Backspin: Sebastian Bach on 'Slave to the Grind'

The ex-Skid Row frontman talks about getting heavier on their sophomore effort and being the first metal band to debut at No. 1.
Sebastian Bach full interview: yhoo.it/2jSo1I7

[@davidcarter1157]

In a darkened room is my favorite SR song period... that song shows off Baz's vocals

[@BPoweredLove]

Quicksand Jesus

[@juliastraus4273]

In a Darkened Room is a beautiful but sad song (subject)...

[@mrshhh7841]

if there was ever a picture definition of. "Rockstar " in the encyclopedia, Sebastian was it .

[@andrewdods2236]

And AXL ...

[@djentyman4002]

But he’s such an asshole

[@lauri.lyijymaali]

@@djentyman4002 Being an asshole is a part of the business

[@joeylyons4549]

No Axls an asshole

[@dmitryowens]

And Chris Cornell.

[@suzymcalister7930]

Slave is one of the albums that is awesome start to finish. There aren't a ton of albums that can make that claim.

[@JBGoode-zx7pp]

Listened to this album in 2024 and just blown away

[@MrMatthiasSchneider]

Sebastian is a funny dude. And judging by how he laughs at his own jokes, he agrees!

[@Bob_Shy_132]

Yup. Skid row pretty much ruled the early 90's.

[@dagoelius]

Came out at the wrong time. Massively underated album.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

How so? It was a huge hit in 1991 and a number one album. Debuted at number one. It's like some people say underrated for no reason at all.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Some people stick to narrative as if they never saw the facts.

[@allsystemsgo8678]

@@ColtraneTaylor well I think you're talking about two different things. One is popularity and the other is quality. Slave to the grind isn't considered a classic by most people. Skid Row is usually dismissed as a "hair band" (a term I hate).

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@allsystemsgo8678 We're talking about fans of the genre, not the world population. Among hard rock, metal fans Grind is still huge.

[@MichelSilvaPersonal]

That was the album that brought them to Brasil. It's highly considered a masterpiece of production around here, not underated at all

[@metaloutlander]

He may be crazy and all kinds of other things but he is hilarious and a character.

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Great album, very underated. I still get chills when I hear wasted time.

[@jaketinsley1987]

Trulysarcastic44 truly one of the most emotional way a song could and can be sung.

[@atranfanatic]

That is pretty much my favorite song from Skid Row. And it is always a rush to sing it at karaoke. Especially when I am able to hit those high notes. lol

[@andrewdods2236]

And .. I remember you.. a Classic !

[@scottakanumba1heathen379]

Wasn't that song about Steven Adler from GNR?

[@SoulforSale]

Whenever I burn a copy of Slave to the Grind I always drop Wasted Time

[@marcos4311]

Wow He really has a great personality and attitude

[@djentyman4002]

HAHAHA. Have you seen any of his interviews? His ego is huge and he’s literal asshole to everyone. You don’t know anything sir

[@centralia83]

@@djentyman4002 he has his moments where he comes off that way. But he’s a a good dude. We all have our moments, none of us are perfect. He’s very loyal to his friends. And he’s a caring guy, I’ve actually met him and he was cool as hell

[@MrAlienautopsy]

This guy is entertaining as a story teller. I just love how real he is...but that being said..he would get on my last nerve if I had to spend more than 30 minutes with him. One of the greatest voices ever.

[@JenniferLattanzi]

Get his audio book

[@thrasher1889]

My favourite jam from this album is "Get The Fuck Out" Just awesome, and has the most awesome chorus line. "Your standing too close what the fuck's with you, you ain't my old lady and you ain't a tattoo, no need to whimper, no need to shout, this party's over so get the fuck out" BAD-ASS!

[@joeschmoe2659]

thrasher1889 Boss all day

[@kornfreak78]

Bach is the greatest 80's metal singer ever.

[@damienjinxmisa]

Considering his music was in the 90s LOL

[@pennypridie8089]

Slave to the Grind was thier second studio album - released on June 11, 1991... but they were mainstream from 1987-1996. So technically, he was/is an "80's rocker".

[@bluesman7865]

@@pennypridie8089 True. Started in the late 80s during the Hair Metal Era. Their Debut Came out in 89 while They were Support Act for Bon Jovi and Motley Crue

[@80srockerable]

@@damienjinxmisa I associate with '89 when became radio played.

[@homelessjesse9453]

Bruce Dickinson would like a word with you.

[@joeschmoe2659]

Bach is beast now, then and reigns supreme. Period.

[@patrickmichaellangan576]

The Slave to the Grind album cover that Sebastian’s father (Rip) did is Skid Row’s best cover!

[@heathergray5130]

Loved this album! From crushing rock then to Darkened Room & Quicksand Jesus🤘🏻❤️🤘🏻❤️

[@Cromicus99]

Saw this guy in a tiny bar in my hometown years after the breakup and to his credit he performed like he was in front of 50k people. Much love Sebastian.

[@blnunya6689]

Just saw him the other night in Plainfield Indiana....killed it.

[@mariabronn6628]

So honest and clear-sighted. A great guy and a rock n' roll legend, one of the best vocalists of all times plus a sense of humour. Keep rocking Baz!

[@fuzzo73]

I remember picking this up on release day. Never anticipated a follow-up album so much and man did it deliver. And seeing them with Pantera opening was, and is, one of the best shows I ever saw.

[@LouisWeiler]

Was hooked on Skids self titled album, yet said "Slave to the Grind" they grew balls with it even more so.

[@samuelelrod8472]

I did my part on Slave to the Grind debuting at #1. I bought it the day it came out!

[@DrozChann3L]

skid row is bach! reunion is what everybody wants

[@megeantivalo]

He didn´t write the songs though. But yeah he was the face of the band.

[@martinkuliza]

@@megeantivalo With the exception of... Makin' a Mess

[@athenyo2267]

Unfortunately Rachel and Sabo are still holding grudges to this day

[@shellybean9]

That ship has long sailed and sunk and has been rusting at the bottom of the ocean for 27 years.

[@michelleconcannon7584]

@@megeantivalo Yeah but stories here like recording Wasted Time blowing his voice out, he deserved just as much credits for the contribution. It's a shame.

[@luckywize5270]

good to see you well so it's from bach father painting, what a great story Slave To The Grind is one of the best rock album of all time

[@andrewdods2236]

Agreed x 2 :-)

[@DiabloSpiritus]

Sebastian DID blow his voice, man. That guy abused the shit out his vocals. Too much energy, he gave you his all.

[@lucillechilds3761]

HE BLEW OUT HIS VOICE ON WASTED TIME.

[@BPoweredLove]

And drinking and smoking..

[@ridehead8771]

@@BPoweredLove Bach never smoked cigarettes but if you meant a joint then yes lol

[@wndowpayne]

Bought this cassette and played first track back to back right off the bat..then listened to the rest..road trip to Greensboro for GNR/Skid show...still one of best shows Ive ever seen..just before illusion lps were released..

[@thefatman4444]

I frickin love baz and his old school shit..he's a real dude..

[@ozzieluvaya2202]

I wish skid row and him would get back together and tour

[@robertlarson7538]

Happy 49th Birthday, Sebastian! April 3rd 1968! Still Rockin'!!!!!

[@brianphillips9152]

He just seems like a cool fucking guy.

[@Consolous]

He's such a great story teller! So many good songs, too bad he didn't mention them all, like Quicksand Jesus, In A Darkened Room, and The Threat (this last one to me was the Youth Gone Wild of this record)

[@peoplevsradio317]

at first I wanted to make fun...but he seems really grounded & pretty fuckin cool

[@asburyarts403]

Gives Appetite for Destruction a serious run for its money.

[@johnnyafrica631]

man, i don't know about that....

[@megeantivalo]

No way :)

[@anthonyfrombelow]

Absolutely agree, both albums are solid all the way through. Honestly, I'd say Slave is slightly better, and without a doubt.... heavier.

[@jeffreywarme8594]

I wish Gun N Roses had Sebastian as their singer just because Axl is such an AX-hole.

[@megeantivalo]

Jeffrey Warme Axl is an a-hole? I saw Gnr play live 2017 and 2018 ans Axl was very polite and well mannered. Bas on the other hand is hated by his former bandmates.

[@melcatley3437]

Wow so much respect for them sending that woman home.

[@jeffreywarme8594]

The perfect SKID ROW album! So under rated and what great intense rebellion! I saw them at the Forum open for Aerosmith and later Guns n Roses. Then saw them at the Palladium in Hollywood. Then at Irvine opening for Van Halen. Then Sebastian solo opening for the G n R (Axl only version). Each time they brought the metal energy!

[@robguffanti]

"HELLO KAHLEEFORNIA!!! YOU ARE CRAZY!!! WE ARE SCORPIONS!!! ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICAAAAAIIIIINNNNEEEE!!!" "Sebastian, come on..."

[@tuffteddy1446]

The Swayze Express!!

[@frisbeeshawn5356]

The Threat also kills it ! Along with rest of the entire album !!

[@jamiebeisell8173]

That was the shit!!!! It was very cool to meet you in '98 1st Ave. in MPLS..

[@erlonger]

Slave to the Grind is a hard rock masterpiece!

[@ragnarlothbrok6945]

LOL Baz Love you! I collapsed from laughing 4:50-4:55!! I so would love to meetyou Baz, youre such a real Guy! Means a lot these Days! God bless you! And keep beeing real and rock on!

[@todds79jag]

Yes that was definitely a laugh out loud moment !! 🤙🏽

[@sudisarkaya7501]

The sound on that album is still relevant... Hits like a hammer...

[@badsanta7630]

Slave to the grind pure awesomeness best vocal work ever

[@NikateeN]

I always thought their debut album was their best work, but I had never really given Slave to the Grind a really thoughrough visit. Once I sat down and listened to it from front to back I realized that it’s pretty much a perfect album.

[@joonaslehtonen5372]

I watch this, holding my Slave to the grind vinyl at my hand and beer in the other, and i have to say: despite it being 2x platinum and 1st charting record, it still is criminally underrated. Criminally. You can put it against any of that eras greatest rock albums and it wont pale in comparison. Far better than theyre debut album, which is also a great commercial hard rock album, a very, very good record. But i prefer STTG.

[@mgansworth78]

This album is excellent. Always felt like it never got got credit it deserved

[@kkdeveauxgue5492]

When Slave came out it was the perfect tenor for my voice then he did Quicksand Jesus it took me a month to master that song the rest was a piece of cake he makes his voice soar to heaven on that song Sab gave it all he had and it worked,I didn't like Slave to the grind the song but I loved the rest of the Album,I could really relate to that album plus they had two switch out songs on that cd because of sensorship The PMRC was on everything that had a cuss word it.well I had to by both albums,I was lucky to catch the second for 49¢ at the hills shopping store or a pharmacy I forget I was living with my Girlfriend,ughe.Bitch Bitch Bitch,turn it down it's too loud I don't like it,play something else..yeah I slept on the floor when I had that cd,and it was worth it...

[@todds79jag]

Very talented interesting funny character ... glad he rested his vocals ....wasted time is epic

[@Doin]

When I first saw the video for Slave To The Grind in 91 I saw long hair and heard a really heavy fast riff. I actually thought it was Kreator till the name came on the screen. Brilliant album and sounded great live.

[@ajlsrv5490]

Absolutely monstrous album.

[@jasonsmith9588]

This came up in suggestions after I nailed a load of Crue videos (I was supposed to be working). I saw Skid Row on the Crue Dr Feelgood Tour and although wasn't a huge fan at the time, I have grown to like them. Bach comes across surprisingly well.

[@pudangizmo679]

The most awesome voice in Heavy Metal. Anyone remember when Bach was pretty?

[@lucillechilds3761]

It is funny whenever I hear Sebastian voice it bring me back to 91 and all I see is a 23-year-old Sebastian and he was always gorgeous still is to me.

[@susiegomez4102]

He was gorgeous and talented He had it all. I really enjoy watching his videos/interviews because he is so much fun and seems to be a down to earth guy. I love how he talks about the past and all the fun he had doing what he loved.

[@A-Man79]

Slave to the Grind was the last great pre-grunge rock album.

[@bigthereal]

this guy is epic just as his music...

[@PaulB-ly7nl]

Saw them with Pantera in New Haven CT (or Worcester I can't remember). What a show and what a lineup.

[@aprylcorbett1605]

Sebastian Bach is simply AMAZING

[@whysosensitive5855]

That is a kickass song 👊

[@Drewcifer1972]

So happy he struggles with I remember you. That shit is mad hard. On my best days I can't hit his highs consistently but once in a while...I do, and it feels fucking awesome.

[@carlosmaldonado5411]

Sebastian Bach is a living legend!!!!! I would love to smoke a fat JOINT with him one day! I LOVE you sir!

[@Alfredo78666]

Fucking Best fucking Hard Rock fucking album fucking ever! Title track is pure thrashing madness!

[@davidcarter1157]

him in a straight jacket ..... that would be pretty accurate I love Baz BUT he does have a malfunction somewhere

[@peartfaldo]

needs to be reissued on vinyl;-)

[@martinmayfield1932]

I absolutely loved Monkey Bussiness opening up the album Slave to the Grind. Still get pumped on that song to this day!!

[@kyrsid]

Hands down your best album, I listen to it to this day.

[@badtexasbill5261]

Bach- this dude has my respect.

[@jor-el1298]

Woke up to the sound... :))) Hilarious, I love the guy!

[@Sunshinegirl0105]

I love Sebastian Bach! The authenticity of this man is just wow. He's just a happy and a positive person. Love it!💕

[@muriloninja]

Excellent album and it crushes to this day!!!

[@Largent13]

Quicksand Jesus is my all time favorite song...ever!!!

[@rexseven6907]

What a great album. Hard, hard, hard. The lead in for The Threat is bass heaven.

[@chasing_dragons]

Anybody see Skid Row with Guns N' Roses in summer of 1991? My God were they good.

[@unclejoshtruescarystories]

F'ing love this track. The problem is, this album was too little too late to reel in a real metal audience. Metalheads might have been swayed to like this record, but all the other stuff was still too hair for serious headbangers to get into it. And then came grunge and, as I said, it was too late. It's hard to go from "I Remember You" to STTG - two very different genres. Nothing on Skid Row or the rest of this album sounds anything like this killer track.

[@michaelad48]

LOOOOOOOOOVE Sebastian Bach and Skid Row

[@traceyrychewhite1874]

Definitely one of my all time favorites!

[@ravenwulfgar]

STTG is STILL one of my favorite metal albums...ever. The Threat was my absolute favorite song I mean... So you think you cut me down to size? Well there's something you should realize It's gonna take more than a break in the law To make me smile pretty for the wrecking ball... That verse, no matter which stage of delivery in the song's progression it's in is just damn power in word form. It's like spitting in authority's face and then giving it a middle finger after it's kicked you square in the nads. Hell yeah. Gimme ten refills of that.

[@lucillechilds3761]

I love Slave to the Grind but my new favorite is Give 'em Hell..fantastic album.

[@jaimenoel9373]

Slave to the Grind has to be the best album that skid row has ever done my opinion vocally drums bass guitars there will never be another one like it again

[@DiabloSpiritus]

I love Sebastian.

[@MyName-cj4em]

I always thought Axl and Sebastian were enemies because they looked and sounded so similar.. Who Knew They Were Good Friends

[@Kents1969]

The live rehersal video for that album is really cool.

[@igonzalez0]

Skid Row !! My favorite 80's 90's band!!! ... wasted time is a great song!!!

[@jameswells755]

Slave to the grind is really the only album you can put up against appetite for destruction.both albus was was hardcore in your face hard rock.i remembered when slave came out I thought it came out at a wrong time when Metallica dropped the black album and that dominated everything currently going.

[@hughjasse4047]

Wait a minute...so there's a demo of Slave to the Grind floating around that's BETTER than the version on the album?

[@galus14436]

Hugh Jass they actually used it on the record, that's the point

[@gregprovenzano7907]

Actually it was Van Halen that came in at #1 the following week; not NWA. Surprised he got that wrong.

[@loganross4774]

One of the best albums ever!

[@steveponch]

PERFECT album.

[@konsciousness2475]

cheers.....& thanx................

[@okieboy8895]

In a darkened room is the best ever love yur stuff

[@tolerbearALTII]

Slave To the Grind was my first actual CD I bought. I bought it when it it first came out. To this day it's one of my favorite CDs. There's not a song on that album that I don't love. Both versions!

[@hellgato777]

It's true, Monkey Business is a monster track. One of my all time favorites.

[@electriccreamman4977]

People need to realize they got heavier on this masterpiece, 15 when it came out!

[@jaketinsley1987]

Electric Cream Man needs to be remastered though.

[@bluesman7865]

It Definitely Was heavier

[@SuperYockster]

I like this guy

[@Mustikkainen-yk9qn]

Awesome album 🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@pkj77]

the humor Bach has is amazing

[@technewsfortechnoobs]

I remember Pantera opening for Skid Row in Dallas in 1992.....Pantera should have been the headliner at that point, especially in Dallas. Skid Row headlining off only 2 albums at the time was rather unheard of, and I think the wrong choice. Metallica wanted them to open for them on the GnR/Metallica summer tour, but Bas said no. Big mistake in my mind.

[@maiteignacia29]

Te amo mi vidaaaa !!! , me enamoraste a los 18 años , bombom 🥰😍🤩😘🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤💋💋💋💋❤❤❤💖💗💗🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@baldheadkid]

5:52 Can someone figure out what Bas was really trying to say here?? "Slave was the first metal album ever to debut at #1 since Michael Jackson's Bad" 😕🤔

[@davidstewart4310]

I'm guessing he meant there was no heavy metal albums to debut at number 1 before MJ Bad?

[@devinspruill]

MB great tune! Affliction T?! What year is this?!

[@woodie6315]

4:48 WTF HOW HIS VOICE CHANGE LIKE THAT 😂😂😂

[@jklynb]

He doesn’t look too bad here yet. I can’t believe this is the same gorgeous dude from Skid Row. Lol , we all get old for sure but at least most of us aren’t in the world’s view.

[@Лариса-м9ы7х]

Please throw off the link in the video, where Sebastian takes the role of Christ in rock opera, please.

[@thefatman4444]

sab fucking crushes it dude..this guy kills

[@TMoody]

STTG is an absolute masterpiece.