I Remember You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt power ballad "I Remember You" by Skid Row from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the nostalgia. This song, released in November 1989, almost didn’t make it onto the album. Bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo wrote it as a songwriting exercise, initially dismissing it as not fitting their hard-rock image. They fought "tooth and nail" to keep it off the record, fearing it would pigeonhole them as a "chick band" due to its popularity with female fans in clubs. However, singer Sebastian Bach and producer Michael Wagener insisted on its inclusion, with the band stipulating no keyboards to maintain their edge. Their reluctance paid off, as the song became a massive hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the number-one prom song in the U.S. in 1990, as Bach proudly recalled in a 2007 interview.

Another tidbit about "I Remember You" is its unexpected cultural impact. Bolan noted in a 2019 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock that the song’s success marked a turning point for the band, making everyday tasks like taking out the trash impossible without fans noticing. The track’s music video, directed by Marc Reshovsky, features the band performing alongside clips of an older homeless man reminiscing about a lost love, adding a poignant layer to the song’s yearning lyrics. Interestingly, a 2003 re-recording titled "I Remember You Two" with then-vocalist Johnny Solinger for the album Thickskin was poorly received, with fans vehemently preferring the original. The song also found its way into pop culture, appearing in the film adaptation of Rock of Ages and even being covered on The Voice in 2013 by contestant Amber Carrington, who admitted to improvising lyrics after forgetting them.

Skid Row formed in 1986 in Toms River, New Jersey, when guitarist Dave Sabo met bassist Rachel Bolan at a local guitar store where Sabo worked. Their shared passion for heavy metal and punk sparked an instant connection. Sabo, who had briefly played with Bon Jovi and contributed to their early single "Runaway," leveraged his friendship with Jon Bon Jovi to get the band noticed. After recruiting guitarist Scotti Hill, drummer Rob Affuso, and the charismatic Sebastian Bach, whose larger-than-life voice and stage presence elevated their sound, Skid Row secured a deal with Atlantic Records through manager Doc McGhee. They purchased the band name from an earlier Irish blues-rock group featuring Gary Moore and Phil Lynott. Their debut album, recorded in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with producer Michael Wagener, dropped in January 1989 and went five-times platinum, driven by hits like "I Remember You," "18 and Life," and "Youth Gone Wild."

Fans can stay connected with Skid Row through their official website, which offers updates on shows, music, and news. Their social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour dates and behind-the-scenes content. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Skid Row Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant group where fans discuss the band’s legacy and share memories. Another fan-driven space, Skid Row Fans Worldwide, connects enthusiasts globally. These platforms keep the spirit of Skid Row alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s spins keep the Zoo Freaks rocking.