Sebastian Bach Admits He Can’t Headbang Like He Used To

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach revealed the physical toll of his high-energy performances during a recent appearance on the “Come On Over” podcast. The 56-year-old rocker admitted he can no longer sustain the intense headbanging that once defined his stage presence.

“I’ve gotta dial it back physically, to be honest with you,” Bach said, as transcribed by Blabbermouth.net. “That headbanging bullshit, I cannot do that anymore.” He described an internal battle between his adrenaline-fueled stage persona and his body’s limitations, saying, “When I’m onstage, I don’t feel any pain… but when I get off stage, my shoulder goes, ‘Hey, man, fuck you.'”

Bach’s comments come after a series of shows in South America last year left him “paralyzed” for days. “I spent five days taking Swedish massage, doing yin yoga stretching because my neck and my back are telling me, ‘Dude, that shit is fucking over now,'” he told SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” in May 2024.

The singer joins a growing list of rock veterans who have scaled back their physical performances due to injuries. Slayer‘s Tom Araya underwent spinal surgery after decades of headbanging, while Pantera‘s Phil Anselmo has dealt with chronic back and neck issues. Bach acknowledged these precedents, saying, “Tom Araya had to stop doing it. Phil Anselmo had to stop doing it.”

Bach first expressed concerns about the long-term effects of his stage antics in a 2013 interview with Blinded By Sound. “When you’re banging your head as hard as you can, I kind of wonder what’s happening to my brain as it’s bashing into the wall of my skull,” he said at the time.

Despite these physical challenges, Bach continues to tour and record new music. His latest solo album, “Child Within The Man,” was released in May 2024 and features collaborations with notable musicians including John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi. The album, recorded in Orlando, Florida, showcases Bach’s enduring vocal prowess and songwriting skills.

As Bach adjusts his performance style, he remains committed to delivering energetic shows. “It’s more impressive to me, artistically, to be more accurate and good than be a cheerleader,” he said, reflecting on his evolving approach to live performances.