Happy Birthday Sebastian Bach!

Happy Birthday Sebastian Bach! Bach was born Sebastian Philip Bierk April 3rd, 1968, in Freeport, Bahamas – he is 55 today. Raised in Peterborough, Ontario Canada, Sebastian was one of eight children. His dad was a well-known painter in his hometown, but it was at home, with his mom and aunt where he learned his passion to sing. He joined the church choir at eight years old, and found much pleasure in singing hymns, especially “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”. It was then, that he knew, he would sing for the rest of his life.

At 14 years old, Bach auditioned for a Peterborough, Ontario based band Kid Wikkid. He was with the band for a couple of years in the early 1980’s. From there, Bach had a brief run with a Detroit-area based band Madam X. Skid Row initially formed in the mid-1980’s with vocalist Matt Fallon at the helm. Fallon left the band in 1987, leaving Skid Row in search for a vocalist. Bach was singing at rock photographer Mark Weiss’s wedding, when he was spotted by none other than Jon Bon Jovi’s parents, who subsequently suggested he get in touch with their son’s friend Dave (Sabo) who was looking for a lead vocalist for his band. After hearing some Skid Row demo tapes, Bach flew to New Jersey to audition and eventually become the band’s new lead vocalist in early 1987.

Skid Row had great commercial success in the late 80’s and early 90’s with the releases of their first two albums ‘Skid Row’ & ‘Slave to the Grind’ selling millions of copies worldwide and eventually going platinum. 1995’s ‘Subhuman Race was also critically acclaimed.

Following disagreements regarding their musical direction moving forward, Bach butted heads with the other band members of Skid Row ultimately leading to his termination from Skid Row. And like most bands who argue with one another, the story all depends on who you ask.

For a short time in 1993, Bach toured with Canadian hard-rockers Triumph after the release of their album ‘Edge of Excess’, assisting them on lead vocals up until the band broke up later that year. In 1996, Bach joined The Last Hard Men, an alt-rock group formed by Breeders lead guitarist Kelley Deal, also featuring Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The band recorded their self-titled debut via Atlantic Records, who then opted not to release it.

Bach released his debut solo album ‘Bring ‘Em Bach Alive!’ in 1999, it was mainly a live album with Back-era Skid Row songs, it also featured 5 new studio recordings including the debut single “Superjerk, Superstar, Supertears”. His sophomore album ‘Angel Down’ didn’t arrive until almost a decade later in 2007. It boasted the rocking cover of Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle” featuring his buddy Axl Rose on guest vocals. Axl joined Bach for a second time on the album on the original tune “Stuck Inside”. Bach released two more solo albums ‘Kicking and Screaming’ in 2011 and ‘Give ‘Em Hell’ in 2014.

In 2000, Bach made his Broadway debut in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ holding down the title roles. He also appeared a Riff Raff in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ in 2001. In 2003, Bach tried out for Velvet Revolver before the band landed on Scott Weiland. Apparently his was turned down because Slash said the band “sounded like Skid Roses”.

Since then, Bach has been featured in close to a dozen movies, dozens of TV shows – including SpongeBob SquarePants and most recently, he appeared as himself on an episode of Hell’s Kitchen just last year.

I would love to see a formal Skid Row reunion, album, and tour, however, considering the current relationship between Bach and current members of Skid Row, it seems highly unlikely. So, for now, let’s all wish Sebastian Bach a very Happy 55th Birthday!