Sebastian Bach Bombards Théâtre Beanfield with Openers The Bites [Photos]

If you grew up during the 1980s rock music boom, then you know that there were a few very distinguished voices among the many bands that rocked the world during that decade. Near the top of that list would have to be the man who sold out the Théâtre Beanfield in Montreal this past Friday night, Sebastian Bach. Back then, he was the frontman for one of the hottest bands of the era, Skid Row. I first learned of them from watching Video Hits on CBC (hello, Samantha Taylor, wherever you are!).  The band’s singles “18 & Life,” “I Remember You,” and “Youth Gone Wild” were staples of the time.

Their second release, Slave To The Grind, featured a heavier sound. It was one of the handful of cassettes that I killed from overplaying. Sadly, things took a turn shortly after that and Bach & Band split up. Skid Row still performs to this day. But from here out, we will focus on our Friday night headliner, Sebastian Bach.

The 1980s were a special time for rock music. Hearing Bach perform the hit songs from that era once more after so many years was a treat. His most recent album, Child Within The Man, was released earlier this month. The show opened with the first single from the album, “What Have I Got To Lose.”

We then detoured into the past as a barrage of Skid Row hits brought the crowd to their feet. It’s rather appropriate that Bach’s current album is titled Child Within The Man. It was very evident as the night wore on that there were a lot of inner children being released from their adult shells. That goes for the singer on stage as well. Bach was beaming through the entire set. For those wondering, he sounded great, stating he has more problems seeing the setlist than singing the songs.

It’s often said in show reviews that the concert had it all. Sebastian Bach took that phrase to a different level. Not only did he and his band rock the building to its foundations, but after mentioning that his drummer for the evening had also drummed for Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, he crooned an excellent rendition of their hit “December 1963 (Oh What A Night).” There was also a book signing on the night as one fan brought Bach’s autobiography into the show with her. She managed to get close enough to the stage to be noticed. Fortunately, she ended up going home with a cherished memento and surely an unforgettable memory.

The concert opened with a high-energy set from Los Angeles rockers The Bites. They proclaim that sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll are their languages and that they probably speak those better than they do English. Their brand of rock n’ roll fit in perfectly for the evening, and they set the mood perfectly for the excellent time to come. The spirit of the 1980s certainly lives on with them. Hopefully, they will continue to grow and make their way back here one day, as they were an absolute joy to experience.

This show was the absolute definition of fun. I don’t usually stick around to see complete shows of bands I’m shooting. But hearing these songs was such a great blast from the past that I couldn’t tear myself away from the building. Sebastian Bach will be touring through June. Get a ticket to the show and let the child within you out for an evening of fun.

Sebastian Bach (w/ The Bites) @ Théâtre Beanfield (Montreal, QC) on May 24, 2024

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