Sebastian Bach @ The EnmoreTheatre, Sydney (20/05/08)

Wed 21st May, 2008 in Gig Reviews

It was the third time in two years that Sebastian Bach played in Australia. This time around he toured on the back of his 2007 release Angel Down, hence the Angel Down Under 2008 tour. As per usual Bach was dynamic as he burst onstage with a song from his solo effort followed by Slave to the Grind.

Bach’s enthusiasm and showmanship prowess earns him the title of Prince of Rock. His youthful good looks and boyish charm defy the man has recently turned 40. A host of golden oldies from Skid Row days were played, such as Big Guns, Here I Am, Piece of Me and 18 and Life interspersed with the solo work Stuck Inside and Bitch Slap.

It was painful to be placed in the seating area behind the dancefloor where movement was limited and the ambience was quite somber. Can you imagine my distress standing in front of a row of geeks, whose only movement throughout the night was a roar when Bach mentioned some Xbox game called Roadrage. Fuck me, is this a metal concert or a sad case convention? I need to be in the dancefloor, sitting on someone’s shoulders and flashing my boobies at Bach.

Bach got the audience involved as he changed the title of American Metalhead to Australian Metalhead, and exclaimed many times over how much he loves Australia and how it’s great to be back. Clearly mastering the art of swinging a microphone, Bach looked dangerous and this wild animal persona was tamed for the beautiful By Your Side. I was surprised at how such a manic jester can show such sensitivity and calm. This stance was extended to I Remember You as lead guitarist Metal Mike Chlasciak bought out the acoustic guitar and allowed us to reminiscence on times gone by.

Unlike the Selinas concert, Bach played Youth Gone Wild, and I did my best head-banging act the seating restrictions allowed. Great show, lots of energy, more Subhuman Race please.