really well on stage, visually photography heaven! and musically outstanding.
I for one have had The Treatment’s music on repeat all week after discovering, in my opinion, one of the premier hard rock bands in the UK. Check them out on all music streaming platforms you will not be disappointed.
So onto Skid Row who seem to be having somewhat of a resurgence following the release of 2022 album‘The Gangs All Here’. Unfortunately, guitarist Dave ‘The Snake’ Sago had to sit this one out due to a positive Covid test, however, guitar tech Casey stood in at the last minute and did a fantastic job.
Bursting onto the stage with ‘Slave to the Grind’ singer Erik made an immediate impression. Full of energy and with stellar vocals it was hard not to put the camera down and just watch him. Inevitably comparisons will always be drawn with the original lineups, Erik cannot be faulted in terms of his vocals and stage presence.
A fantastic 15 song set of new material and crowd favourites ensued with a three song encore closing with ‘Youth Gone Wild’. Skid Row proved that they have endured the test of time, still up there with the very best.
Something I noticed post gig was the support the band give to local photographers on social media channels, posting a selection of photographs including some of my own. Receiving recognition from the band really makes doing this job worthwhile.
Check out Skid Row’s latest album it really does rock..oh also Erik’s YouTube channel has lots of great original and cover version videos.
