Sebastian Bach Brings Passion, Dedications, and Classic Rock to The Phoenix in Toronto

Sebastian Bach brought his unstoppable energy to The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto on October 24, with a night dedicated to rock ‘n’ roll and stories that took fans back in time. Touring in support of his latest album, Child Within the Man, Bach filled the night with both heartfelt dedications and his iconic, high-energy style.

Opening the night was Oshawa’s own Lear Haven, with tracks from their self-titled debut album, which launched last month. They set a strong pace with songs like “Atlantis” and “Fighting the War.” Their performance resonated well with the Toronto crowd, warming them up for a powerful night of rock.

Kurt Deimer followed as direct support, marking his Toronto debut with a powerful performance. Known for his heavy-hitting sound and engaging lyrics, Deimer blends classic rock influences with a modern edge, drawing comparisons to legendary artists. His raw stage presence kept the audience locked in, and after his set, he made a memorable impression by connecting with fans at the merch table, signing autographs and taking selfies well into the evening.

Sebastian Bach hit the stage with explosive energy, kicking off his set with “What Do I Got to Lose?” from his new album, instantly captivating the crowd. He brought his signature move early on, swinging the mic above his head, oozing raw rock ‘n’ roll spirit, while fist-pumping and belting out songs with unrelenting passion all night long. From “Slave to the Grind” to “18 and Life,” Bach didn’t hold back, giving his all in each classic Skid Row hit.

As he prepared to play “Youth Gone Wild,” Bach made a special dedication: “I want to dedicate this to everybody that’s been rocking and rolling with this music for 35 years—thank you very much.” This heartfelt shout-out stirred the audience, and fans responded with the glow of phone lights, lifting their hands in a powerful moment of unity.

In a deeply moving segment, Bach paid tribute to friends and musicians who’ve passed, including Rush’s Neil Peart, Eddie Van Halen, and Pantera’s Vinnie & Dimebag Darrell. “I Remember You,” dedicated to “all the people we’ve lost,” created a reflective silence that settled over the crowd, honoring memories of rock icons gone too soon.

The night wasn’t without humor and storytelling, either. Bach introduced his son Paris on drums, joking, “If he does really good, I might raise his allowance.” Later, in classic Sebastian style, he riffed about aging in rock, admitting that, while he’s got the pipes to sing like he did at 19, “the problem is I can’t see the setlist!” He had the crowd laughing as he joked, “I guess my problem is I haven’t smoked enough marijuana,” poking fun at his less-than-perfect eyesight.

Throughout the show, Bach’s love for Toronto was clear. Recalling the city’s rock scene of the ’80s, he talked about playing iconic spots like Gas Works, Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven, and Larry’s Hideaway. The Phoenix, which will close its doors in January, got a special mention from Bach, who fondly remembered it as The Diamond Club. “I’ve been waiting six years to come back to Toronto,” he declared, adding, “You gotta come see a real rock show while they still exist!”

The evening closed with the powerful debut of “Future of Youth” and, of course, “Youth Gone Wild,” where Bach’s enthusiasm was contagious, leading the crowd in one final rock-fueled anthem. By the end, Toronto fans left with a renewed appreciation for the city’s rock roots and the unforgettable presence of a true rock legend.

With The Phoenix Concert Theatre soon to be replaced with condos, this was one of the last chances to see a legendary rock show in this iconic venue, making the night all the more memorable.

Thank you so much, Andrea Faulk from SRO PR for the accreditation.

Sebastian Bach

Kurt Deimer

Lear Haven

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.