- published: 16 Oct 2012
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Sebastian Bach (born April 3, 1968) is a Canadian heavy metal singer who achieved mainstream success as frontman of Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. Since his departure from Skid Row, he has had many television roles, acted in Broadway plays, and led a successful solo career.
Bach was born Sebastian Philip Bierk on April 3, 1968, in Freeport, Bahamas, and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He attended nearby Lakefield College School in the same class as Michael Kulas, of the British rock group James, a year behind Felipe, Prince of Asturias and a year ahead of the comedian/actor Will Arnett. He is of Norwegian, French Canadian, and Native American descent. Bach's father was the visual artist David Bierk. He is the brother of retired NHL goaltender Zac Bierk, model/actress Heather Dylan Bierk, and Toronto-based artists Jeff, Nick, Alex, and Charles Bierk.
Skid Row initially formed in the late eighties with lead singer Matt Fallon. They began playing at various New Jersey clubs. Fallon would soon leave the band in 1987, leaving Skid Row without a singer. Bach, who had just left his previous band Madam X, was spotted singing at rock photographer Mark Weiss's wedding and the members asked him to join. He turned them down, but changed his mind after hearing the demo tapes of "Youth Gone Wild" and "18 and Life". He sent them a demo of him singing "Saved By Love." They loved it and flew him to New Jersey where they began playing gigs. Sebastian also recorded demos with Bon Jovi & Sabo's friend Jack Ponti. (The song "She's on Top" later came out on Jack Ponti Presents Vol. 1)
Have you ever paid 30 bucks For a ticket where the seating sucks? You left the show with a furrowed brow, Who's the sellout now? I don't want my MTV It's just not the same to me. There's nothing wrong with a video, I don't want to see no dumb game show. So who's the sellout? But what is selling out? Do you know what the band's about? Putting food on the table, More power if you're able, You could be dumb or you could be smart, My definition of a rockstar. Is when the music's in your wallet And no longer in your heart. Now who's the sellout? Well if Sid Vicious was so punk, Then I guess I'll start shooting junk, They were on a major label. Now the band has made some money, You're the one that bought the CD, You told are you friends they were cool, Seems to me that you're the fool. So before you open your mouth, And you say a band has sold out, Do you know what they've been through, Know what they've gone through To play in front of you? Now who's the sellout? Now you're the sellout, So you're a sellout. Please don't get me wrong, I can't sum it up in one song. Open your mind before you open your mouth, Because you might be the one selling out.