by Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan recently shared his thoughts on cover versions of his band’s songs, particularly praising Halestorm’s interpretation of “Slave to the Grind” in an interview with EMGtv.
When asked about bands covering Skid Row’s material, Bolan expressed genuine admiration for Halestorm’s approach to the classic track.
“I heard Halestorm’s cover of ‘Slave to the Grind’ and they absolutely crushed it,” Bolan said. “They added, I shouldn’t say added, their interpretation had parts that I wish we put in the original version. I wish we wrote it like that.”
The bassist went on to detail specific elements that impressed him about Halestorm’s version.
“They break down on the bridge. They break down to a halftime,” he continued. “They stop after the solo and do the opening riff on a stop and it’s really really exciting. I was completely blown away.”
Bolan also revealed that he had the opportunity to perform the song with Halestorm at a live show in New Jersey.
“I was lucky enough to have the chance when they asked me to get up and play it in my home state of New Jersey at the PNC Bank Arts Center and it was great,” he said. “We did a combination of both versions and it was pretty cool. I think out of all the covers of our songs I’ve heard, it’s probably number one. It’s in my top three for sure.”
This collaboration represents a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the two bands. It highlights how cover versions can breathe new life into classic tracks while honoring their original creators.
YouTube performance footage revealed that Halestorm first released their cover of “Slave to the Grind” as an official audio track in 2011. The track has since become a staple in their live performances. The band’s interpretation showcases their long-standing appreciation for Skid Row’s influence on the hard rock and metal scene.
The energetic live rendition with Bolan at the PNC Bank Arts Center in July 2024 captured a memorable collaboration that was praised by fans and critics alike. Concert footage showed the performance demonstrated the seamless blend of both bands’ styles. It created a unique version that honored both the original composition and Halestorm’s distinctive approach.
Halestorm’s lead vocalist Lzzy Hale has been particularly noted for bringing her powerful vocals and signature style to the cover. Live performance videos documented how her vocal delivery further differentiates their version from the original. This contributes to the fresh elements that left Bolan so impressed with their interpretation.
The mutual respect between the bands extends beyond this single collaboration. Both acts frequently acknowledge each other’s contributions to the hard rock genre. This cover version stands as a testament to how established artists can find inspiration in each other’s work. They create new interpretations that enhance rather than simply replicate the original material.
