Last night, the iconic Forum Theatre in Melbourne was fully alive with the electrifying sounds of a hard rock legend, as Sebastian Bach took the stage, delivering a nostalgic and powerful performance that will surely be remembered by the packed-out crowd that was there to witness it. Celebrating the 34th anniversary of Skid Row’s iconic album “Slave to the Grind,” 57 year old Bach led the audience on a thrilling journey through the hard-hitting tracks of his past, leaving no one in doubt of his exceptional vocal prowess.
The night kicked off with an exhilarating set from the Melbourne-based hard rock outfit, Dead City Ruins. Their gritty sound and energetic performance set the perfect tone for the evening. Thunderous guitar riffs and driving rhythms immediately engaged the crowd. Vocalist, Steve Welsh, commanded attention with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, ensuring the audience was warmed up and ready for the main event. Lead axe-man, Nick Casalini, proved he can match with the biggest rock stars the stage has to offer. The band was tight and clearly in top gear from the get-go.
As the lights dimmed, anticipation hung heavy in the air. When Sebastian Bach finally graced the stage, greeted with roaring applause from a sea of avid fans. Clad in his signature rock attire, Bach wasted no time launching into the more recent “What Do I Got To Lose?” before cracking into “Slave To The Grind” and “The Threat”. Baz’s voice echoed through the historic venue, capturing the essence of the album in all its glory. The setlist was interspersed with a selection of classics from Skid Row’s debut album, notable Skid Row classic from the iconic opening track to the unforgettable “Monkey Business” and soulful “Wasted Time,” Bach performed every song with the same intensity and passion that made the original album a classic. With his energetic stage presence and undeniable charisma, he engaged with the audience, sharing anecdotes and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support over the years.
The response from the 2000-strong, sold-out crowd seemed to genuinely both surprise and
humble Bach. The popularity of Skid Row’s music has never wavered within the hard rock
community. Many punters present tonight were also there for the band’s first Aussie tour back in 1990, as well as in attendance at the legendary 1993 Gunners show at Calder Park, an event that still clearly holds a place within Sebastian’s heart and mind to this day. But, a new generation of fans was also there in force tonight… and they were LOUD!
A few songs in and the band paid its respects to the fallen Rock Soldier, Ace Frehley, with a blistering version of “Shock Me” that would have made the Space Ace proud! The only criticism was the faux pas made by Sebastian, proudly paying tribute to KISS by holding a banner featuring the last incarnation of KISS, sans Frehley. Tribute’s also flowed for the late great Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio, with the band covering “I Don’t Know” and “Heaven And Hell” to the delight of fans.
Bach‘s band provided a stellar backdrop, with tight musicianship and impressive showmanship that matched and complemented his soaring vocals. Consisting of his son Paris Bach on drums, Fede Delfino on bass and guitarist Brody ‘Bruiser’ DeRozie, the interplay between Bach and his young(er) cohorts was entertaining, if not for the occasional ‘dad joke’ thrown in by the frontman.
As the night came to a close, Bach left the audience wanting more with a rousing encore,
including Rose Tattoo classic “We Can’t Be Beaten” and “Get The Fuck Out”. It was a triumphant conclusion to an evening filled with emotion, nostalgia, and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. There’s no doubt this 57 years of age defying what would be expected of any other rocker from his generation. Overall, last night’s concert at the Forum Theatre was a testament to Sebastian Bach’s enduring talent and the timeless appeal of Skid Row‘s “Slave to the Grind album”. With Dead City Ruins kicking off the night and Bach delivering an unforgettable performance, it was a celebration of rock history that fans will surely cherish for years to come. If there’s one thing to take away from this concert, it’s that some legends never fade—they only burn brighter with time. Say what you will about the current situation between Skid Row and its former frontman. But if those two worlds were to collide once again, the stage would be set alight and venues would be packed to the rafters, I have no doubt. Never say never!
