Words by: Leland Hallett
Photos by: Shot By Slaidins
We all have the music we grew up on. Those certain songs and albums that hit us for different reasons and stay with us – whether its in the car on repeat for every road trip or its your staple drinking song. The music from Sebastian Bach and Skid Row is one of my staples. I remember drumming along to their songs over and over (I still do regularly to this day). I always had a feeling I wouldn’t have the chance to see Sebastian live but last night was a blessing from the Rock Gods. Last night bought back so many memories and made me giddy, star struck even. Something I haven’t felt since my first times seeing Kiss, Motley Crue and Black Sabbath. Let me take you on a journey;
One thing Melbourne has always been exceptional at is getting into the spirit of a concert when it comes to town. I started my evening by dropping into a couple of bars near the Forum Theatre, soaking in as much atmosphere as I could. The sea of Sebastian Bach and Skid Row shirts just made you forget it was a Thursday work night and even before the line up began it was already looking to be a great night.
As I made my way across the road towards Forum Melbourne the sea of shirts and black clothing grew. The line was long and excitement was brewing like a cold one at your local as soon as it hits knock off on a Friday. The familiar faces of friends and fellow gig goers grew stronger. I decided to do a lap around the venue just to take it all in before making my way into the venue.
The Melbourne educators on How To Kick Off A Rock Show, Dead City Ruins battle cry hailed the legions of fans into the venue. Their take no prisoners, leave no piece of the stage unturned method to putting on a memorable performance was once again on show with pride and expert execution.
I must say this is not my first time seeing these legends. I have been a fan ever since I stumbled across DCR at a show at the Cherry Bar 10 or so years ago. Since then they have been a must see band and a driving force to where I want to take my music. They are one of my top Australian bands and every show delivers that same punch.
Steve Welsh once again drove the band to success with his powerful vocals. Not many front men can provide the execution and charisma Welsh plants on the stage. Looking behind him and I see the likes of Nick Casalini (Guitar), Sean Blanchard (Guitar), Thomas Murphy (Bass) and Nick Trajovski (Drums) as the assault arsenal and you know they will be taking the battle by storm.
Dead City Ruins are hard working, tour ready and live and breath the music they send out to the masses. They are professionals at their trades and their stage show is as lively and perfectly displayed as DCR‘s ‘s music!
Now for the main act – The 6’3” Legend himself, Sebastian Bach and Band!
Bach took to the stage opening with What Do I Got to Lose off his Child Within a Man (2024) album. Not what I was expecting for an opener but did it get the crowd in the mood or what! His presence came out strong and his vocals came out even stronger. Bach is extremely comfortable on stage and bleeds ‘this is what I love to do‘ all over the stage.
Bringing the opening track to a finish – the band was on fire! The sound was huge and hit you in the chest with every note. Here comes Slave to the Grind a crowd favourite. Second song in and in my head I think to myself ‘This is going to be a killer set‘…
Bach’s crowd work and charisma is amazing, poking fun at the way most touring artists pronounce ‘Melbourne‘ then goes straight into his debut album. 6 tracks, one after the other – just like you have the album on shuffle and every punter is along for the ride! Their hands are up and hair is flying everywhere you look!
What I admire about Bach is the way he respects his fellow musicians and the people he looked up too.
I didn’t think I would be hearing the band play Shock Me, but Sebastian spoke in honour of Ace Frehley and Bach and the band went and did that song justice! He was singing that for Ace and it really shone through.
Man this guy can sing!…. Im just in awe at this point, one of my hero’s is on stage and he is nailing it! Bach went into a mix of Skid Rows Debut album mixed with Child Within a Man after his amazing tribute until kicking into my all time fav’ Skid Row song, Monkey Business.
Money Business has a groove and an infectious riff that complements the rhythm section like not many other songs I know and one of his main stage tricks are back – Bach is swinging his microphone around his head like he’s about to lasso one of the security guards out the front of the building.
Another tribute takes flight, I Don’t Know – A tribute to the Prince of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne, off Ozzy’s 1980 album Blizzard of Ozz. This guy is one of us! The same albums we all were yelled at for playing too loud at 3am by the neighbours growing up! Another banging performance and a seamless entry back into Monkey Business to take out the song…. Now that made heads bang!
I Remember You, a song we have all tried to sing at one point or another in our lives, was just amazing live and Finally the teen delinquent anthem for every generation; Youth Gone Wild – what a way to end the show!
I have not heard a crowd continually sing every single word to a complete set before but as they say, Never say Never!
We want more, WE NEED MORE!
Sebastian Bach and band comes out and hits it home with We Can’t Be Beaten, most fans of his will know his love for Rose Tattoo and what an exceptional way to take out one of the best flowing and fun sets I have seen live in a long time!
Now its time to Get The Fuck Out – The best way to tell the crowd, the party not over but you can’t stay here! What a way to end the show!
Skid Rows debut album is a masterpiece. Raw, Heavy Hitting and the vocals are phenomenal on every listen. Sebastian did not disappoint, in fact this bought the album to a whole new light! You could tell Sebastian felt the moment singing to the sold out Melbourne crowd, I felt it and the rest of the crowd felt it.
Bach’s band was amazing and you could see how proud he was being joined by his son Paris Bierk on Drums. He played an incredible set and kept locked in. Fede Delfino (Bass) has a voice that works so damn well with Bach’s voice, seeing him take the backings and jump in to take the lead on chorus’ and verses where needed was killer. Dude can sing! Brodie “Bruiser” Delrozie was on fire and lit the stage with his stage presence and ability. These guys knew there assignment and they delivered it exceptionally well.
To sum it all up… Sebastian Bach and the Band broke my mind a bit. Delivering an outstanding sold out show at the amazing Forum Theatre in Melbourne! These guys are a must see and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to experience and tell my story about it.
DEAD CITY RUINS – Gallery
SEBASTIAN BACH – Gallery
