Former Skid Row Lead Singer Johnny Solinger Dies At 55

Johnny Solinger, the former lead singer of the rock band Skid Row, died at 55 on Saturday according to the band’s official Instagram page.

Johnny Solinger Cause Of Death

The band members posted a tribute saying: “We are saddened to hear the news of our brother Johnny Solinger. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. Godspeed Singo. Say hello to Scrappy for us.”

The statement referenced Solinger’s late grandfather Willard Jesse “Scrappy” Smith, who was the inspiration behind Solinger’s solo album Scrappy Smith.

The post was signed “much love” from members Rachel Bolan, ZP Theart, Snake Sabo, Rob Hammersmith and Scotty Hill.

In May, Solinger had announced on his Facebook page that he had been diagnosed with liver failure.

“It is with a heavy heart I must let everyone know what’s going on with me and my health,” he said. “I have been hospitalized for over the last month. I have been diagnosed with liver failure. And the prognosis is not good.”

The musician shared that he was on at least seven different medications, had lost a lot of strength and would require physical therapy resulting in unaffordable medical bills. “As with most musicians I do not have health insurance and it’s very difficult to get proper care without it,” Solinger wrote. He added that a fundraiser would be created where fans could donate to help fund the cost of his medical expenses.

A friend of Solinger’s wife, Paula, confirmed his death on a GoFundMe page that raised over $16,000 for the former singer releasing a comment from his wife. “Update from Paula…. Johnny has passed. I was holding his hand. He went in peace,” the statement said. “Thank you all. I will take a break from everything but please know I am forever grateful for your love.”

The rock band, which hails from New Jersey, first rose to fame in 1989 with their debut album Skid Row. The album included Top 10 singles “18 and Life” and “I Remember You.” The former rocker joined the band in 1999 for over 15 years as lead vocalist replacing Sebastian Bach. Solinger was replaced by former TNT singer Tony Harnell in 2015.