Few frontmen of the "Hair Metal" era had quite the aura of Sebastian Bach. For whilst he had the right stage presence and was also a favourite with the ladies, his true talent lay (and still does) in his amazing vocal range and versatility with the microphone. Indeed since leaving Skid Row he has toured extensively with his solo band as well as adding Broadway shows such as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Jekyll and Hyde" to his resume. Those more familiar with Bach will also know that he is one of the most metal of the rock singers, his rendition of Iron Maiden's "Children of the Damned" (which sadly we didn't hear tonight) up there with the original.

Tonight Bach's metal credentials were proven before he even sang a note. For his backing band these days includes Ralph Santolla and Mark Prator both formerly of Iced Earth on guitar and drums respectively, but more importantly (and excitingly) the mighty Steve DiGiorgio on bass, formerly of Sadus, Death and Testament among others. I have to say it was kind of funny watching the fretless bass master play along to "18 and Life", but what the fuck, hey!

Baz got straight to business with a scorching rendition of "Slave to the Grind". Even the dodgy intermittent microphone couldn't ruin the power and intensity of the opener. "Big Guns" followed, and throughout the evening those in the Mean Fiddler were treated to a Skid Row "best of" of sorts, dotted with Bach solo songs and an impressive punk version of "Time Warp" from the Rocky Horror Show. Baz proved to be an excllent showman, his experience on the Broadway stage only adding to his presence and expression. He did explain that whilst he enjoyed the broadway stuff and especially being Jesus, it all only convinced him that Rock n' Roll is what he loves the most.

Other Skid Row songs given an airing included "Piece of Me" and "Here I Am" off their debut, "Monkey Business", "Sacrifice" and "In A Darkened Room" off Slave to the Grind and "Frozen" off the most excellent but poor selling sUBHUMAN rACE. At times Baz did strain for the really high notes, but in the live arena this is to be expected, and it was not often. As with every gig since the events of 8 December mention was made of Dimebag Darrell, who was a friend of Baz's. A faithful rendition of most of Pantera's "Walk" was performed in his honour, followed by "I Remember You" which was dedicated in his honour.

The show closer tonight predictably was "Youth Gone Wild", but interestingly instead of singing "Park Avenue leads to Skid Row" Baz altered the words to "Park Avenue leads to my asshole". Overall fans of rock did not go away disappointed tonight, and Sebastian Bach proved the magic of his old band still lived on, but more importantly, there is much more exciting magic to come.

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