Born Sebastian Bierk and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Sebastian Bach's music career began at the tender age of 14 when he joined a local hard rock band by the name of Kid Wikkid in 1983. However, that band would only last until 1985, and after they split Bierk began singing wherever he could, and in 1987, that took him to rock photographer Mark Weiss's wedding. Also attending the wedding were members of the New Jersey glam metal band Skid Row, whose singer had recently left the band. They were all impressed with the 18 year old up on stage, and shortly after the wedding, they asked Bach to join the band, which he gladly accepted. Skid Row went on to become the last truly enormous glam metal band before grunge arrived and shut it all down, with their self-titled debut album going five times Platinum within months of its release.
Of course, Skid Row wouldn't have been a true glam metal band without inner tension and pettiness, and it all came to a head in 1996, when Bach booked a show for the band opening for KISS. The other band members resented this, claiming that the band were too big to open for anyone, and the resulting arguments lead to Bach leaving the band in the same year. Ever since then, Bach has succeeded in everything he's tried his hand at, from his solo career which began in 1999, a Broadway career which began a year later in the title role of Jekyll And Hyde and a screen acting career that's seen him show up in everything from The Trailer Park Boys to Spongebob Squarepants. He's one of heavy metal's great survivors, and thirty years after his first foray into rock music, he still comes highly recommended.
Rising out of the ashes of Vinnie Vincent Invasion, members Mark Slaughter (lead vocals/rhythm guitar) and Dana Strum (bass) brought in Tim Kelly (lead guitar) and Blas Elias (drums) to form Slaughter in 1988. The band quickly got to work developing their sound, fusing catchy pop melodies with their driving metal in the hope that they could find crossover appeal between rock fans and pop fans alike.
Success was not long awaited for Slaughter, with their debut album becoming a huge breakthrough hit. Bolstered by three hit singles, “Fly to the Angels,” “Up All Night” and “Spend My Life,” the debut recording went on to be certified double-Platinum in the US. Having been requested by Orion Pictures, the band then recorded the single “Shout it Out,” which appeared in the film, “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey,” gaining heavy airplay and finding new fans from this exposure.
Their second effort, “The Wild Life,” appeared in 1992, achieving moderate success through the hit, “Real Love,” becoming certified Gold. Plans to return to the studio for a third album were set back by Kelly’s arrest for drug trafficking, as well as a motorcycle accident that prevented Strum from being gable to play due to his injuries. The album was finally completed in 1994 but by then it was released upon a changing musical market and the band were soon dropped from their label.
Signing to CMC Records, they returned with 1995’s “Fear No Evil,” a commercial failure in the US but the band had found a huge market in Japan. After releasing 1997’s “Revolution,” a more psychedelic affair, the band were struck with tragedy, following the sudden death of guitarist Kelly. Despite being deeply affected by the loss, Slaughter continued, releasing 199’s “Back to Reality,” which found commercial success once again through a number of successful singles.
Whilst not returning to the studio, the band have since toured extensively alongside the likes of Mötley Crüe member Vince Neil, Skid Row, Quiet Riot and Firehouse amongst others, helping to keep the hair metal fandom alive.
I had the pleasure of attending The Sebastian Bach show at the Islington O2 last night. Having been a fan for over 20 years I wasn't sure he could cut it live after all these years. Well I was wrong even though he had done eleven shows in twelve days he was still going strong full of energy and a great show man with witty banter throughout the set that included plenty of Skid Row fan favorites. Sebastians vocals aren't as strong as they were two decades ago but the crowd had no problem helping out at times with a few of the classics. At one point he even joked that Axl Rose was coming out to do a song with him. I had the opportunity of meeting him after the show for an interview before he and the band headed off to Germany. Obviously fatigued he was in good spirits (possibly due to the huge coffee he was making at the time). Telling me in a matter of fact drawl not to believe what you read about him online! Supposedly that he auditioned for 'Dragonforce' no less.Quoting "I mean Who the F**K are Dragonforce anyway!
Slaughter is commonly referred to as a band from the "hair metal era." But their music has stood the test of time and is relevant today. Their sound is a hard rocking sound with a few power ballads.
A Slaughter show is a must see for any rock fan. They give their all when performing and go above and beyond to entertain the fans. They don't just play their instruments, they make you feel the music.
I see Slaughter as much as I can because it is a party atmosphere and a safe way to escape everyday life for a few hours. So if you get a chance to see them, I highly recommend it-You won't regret it!!!