John Preston Solinger (August 7, 1965 – June 26, 2021) was an American singer known for being the lead vocalist of the hard rock/heavy metal band Skid Row from 1999 to 2015.

Johnny Solinger
Solinger at Wacken Open Air 2014
Solinger at Wacken Open Air 2014
Background information
Birth nameJohn Preston Solinger
Born(1965-08-07)August 7, 1965
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
DiedJune 26, 2021(2021-06-26) (aged 55)
GenresHard rock, heavy metal, alternative rock, country
OccupationSinger
Years active1990–2021
Formerly ofSkid Row
Websitejohnnysolinger.com

Career

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Solinger

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Johnny Solinger moved to the Dallas–Fort Worth area as a young boy, where he was exposed to hard rock and country music, and fell in love with them. In 1990, he formed the rock band Solinger in Dallas, recording four independent records: Solinger, Solinger II, Chain Link Fence, and Solinger Live. He enjoyed live performance and radio success throughout the Southwest.

Skid Row

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In 1999, Skid Row members Dave "The Snake" Sabo, Rachel Bolan, and Scotti Hill hired Solinger to replace previous lead vocalist Sebastian Bach. In 2000, Skid Row was the opening band on Kiss's "Farewell Tour."[1]

With over 15 years in the band, he was their longest-serving vocalist, and performed on the studio albums Thickskin (2003) and Revolutions Per Minute (2006), along with Chapters 1 and 2 of the United World Rebellion EP trilogy.

In April 2015, Solinger was fired from Skid Row, and was briefly replaced by Tony Harnell, who was eventually replaced by ZP Theart.[2][3]

Solo career

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In 2008, Solinger pursued a country music solo career. His first country album was only released regionally and is filled with both country and rock. The album includes the song "You Lie", which he recorded with his band mates from Skid Row.

Death

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Solinger died on June 26, 2021,[4] one month after he revealed that he was suffering from liver failure. He was 55 years old.[5][6]

Discography

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Solinger (right) performing with Skid Row in 2008

With Skid Row

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Solo

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  • Chain Link Fence (2000)[9][10]
  • Solinger (2003)[9]
  • Solinger II (2003)[9]
  • Johnny Solinger (2008)[8]

The (Party) Dolls

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  • Doll House Rock

References

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  1. ^ Weber, Barry. "Biography: Skid Row". AMG. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  2. ^ "Skid Row Fired Johnny Solinger A Few Hours Before Announcing Tony Harnell As His Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. April 7, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  3. ^ "Video: Skid Row Plays First Show With Ex-Dragonforce Singer ZP Theart". Blabbermouth.net. February 13, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  4. ^ Chilton, Louis (June 27, 2021). "Johnny Solinger death: Former Skid Row singer dies aged 55". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  5. ^ "Ex-SKID ROW Singer JOHNNY SOLINGER Dead At 55". Blabbermouth.net. June 26, 2021.
  6. ^ Cannon, Matt (June 27, 2021). "Tributes paid to former Skid Row singer Johnny Solinger following his death". Newsweek. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  7. ^ Henderson, Alex. "Thickskin: Skid Row – Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c "Johnny Solinger – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "Solinger – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  10. ^ Schwann Spectrum. Vol. 9. Stereophile. 2000. p. 244. ISBN 978-1-57598-078-2.
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