Rachel Bolan made an exciting appearance on Loudwire Nights on Thursday (Nov. 21) to discuss the launch of Skid Row’s brand-new rum, as well as to reflect on the electrifying performances alongside Lzzy Hale earlier this year. You can enjoy the complete discussion by listening to the player located towards the end of this article.

During the interview, Bolan expressed his confidence in Hale’s talent, stating to host Chuck Armstrong, “I knew her work ethic and I never once was concerned or worried.” His admiration for Hale’s capabilities became evident as he reminisced about their collaboration.

He recounted a moment of creative collaboration, mentioning, “I was like, ‘Man, some of these songs are bears, if you want to take them out and put something else in,’ [and she said,] ‘No, I got it.'” This exchange highlighted Hale’s determination and skill in managing Skid Row’s extensive catalog.

Bolan was genuinely impressed by Hale’s proficiency, admitting he was “blown away” by her performance during their shows together. He joyfully reflected on the experience, stating, “Honestly, dude, the four shows we did together were some of the most fun shows of my career onstage and it was just insane.” The chemistry between the artists undoubtedly contributed to the success of their performances.

Discover the Unique Flavors of Skid Row’s “18 and Life” Rum

In addition to sharing memories of Hale’s contributions to Skid Row, Bolan elaborated on the exhilarating experience of creating the band’s first official rum. He emphasized the band’s commitment to quality, saying, “We’re very protective of the brand,” and explained that they experimented extensively with various rums before settling on the perfect blend.

After trying out numerous options, the band proudly introduced the “18 and Life” single-origin, ultra-premium rum. Bolan described the creative journey, stating, “It was a really fun process and it took about a year to get it all together and we’ve just been having fun with it.” His enthusiasm for the project was palpable as he noted, “It’s something that we could be proud of because it tastes really good, like, we really like it.”

Key Insights from Rachel Bolan’s Interview on Loudwire Nights

• Bolan shared fascinating insights about the experience of working on Skid Row’s debut album in the ’80s, revealing how Jon Bon Jovi played a crucial role in the songwriting process. He recalled, “We had a great songwriting coach [who] would listen to our stuff and he’d give us notes like, ‘I really like it, but this is so personal to you that someone that didn’t grow up in New Jersey and have the same exact experience you did may not know what you’re talking about.'” This anecdote illustrates the importance of perspective in songwriting.
• When asked about his preferred way to enjoy Skid Row’s “18 and Life” rum, Bolan stated, “I’ll just drink it over one big ice cube and just sip.” This simple yet effective method allows the rich flavors of the rum to shine through.
• Looking ahead, Bolan teased what fans can expect from Skid Row in 2025, hinting at exciting surprises involving guest appearances. He mentioned, “We may do some more celebrity collabs because a few of our famous friends are like, ‘I like that Lzzy stuff,’ and they’re like, ‘I want to do that.’ We’re like, ‘Okay, cool. Let’s try it out.'” This promise of collaboration certainly adds to the anticipation for the band’s future projects.

Don’t Miss the Full Interview Available in the Podcast Player Below

Rachel Bolan joined Loudwire Nights on Thursday, Nov. 21; the show replays online here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7PM ET. You can also catch it on the Loudwire app or check if the show is available on your local radio station, where you can listen to interviews on-demand.