Skid Row x Lzzy Hale Rekindles ʼ80s Magic with “I Remember You” at Riverside
When the iconic chords of “I Remember You” began at Riverside Casino on May 18, 2024, something electric took over. Skid Row and guest vocalist Lzzy Hale delivered a rendition dripping in emotion, breathing new life into the ’89 power ballad. Fans swayed and sang along as the song soared—proof that classic rock, when done right, never fades.
For Lzzy Hale, stepping onto that stage wasn’t just another gig—it was returning to her roots. She openly shares that Skid Row helped bridge her love of ’80s metal and ’90s alt-metal. Watching her sing those familiar lines with such conviction felt like watching a rock deep cut get its time in the spotlight.
Hale—normally the lead of Halestorm—was filling in for Skid Row’s ailing vocalist Erik Grönwall. Though billed just for four shows, her impact was undeniable. Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan praised her as “a powerhouse, without a doubt,” and called the reaction “unreal.” This short run didn’t just fill a gap—it set a benchmark.
The show’s setlist was a journey through Skid Row’s signature tracks: “Slave to the Grind,” “18 & Life,” and climaxing with “I Remember You,” which carried the deep punch of a stadium anthem. The thoughtful pacing let the ballad shine brightest, giving it the emotional weight it deserved.
What fans cheered most was Hale’s ability to match the emotional streak of the original. Described as her “flawless” performance, Lzzy’s vocals soared with power and precision—hitting every note with clarity and heart.
A Reddit fan called it “a dream seeing her front Skid Row,” and another confessed they “had never seen me smile that big.” These reactions weren’t surprise—they were transformations, bridging nostalgia with newfound joy.
Bravewords described the show as featuring classic material with a fresh voice. Combining ’80s glam roots with Lzzy’s ’00s-sharpened edge, the performance felt like a proper revival—respectful yet revitalizing.
Lzzy opened up about believing she may be the right voice for Skid Row’s sound—not just a placeholder, but a voice that resonates. In her own words, “this is like my Olympic sport,” and on that night, she delivered a gold-medal performance.
Skid Row guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo and Rachel Bolan credited the chemistry—that same easy familiarity, underpinned by friendship—as key to the success. Their shared onstage synergy gave Hale’s vocals the support they needed to shine.
Originally released in 1989, the song hit No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and remains one of Skid Row’s defining anthems. On this night, it felt freshly minted—an homage and reinvention in one electric package.
The performance bridged generational gaps: longtime fans relived prom-night nostalgia, while young fans shouted along as if discovering the song anew. A night where rock’s past and future shared the same breath.
Classic Rock reported Lzzy brought authenticity to their classic hits, celebrating her as a standout frontperson. It was clear: she didn’t just manage the legacy—she elevated it.
Though only four gigs, the Skid Row x Lzzy Hale shows—May 17 in Illinois, May 18 in Iowa, followed by dates in Nevada and California—sent ripples across the rock community. Each performance reinforced that this collaboration was no mere fill-in—it was a creative synergy.
Fan-shot footage spread fast. Forums buzzed with praise. Blogs called it a “full circle” moment, and rock media framed it as a bridge between eras—a melding of glam and modern metal.
After the shows, Lzzy returned to Halestorm, but her voice remains woven into Skid Row’s live lore. She remains a fan-favorite fill-in singer—a testament to music’s ability to surprise us, even when it’s a short-lived chapter. In marking her voice alongside theirs, Skid Row x Lzzy Hale didn’t just perform—it reminded us why rock evolves. Some songs die with their era. Others, like “I Remember You” with Lzzy, find new life, hearing their echo in fresh voices and renewed hearts.
