"Skid Row" is the first official full-length studio album by the American Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band "SKID ROW" and was released in 1989. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Skid Row is a heavy metal band from Toms River, New Jersey that was formed in 1986. Their self-titled debut album, Skid Row, was released in 1989 and became a huge success, establishing the band as one of the leading acts in the genre.
The album was produced by Michael Wagener, who had previously worked with such heavyweights as Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne. The sound he helped create on Skid Row was a powerful combination of heavy guitars, pounding drums, and the distinctive vocals of frontman Sebastian Bach.
The album's opening track, "Big Guns," immediately sets the tone for what's to come. The song features a thunderous rhythm section and some scorching guitar work from Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill. Bach's vocals soar over the top, delivering a catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days.
The album's second track, "Sweet Little Sister," is another high-energy rocker that showcases the band's knack for writing catchy, anthemic songs. The guitar riff that opens the song is instantly recognizable, and the chorus is one of the catchiest on the album.
One of the things that sets Skid Row apart from many other heavy metal bands of the era is their sense of melody. While the band certainly knows how to rock out and deliver crushing riffs, they also understand the importance of a great hook. This is evident on tracks like "Piece of Me," "Can't Stand the Heartache," and "Makin' a Mess," all of which feature memorable choruses that will get stuck in your head. Of course, Skid Row's success wasn't just due to their musical prowess. The band's image and attitude also played a big part in their appeal. With their long hair, leather jackets, and tough-guy demeanor, they embodied the classic heavy metal aesthetic. But unlike some of their peers, they never came across as cartoonish or contrived. There was a sincerity and authenticity to their approach that connected with fans. In the years since Skid Row's debut album was released, the band has gone through a number of lineup changes and endured their share of ups and downs. But the music they created on that first album still holds up today as a classic of the heavy metal genre. From the hard-hitting opening riff of "Big Guns" to the emotional finale of "Midnight/Tornado," Skid Row is a thrilling ride from start to finish. And for fans of classic heavy metal, it remains an essential listen.
Heavy Metal
Atlantic – 781 936-1, Underground – 781 936-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1989 Europe
Michael Wagener - Producer
Before his rise as a producer, Wagener had a musical career of his own. He was a guitarist and part of a German band called "Band X" in the pre-1970 era. Notably, Udo Dirkschneider, known for his involvement with the bands Accept and U.D.O., also performed alongside Wagener in Band X. This early collaboration between Wagener and Dirkschneider acted as a precursor to the formation of Accept, the influential German heavy metal band.
While Michael Wagener began as a guitarist for Accept, he eventually transitioned into the realm of music production, where he found his true calling. His talent, expertise, and meticulous approach to producing and mixing led him to work with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. Wagener became highly sought after for his ability to capture the energy and power of these genres in the studio.
In addition to his work as a music producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener is also the president of Double Trouble Productions. This production company, headed by Wagener, focuses on providing high-quality production services to various artists and bands in the music industry.
Over the years, Wagener's production credits have included collaborations with iconic bands such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, and many others. His contributions to the sound and success of these bands have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock and metal production.
Michael Wagener's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, ability to capture powerful performances, and his knack for creating an impactful and polished sound. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, have left a lasting imprint and have helped shape the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums.
Dave Kent - Sound Engineer
This album was recorded at Royal Recorders
It was mastered at Sterling Sound and Specialty Records Corporation
Bob Defrin - Art Direction
Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.
Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.
One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.
Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.
Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.
Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.
Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.
Gina Guarini - Design
Danny Sanchez - Design
Mark Weiss - Photographer
Mark Weiss (Nickname: Weissguy) is an acclaimed American rock and roll photographer who has captured the essence and energy of some of the most iconic moments in music history. With his keen eye for detail and ability to connect with his subjects, Weiss has become synonymous with the visual documentation of the rock and roll scene.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Mark Weiss discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Inspired by the vibrant music culture of the 1970s, he set out to combine his love for music with his growing interest in photography. Armed with his camera, Weiss began attending concerts and local gigs, capturing the electrifying performances of emerging and established rock acts.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weiss's career gained momentum as he became the go-to photographer for many rock bands. He developed a reputation for his ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of the musicians, as well as the electric atmosphere of live performances. His photographs not only showcased the artists in their element but also transported viewers into the heart of the rock and roll experience.
One of Weiss's most iconic collaborations was with the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. From the early days of their career, Weiss developed a close relationship with the band members and their management, which allowed him unprecedented access to document their rise to superstardom. His photographs became an integral part of Bon Jovi's image, capturing the band's infectious energy and forging a visual legacy that would endure for decades.
Mark Weiss's work extended beyond Bon Jovi, as he photographed and developed relationships with numerous other rock icons. He captured the larger-than-life personas of artists such as Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue, among many others. Weiss's photographs adorned album covers, magazines, and concert posters, encapsulating the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and contributing to the visual iconography of the era.
Throughout his career, Weiss has exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects and gain their trust, allowing him to capture intimate and candid moments both on and off the stage. His photographs convey not only the spectacle of rock performances but also the humanity and vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of their lives and careers.
In addition to his work as a live music photographer, Mark Weiss has also ventured into other areas of the industry. He has directed music videos, designed album covers, and collaborated with various media outlets and galleries to showcase his extensive collection of rock and roll photography. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of photographers and music lovers.
Mark Weiss's body of work represents more than just photographs. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the profound impact that music can have on people's lives. Through his lens, he has immortalized the legends of rock and roll, providing fans with a glimpse into the exhilarating world of music and preserving the spirit of an era that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.
David Michael Kennedy - Photographer
Sebastian Bach - Vocals
Scotti Hill - Guitars
Dave "The Snake" Sabo - Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Rachel Bolan - Bass, Vocals (backing)
Rob Affuso - Drums
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
