Brush Shiels, bassist and founder of the original Irish Skid Row, has spoken out about the controversial use of his band’s name by the American rock group. He shared his account of the events in an interview with Guitar World.
Shiels addressed the long-standing rumor about how the American band acquired the name. He particularly focused on the claim that Gary Moore sold it for $35,000.
When asked about the notorious story of the American band starting to use the name in the ’80s and the rumor that Gary Moore sold them the name for $35,000, Shiels responded with strong disagreement.
“That was the worst thing I’d ever heard,” Shiels said. “Gary rang and said, ‘Jon Bon Jovi is managing this band with Richie Sambora and Doc McGee. They’d love to use our name.’ They thought it was Gary’s band, but he wasn’t even there when it started! Gary said, ‘Jon Bon Jovi should be ringing you.’”
The bassist described his attempts to seek legal recourse and confront Bon Jovi directly.
“I saw the best lawyer in Dublin. I can’t get into it,” he continued. “But there’s some very funny stories about me going to look for Jon Bon Jovi when he came over. It kind of turned into a mythological thing, where I went to look for him when he was playing and asked him about why he stole the name. But all I wanted was an apology.”
When questioned about whether anyone from the American Skid Row ever apologized, Shiels revealed the band members’ conflicting claims about the name’s origin.
“They couldn’t, because the two guys – Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan – were too busy telling people they’d thought of the name,” he said. “But at this stage I’m not going to sue them. They’re getting so little for their gigs that they’ll be the ruin of my lifestyle!”
Shiels also shared details from conversations with former American Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach.
“I do talk to Sebastian Bach every so often; you know, the guy they let go,” he explained. “He said they told them they’d given Gary $35,000 for the name. I said, ‘No such thing ever happened. They must have taken the $35,000 and split it between the two of them!’ Gary Moore never in a million years would have done that. He wouldn’t have been able to anyway.”
The Irish musician concluded by reaffirming his position on the matter and his ongoing demand for acknowledgment.
“And in Ireland we’re still Skid Row. It actually suits me that I can say they stole the name,” Shiels stated. “I’ve always said it and nobody has ever come back to me. All I want is an apology from Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and anybody else.”
This ongoing dispute highlights the complex history behind one of rock music’s most contentious band name controversies. The controversy is rooted in the legacy of Ireland’s pioneering rock scene of the late 1960s.
Wikipedia documented that the original Irish Skid Row was formed in 1967 and became a significant force in Ireland’s early rock movement. The band initially featured future Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott on bass and vocals, alongside Gary Moore on guitar, before both musicians left to pursue other projects. This early lineup helped establish the group’s reputation in Dublin’s burgeoning rock scene.
After Lynott’s departure, Wikipedia noted that Brush Shiels took over as both bassist and lead vocalist. He steered the band through its most productive period. The group released two critically acclaimed albums, “Skid” in 1970 and “34 Hours” in 1971. These albums showcased their blues-influenced hard rock sound and helped cement their place in Irish rock history.
The band’s influence extended beyond their recorded output. Irish Examiner reported that Shiels maintained an active presence in Ireland’s music scene for decades. His career has spanned television hosting and regular live performances, keeping the original Skid Row’s legacy alive in their homeland while the American band achieved international success.
Discogs confirmed that Shiels has continued to perform and record music throughout his career. This demonstrates his enduring commitment to the musical legacy that began with the original Irish Skid Row. This ongoing musical activity underscores his legitimate claim to the band name and explains his persistent demand for recognition from the American group that adopted it.
