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Back To Bach - "Sebastian Bach - Live at Tinks Entertainment Complex, Scranton Pa. (12/16/99)"
This was my first time seeing Sebastian Bach in concert and it was also my first visit to Tink's. So, it was something I was looking forward to. It was an experience I'll never forget and, in the end, if anyone ever says to me, "Was it worth it?" My response will be "Hell, yeah!" So, sit back, relax, and I'll tell you all about it.
After a two hour drive, we managed to arrive early. We ended up standing in line for well over an hour in the freezing cold. I figured we'd do the interview before the show. The band was doing a meet and greet somewhere in town and, apparently, they got held up. It was during this time I found out there was an opening band and that Sebastian Bach wouldn't be performing until 11:00 p.m.
At 9:45 p.m., opening band Wayward Soul took the stage. They've got their act nailed to perfection and musically, they're thick with emotion. Wayward Soul isn't the kind of band that simply entertains you, they reach out to you and you feel them, on CD and in person. I hope to see this band again, now that my education is complete because, next time, I will be able to get into them properly. Instead of watching and learning, I'll be able to get the full effect of their music and that, my friends, will be a truly amazing experience. You'll be hearing more about this band in the future, but, for those of you who want more information now, be sure to check out http://www.waywardsoul.com (and let the band know you heard about them through this article).
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. The original "youth gone wild" hit the stage and, without a doubt, floored the entire audience with twenty songs of attitude, aggression and all out rock and roll. You haven't lived until you have heard Sebastian Bach scream. His voice was pushed to the limit and I was suprised that he was still standing at the end of the show. Every ounce of his being was clearly put into each and every song and I don't think he'd be happy if he had to do it any other way. He became one with the audience and, believe me, the crowd loved every minute of it.
For those of you who think this is the Sebastian Bach show, let me tell you, you're dead wrong. Call him a solo artist if you will, but, it was clearly a band onstage that night. Richie Scarlet's playing was magical. A guitar is just an instrument, but, you put it in his hands and it comes alive. From where I was standing, I didn't get to see too much of bassist Larry and guitarist Paul Crook. But, from what I heard, they played an important part in the sound that was blasting out of the speakers. Drummer Mark "BAMBAM" McConnell was a monster. Plain and simple, he beat the hell out of his drums...and, to be honest, I can't see why this guy isn't more well known. He's one of the best drummers I have ever seen in my life.
The band tore through clasic Skid Row songs such as "Slave To The Grind," "Livin' On A Chain Gang," "Here I Am" and the new material, such as "Counterpunch" and Blasphemer" went over really well. Even when the band did slower numbers such as "18 & Life," "I Remember You" (which the audience sang along with, word for word) and "Superstar, Superjerk, Supertears," they came across as powerful songs. They ended the night with "Youth Gone Wild," a song that brought the roof down. As the band left the stage, the audience began to chant for "Get The Fuck Out." But, it wasn't to be, as the band was finished for the night. Since that song was mentioned, I'll let you in on a little secret...from what I heard (from a source close to Sebastian) that's one song that isn't done live.
Sebastian was doing a meet and greet after the show. Even though I had the chance to speak with Sebastian and Richie on the tour bus, I didn't have enough time to get the kind of interview I wanted. But, the conversation did have a few high points, as did my brief talk with bassist Larry inside the club. You can read about that in my third and final write up on our coverage of Sebastian Bach, the original "YOUTH GONE WILD!"