Over the past three decades, Tony Harnell has experienced a musical existence like no other. He first joined TNT in his early 20s, his first of three tenures with the band, which led to massive tours of Norway and Japan beyond charting singles everywhere else. After TNT disbanded the first time, he co-founded Morning Wood alongside future Megadeth guitarist Al Pitrelli. After that, he formed Westworld with Mark Reale and released three studio albums and a live album. In the midst of his second run with TNT, he made two albums alongside Magnus Karlsson under the Starbreaker moniker. Somehow there was still time for a collaborative project with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and one-off recordings with Brazen Abbott and the aforementioned Magnus in there.
Fast-forwarding to 2015, Tony Harnell is the new lead singer of Skid Row. Yes, that Skid Row. The same New Jersey-rooted Skid Row that is playing The Rock Carnival in Clark, N.J. on September 19th alongside Slash, Sevendust, Black Label Society and Three Days Grace. Very special about this appearance for Tony is that its a rare New Jersey appearance — in spite of living most of his adult life in New York.
Tony, who I first met when working for a former manager of TNT, answered some questions for me about what’s ahead for him professionally. For those unable to make the trip out to Clark, Skid Row will be headlining Irving Plaza on November 4th as part of their 25th Anniversary Tour.
With regards to the upcoming festival show in Clark, NJ, this is your first full band performance in the New York area in quite a while. Any idea how long it’s been?
Tony Harnell: I played some smaller shows with a full band a couple years ago but not full on hard rock! So if we wanna go back to TNT, it’s been 26 years or so?
For someone who hasn’t seen you live with Skid Row before, what should they expect
T: Skid Row with me singing. (laughs)
Might we be hearing you on a new EP or album from Skid Row anytime soon?
T: Possibly. We’ve talked about it.
Besides Skid Row, what are you up to at the moment? Is there a solo album in the works? Another album with Starbreaker?
T: Working on a new Starbreaker album and going to start a solo album sometime soon.
Is the chapter on TNT entirely closed? Or is there a chance you may perform TNT classics on your own terms with a live band or a recording project?
T: Not at all, it never is. TNT is and always will be in my heart and soul. Stay tuned.
Beyond your work as a frontman, you’ve sung jingles over the years. How did you wind up working in that field?
T: I kind of fell into it and landed a few big ones right away in the early 2000’s which was amazing for me as an artist because they really pay well, you get health insurance and no one knows you sang a commercial…till now! (laughs)
Given your success all around the world over the past few decades, do you have an accomplishment you’re most proud of?
T: Winning a Grammy in Norway was cool, selling out our first big tour of Japan in 30 minutes in big venues was super-cool. Many things I can think of, but mostly I would say that I’m proud to will have so many faithful fans to this day who have stuck with me.
Is there something you haven’t yet accomplished which you one day hope to?
T: A successful solo career, on my terms and my definition of successful. Meaning I play shows on my own and people come see me all over the world, and I make the music I wanna make and people like it. Also I would love to be in a “supergroup” with people I admire and make amazing music!
You’re the rare sort of artist these days who lets the music do the talking. Is there something you wish more people knew about you? What do you like to do when you’re not working?
T: Ride my skateboard around New York City, eat good food, cook and hang out with the people I love. And I’m always creating, even if I’m just writing down words or singing melodies into my phone.
Finally, Tony, any last words for the kids?
T: Without fans I’m nothing, thank you to all of my fans for all the love and support for all these years!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
