“Sebastian Bach Accuses Jon Bon Jovi of Cheating Since Skid Row: ‘We Were About to Leave the Band’ – The Relationship Between the Two Finally Came to Reconciliation After Years of Disagreement! So What Really Happened When Skid Row Was at the Top?”
In a candid revelation, Sebastian Bach, the iconic lead singer of Skid Row, has openly discussed his struggles with the band’s early publishing deal with Jon Bon Jovi. The agreement, forged during the band’s formative years, saw the royalties from Skid Row’s music go straight to Bon Jovi and his partner, Richie Sambora, a situation that Bach describes as deeply frustrating, especially given the band’s massive success with their debut album in 1989.
Despite the album going five times platinum and spawning major hits like “18 and Life,” “I Remember You,” and “Youth Gone Wild,” Bach and his bandmates initially felt a sense of resentment toward their meteoric rise, knowing that their hard-earned royalties were being funneled into the pockets of others.
This publishing deal, which was struck as a condition for the band to tour with Bon Jovi in the late 80s, was a bittersweet arrangement. Skid Row, at the time, were unknown and relatively inexperienced, making the chance to perform in arenas—a rare opportunity for new bands—a highly enticing prospect.
However, the price for this chance at stardom was high: they had to give up a significant portion of their earnings. Bach explained that at the time, they had no choice but to sign the deal, despite the unsavory terms, as it seemed like their only chance to break into the industry. But as success grew, so did Bach’s dissatisfaction with the arrangement.
In a particularly telling moment, Bach revealed that he considered leaving Skid Row after realizing the depth of the publishing deal’s unfairness. His decision was driven by a growing resentment over the idea that while Bon Jovi and Sambora reaped the financial rewards, the members of Skid Row were left with only a fraction of what they had earned.
Bach took a stand during this pivotal time, proposing that the band renegotiate the terms of the contract. In a bold move, he demanded a 25% stake in the royalties for each member of the band, a demand that surprisingly met with Jon Bon Jovi’s approval. This renegotiation proved to be a game changer for Skid Row, as they were able to escape the unfavorable deal and move forward with greater financial autonomy.
Sebastian Bach has since reflected on these early tensions with a sense of gratitude, acknowledging the pivotal role that Jon Bon Jovi played in Skid Row’s rise to fame. In hindsight, Bach recognized that their breakthrough would likely not have been possible without Bon Jovi’s support, despite the rocky start.
This mixed sentiment, however, didn’t stop Bach from pursuing his own path in the music industry. He went on to have a successful solo career, releasing new music and collaborating with a range of rock legends. His latest single, “What Do I Got to Lose,” is a testament to his enduring talent, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Myles Kennedy and Michael Elvis Baskette, who also produced the track.
A turning point in Bach’s relationship with Bon Jovi came in 2012 when the two reconciled. After years of tension and unspoken animosity, the two musicians found common ground, and Bach has since described their reunion as amicable. He shared a memorable experience from a dinner with Axl Rose in London, where he unexpectedly bumped into Jon Bon Jovi.
The encounter, which could have been awkward given their past, turned out to be a heartwarming moment, with both musicians sharing a hug and reconnecting. Bach even mentioned that they exchanged phone numbers and texted a few times afterward, solidifying their friendship once more.
While Bach’s relationship with Bon Jovi may have been rocky at times, he acknowledges that Jon’s guidance and the opportunities he provided played a key role in Skid Row’s initial success. Their 1989 debut album and subsequent tours were instrumental in launching the band into stardom.
However, Bach also made it clear that behind the scenes, money was always a major motivator for Bon Jovi. He pointed out that despite Bon Jovi’s outwardly friendly demeanor, the business side of their relationship was far more calculated. Bach’s reflection on this dynamic is a reminder of the harsh realities that many musicians face when navigating the business side of the music industry.
In the grand scheme of things, Bach’s story is one of resilience. He overcame the frustrations of his early career to establish himself as a respected figure in rock music. His solo projects, including his collaboration with other legendary artists, continue to showcase his talent and influence in the industry. The release of “What Do I Got to Lose” is a powerful reminder that Sebastian Bach has much more to offer the music world. Despite the ups and downs, the lessons learned from his time in Skid Row have shaped him into the artist he is today.
Looking back, Bach also reflected on the nature of the music industry and the sacrifices musicians often have to make to find success. In an industry driven by money and business deals, friendship and loyalty can sometimes take a backseat.
As Bach pointed out, it’s a difficult pill to swallow when hard work is not always reflected in financial compensation. However, his journey is a testament to the fact that even in such a cutthroat industry, talent, determination, and perseverance can lead to eventual success.
Through all the struggles and triumphs, Sebastian Bach’s journey is one of self-discovery, growth, and ultimately, reconciliation. Whether it’s mending fences with former bandmates or pushing forward with new music, Bach continues to prove that despite the challenges, there is always more to a musician’s story than meets the eye.