Sebastian Bach Announces Slave to the Grind 30th Anniversary Tour Dates
Sebastian Bach’s 2019 celebratory tour of Skid Row’s self-titled album was strange, to say the least. For starters, Bach only had one guitarist, and often covered up their already low mix level with his vocals. A video screen behind the stage cycled through photos of Bach with other notable rock stars, and in between songs he narrated them like a proud uncle flipping through a memory book. When Skid Row’s music videos played on that screen during the performance, the other members of Skid Row were edited out. His between-song banter was awkward and rambling.
That said, I had a lot of fun! I would do it again.
I’ll have the chance this fall when Bach tours the band’s 1991 classic, Slave to the Grind, celebrating its 30th anniversary (he’s been teasing it since at least January, but he’s now finally unveiled dates). Bach and his band will be playing the album start to finish, so if you’re feeling particularly nostalgic about the cult favorite Skids album, this is your chance to revel.
Bach’s statement accompanying the tour announcement is a bit long-winded, but also full of interesting info! Much like the 2019 show itself. Here’s what he has to say:
“30 years ago in the year 1991 we released our second record entitled ‘Slave To The Grind’. This album was a collaborative effort between the band members written in our basements and rehearsal rooms in New Jersey shortly after we got off the road for the first record. We had an incredible time coming up with the songs in New Jersey and then bringing in our producer Michael Wagener to help out before we took the whole band and crew down to Gloria Estefan’s New River studios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We all lived there recording the record and the stories I could tell……!!
“After recording in Florida, we headed to Burbank, California to finish the album and how proud we were of the results. I remember driving down Ventura Boulevard. We had a cassette of the song ‘Monkey Business’ mix that we cranked over and over again in the car at about 4 in the morning heading back to our hotel. The music was crushing when we made it then and 30 years later it still stands the test of time.
“Solidifying the family vibe making this album was the choice to have my father the late David Bierk RIP (1944-2002) create and paint the album cover. Commissioned by Atlantic Records’ Bob Defrin, the cover art is based on the songs themselves and inspired by Caravaggio. The artwork is a story in and of itself. In association with the artist estate, we will incorporate never-before-seen photos during the show detailing the creation of the album cover, which used actual live models playing out the scene in my Dad’s studio back in 1990 – 1991.
“None of us could believe the day ‘Slave To The Grind’ came out and became the first heavy rock album to debut at Number One on the Billboard album chart. The band were naturally ecstatic as were the record company and all involved…. As well as my father and my family.
“I look forward to playing ‘Slave To The Grind’ in its entirety in the USA this fall for the 30th anniversary and for the first time offer a look behind the scenes into the creation of the album cover artwork. Looking forward to seeing you all on the road in 2021 with very special guests from Detroit Michigan, Kaleido! See you at the show!”
Dates:
Sep. 25 – Waterloo, NY – The Vine at Del Lago Casino*
Oct. 01 – Grapevine, TX – Glass Cactus
Oct. 03 – Cedar Park, TX – Haute Spot
Oct. 05 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
Oct. 07 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
Oct. 09 – San Antonio, TX – Tierra Sagrada Rockfest*
Oct. 12 – Hopewell, VA – Beacon
Oct. 13 – Bristol, TN – Paramount Center
Oct. 15 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
Oct. 16 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
Oct. 17 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony
Oct. 19 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
Oct. 20 – Middletown, NY – Orange County Fair Speedway Arena
Oct. 22 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Oct. 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Oct. 25 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
Oct. 26 – Greensburg, PA – Palace Theatre
Oct. 29-Nov. 3 – Miami, FL – Kiss Kruise*
Nov. 06 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
Nov. 07 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
Nov. 09 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Nov. 10 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
Nov. 12 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
Nov. 13 – Cleveland, OH – MGM Northfield
Nov. 14 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
Nov. 17 – Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection
Nov. 18 – Ft. Wayne, IN – The Clyde
Nov. 19 – Detroit, MI – Harpos
Nov. 21 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre
Nov. 27 – Denver, CO – Gothic
Nov. 29 – Billings, MT – Pub Station-Ballroom
Nov. 30 – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
Dec. 02 – Suquamish, WA – Clearwater Casino
Dec. 03 – Portland, OR – Aladdin
Dec. 06 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
Dec. 11 – Blue Lake, CA – Blue Lake Casino
Dec. 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda
Dec. 17 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
* No support
