Skid Row HIT #1—But! Why Were They Still BROKE?
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The story of Skid Row's album 1991's Slave to the Grind. Subhuman Race video https://youtu.be/_K7UhhBUsw0?si=X1CTI... Have a video request or a topic you'd like to see us cover? Fill out our google form! https://bit.ly/3stnXlN -----CONNECT ON SOCIAL----- TIKOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@rocknrolltrue... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnrtruestor... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNRTrueStories Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocktruestories Blog: www.rockandrolltruestories.com #skidrow #slavetothegrind I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos. These videos are for entertainment purposes only. READ OUR DISCLAIMER https://rockandrolltruestories.com/yo... Skid Row, a hard rock band formed in 1986 in New Jersey by bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo, quickly rose to fame with their gritty sound and charismatic frontman Sebastian Bach, who joined the group in 1987. Initially supported by Jon Bon Jovi, who shared management with the band, Skid Row released their self-titled debut album in 1989. The record became a massive success, going five-times platinum thanks to hits like "18 and Life" and "I Remember You," and heavy promotion through MTV and tours with Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. Despite their meteoric rise, tensions within the band began to surface due to Bach's controversial behavior, including legal troubles stemming from an incident where he injured a fan at a concert. Additionally, business missteps haunted the group. A publishing deal signed with Bon Jovi members Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora siphoned off a significant portion of Skid Row’s royalties, leading to public feuds between Bach and Bon Jovi. Furthermore, the band had to pay $35,000 to an Irish group that held rights to the name "Skid Row." Determined to prove themselves musically, Skid Row shifted gears for their second album, Slave to the Grind (1991). The band embraced a heavier sound inspired by acts like Pantera, aiming to shed their reputation as a ballad-driven act. Tracks like "Monkey Business" and the title song reflected this evolution. The album was recorded under challenging circumstances—Bach dealt with vocal strain while recording "Wasted Time," and tensions arose during music video shoots over creative differences. Despite these hurdles, Slave to the Grind debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts under the newly implemented SoundScan system, making Skid Row the first heavy metal band to achieve this feat. The album’s success was accompanied by intense touring alongside Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, and Soundgarden. However, controversies persisted during live performances—Bach defied warnings from local authorities by performing explicit songs and engaged in provocative antics on stage. While Slave to the Grind achieved double platinum status, it failed to produce singles as impactful as those from their debut album. Financially, Skid Row was blindsided despite their commercial success. At the end of their Slave to the Grind tour, they learned about a “shortfall” in earnings due to poor budgeting and high expenses like pyrotechnics. Management fees were deducted from gross revenue rather than net profits, leaving the band in debt instead of reaping rewards from their hard work. Skid Row released an EP in 1992 and followed up with their third album Subhuman Race in 1995 before Bach’s departure marked the end of an era for the group. Reflecting on Slave to the Grind, Sabo expressed pride in its bold departure from formulaic approaches, while Bach lamented that he seemed to be the only member interested in revisiting its legacy. Skid Row’s story is one of triumph marred by internal conflicts and financial mismanagement—a cautionary tale about fame’s fleeting rewards amidst rock 'n' roll chaos.