Who goes out on a Monday night in Melbourne? Apparently, every rocker within a 40-kilometre radius. After Thursday’s show sold out in a flash, this second Forum gig was added — and by the time doors opened, it was bursting at capacity. Monday night be damned; this crowd was ready. Inside the Forum, anticipation crackled. When Bach strode out stage, the roar was instant — a wall of sound that felt like a welcome-home greeting. Early in the set he even commented on the proper pronunciation of “Melbourne,” nailing it without the Americanised “Mel-born” drawl. A tiny detail, sure, but one that instantly scored points with the locals.
Bach came out swinging with the attitude of a man half his age, even though he reminded the crowd several times — proudly, playfully — that he is 57. You wouldn’t know it by looking at him, and you certainly wouldn’t know it by hearing him. His voice remains a weapon: sharp, soaring, and savage when he lets loose on those skyscraper-high screams.
Bach opened the night at full speed, kicking off with “What Do I Got to Lose?” before powering through “Slave to the Grind,” “The Threat,” and “Big Guns.” The crowd was loud and fully engaged. “Riot Act” kept the room fired up, and later “Wasted Time” drew one of the strongest reactions of the night. Between songs, Bach was relaxed, talkative and funny. He took a clear swipe at bands who cancel Australian shows because they’re “sick,” which the crowd instantly recognised as a reference to Skid Row. He followed it by launching straight into another song he “wrote himself,” a reminder that he was a major creative force during his time in Skid Row and still stands firmly behind the work he contributed. It also reinforced his point that he shows up ready to deliver.
The set also included newer material, such as “Future Of Youth,” his collaboration with Australian guitarist Orianthi, which drew a strong response from the Melbourne crowd.
Bach was backed by a well-rehearsed, energetic and charismatic band. Brody “Bruiser” DeRozie handled the guitar parts with accuracy and confidence, while Fede Delfino delivered solid bass work and standout backing vocals — strong enough that Bach joked Fede’s voice sounded the closest to his own. On drums, Paris Bach — Sebastian’s son — kept the pace steady and the set moving. As a unit, they were tight, dynamic and visually polished onstage, adding an extra spark to the performance.
Highlights of the night included tributes to Ace Frehley with “Shock Me” (KISS), to Ozzy Osbourne with “I Don’t Know” and to DIO with “Heaven and Hell” (Black Sabbath). The encore featured a powerful take on Rose Tattoo’s “We Can’t Be Beaten,” followed by a final burst of energy with “Get the Fuck Out.”
Sebastian Bach delivered a tight, energetic set that left the Forum crowd fully satisfied and glad they made the effort on a Monday night. More importantly, it showed exactly why this music endures, why it still connects so powerfully, and how a 57-year-old frontman can still command a room with absolute authority.
Don’t miss him on his latest Australian tour. See details here.
