18 and Life

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "18 and Life" by Skid Row, from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This hard-hitting power ballad, released in June 1989, tells the tragic story of Ricky, an 18-year-old who lands a life sentence after accidentally killing a friend with a gun he thought was unloaded. The song’s gritty narrative was inspired by a real-life event guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo read about in a local newspaper, where a young man faced a similar fate due to a drunken mistake. Co-written with bassist Rachel Bolan, the song’s raw emotion and catchy riffs helped it soar to No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, earning gold certification from the RIAA for selling 500,000 copies. The music video, directed by Wayne Isham, vividly brings Ricky’s story to life, showing him being kicked out of his home and spiraling into tragedy, which struck a chord with fans and fueled the song’s heavy rotation on MTV.

Another layer of intrigue comes from a fan comment on Songfacts, where someone claimed Sabo drew inspiration from his brother, who served in Vietnam and returned changed, though Sabo later crafted the song’s story to be more relatable. In a creative twist, Skid Row launched an "18 and Life" cover song challenge in 2023, inviting fans to share their renditions on social media with the hashtag #18AndLife for a chance to win a Dave Sabo Kramer signature guitar. Fun fact: the band’s current singer, Erik Grönwall, kickstarted his own career by performing this very song on "Swedish Idol" in 2009, a full-circle moment before he joined the band in 2022. The song’s enduring impact is evident in its cultural reach, even appearing in discussions on Reddit, where fans reminisce about its haunting story and Sebastian Bach’s powerhouse vocals.

Skid Row formed in 1986 in Toms River, New Jersey, when guitarist Dave Sabo met bassist Rachel Bolan at a local guitar store. The duo recruited guitarist Scotti Hill and drummer Rob Affuso through newspaper ads, but their big break came when they found lead vocalist Sebastian Bach. Bach, then just 18, was spotted singing at rock photographer Mark Weiss’s wedding by Jon Bon Jovi’s parents, who recommended him to the band. His explosive voice and stage presence completed the lineup, and by 1987, Skid Row was ready to take off. Their connection to Bon Jovi proved pivotal—Dave Sabo had been childhood friends with Jon Bon Jovi and briefly played in his band before Richie Sambora took over. This led to Skid Row signing with Bon Jovi’s manager, Doc McGhee, and inking a publishing deal with Jon and Richie’s company. After negotiating with major labels, they landed with Atlantic Records in 1988, recording their debut album in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with producer Michael Wagener. The album’s success, driven by hits like "18 and Life" and "I Remember You," propelled them to stardom, with opening slots for Bon Jovi and Aerosmith cementing their place in the late ’80s metal scene.

Stay connected with Skid Row through their official website for the latest news, tour dates, and media. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X to catch updates and interact with the band. Fans can dive deeper into the Skid Row community through dedicated spaces like the Skid Row Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other diehards share memories, discuss the band’s legacy, and celebrate tracks like "18 and Life." For more fan-driven content, check out Metal Storm, a heavy metal webzine with forums and archives where Skid Row enthusiasts connect. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the crew, Skid Row’s music and story continue to rock the airwaves!