Podcast Summary: Episode 176 - Aerosmith - Rocks with Sebastian Bach

Released January 22, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 176 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers, host Josh Adam Myers delves deep into Aerosmith's seminal 1976 album, Rocks, with none other than Sebastian Bach, the legendary lead singer of Skid Row. This engaging conversation offers fans and music enthusiasts alike an intimate look into the album's creation, its enduring legacy, and Bach's personal experiences intertwined with Aerosmith's iconic journey.

Guest Introduction

Sebastian Bach joins Josh Adam Myers to discuss Rocks, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with Skid Row and his ongoing solo career. Bach's insights are enriched by his firsthand interactions with Aerosmith members, providing a unique perspective on the album's impact and the band's dynamic.

The Legacy of Rocks

Bach begins by reminiscing about the influence of Rocks on his musical development. He shares a poignant memory from 1990 when he lived with Slash of Guns N' Roses, recounting how singing Aerosmith's "Home Tonight" for Slash left a lasting impression on him:

Sebastian Bach [07:18]: "And I put on Aerosmith Rocks and sang 'Home Tonight' for Slash sitting on his couch. He just loved it. That's a very great memory."

This moment underscores the profound effect Rocks had on emerging rock artists of the era.

Aerosmith and Skid Row: A Bond Forged on the Road

The conversation shifts to Bach's experiences touring with Aerosmith in the early '90s. He vividly describes performing "Last Child" with Steven Tyler in his hometown of Toronto, an event that solidified his band's place in the rock pantheon:

Sebastian Bach [19:41]: "We opened up the whole Pump tour, and then they played Toronto. That's where my family's from. And Steven Tyler calls me on the phone. He goes, 'What are you doing?' I go, 'I'm hanging out in Toronto.' He wanted me to come down and warm up with him."

This collaboration not only highlights the mutual respect between the artists but also the tight-knit nature of the rock community during that period.

The Creative Process Behind Rocks

Bach delves into the songwriting and recording process of Rocks, emphasizing the album's raw energy and authentic rock sound. He praises Brad Whitford's contributions, noting his role in crafting some of the album's heaviest riffs:

Sebastian Bach [51:24]: "Brad Whitford wrote 'Kings and Queens' off Draw the Line. He brought some really heavy riffs to Aerosmith for sure."

Bach also discusses the technical aspects, such as the use of the Fender Bass 6 guitar in "Back in the Saddle," which allowed Steven Tyler to achieve his signature high screams.

Impact on the Rock Genre

The discussion naturally segues into the broader influence of Rocks on the rock genre. Bach acknowledges how the album served as a bridge between classic hard rock and the emerging grunge scene, marking a pivotal moment in music history:

Sebastian Bach [75:35]: "When MTV added 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' that was the moment I saw everything changing."

He reflects on the exhaustion that comes with intense touring and the changing musical landscape, illustrating the challenges bands faced during the transition from '80s rock to '90s grunge.

Personal Reflections and Inspirations

Bach opens up about his work ethic and the inspirations that keep him grounded. He attributes much of his drive to his father, an artist who never saw his creative endeavors as work, fostering a deep appreciation for artistic expression in Bach:

Sebastian Bach [38:32]: "My dad is an artist and he painted pictures his whole life. He would whistle while he painted, all out of key, like a messed-up bird or something. He was happy, and if he was whistling and painting, everything was fine."

This upbringing instilled in Bach a dedication to his craft, mirroring the passion and commitment that Aerosmith consistently displayed throughout their career.

Anecdotes and Memorable Moments

Throughout the episode, Bach shares numerous anecdotes that highlight the camaraderie and sometimes the chaos of life on the road. From unexpected collaborations to humorous mishaps, these stories paint a vivid picture of the rock and roll lifestyle:

Sebastian Bach [61:27]: "One time we were doing an in-store signing in London, England, and a guy wanted me to sign his Big Mac. I signed the meat with a silver pen. That's the only Big Mac I've ever signed."

Such tales not only entertain but also underscore the unpredictable nature of performing and touring with legendary bands like Aerosmith.

Final Thoughts and Album Promotion

As the episode wraps up, Bach expresses his unwavering admiration for Rocks and its timeless appeal. He enthusiastically promotes his latest work, inviting listeners to check out his new record and upcoming projects:

Sebastian Bach [93:55]: "If you want to hear the sound of cool, if you want to hear the sound of the late '70s, if you want to hear the sound of a combination of heroin and cocaine and booze... Aerosmith Rocks says it all. It rocks. If you want to rock, listen to Aerosmith Rocks."

Conclusion

Episode 176 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of Aerosmith's Rocks album through the eyes of Sebastian Bach. From personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories to discussions on the album's legacy and influence, this episode is a must-listen for fans of Aerosmith, Skid Row, and rock music history.

Notable Quotes:

• Sebastian Bach [07:18]: "And I put on Aerosmith Rocks and sang 'Home Tonight' for Slash sitting on his couch. He just loved it. That's a very great memory."

• Sebastian Bach [19:41]: "We opened up the whole Pump tour, and then they played Toronto. That's where my family's from. And Steven Tyler calls me on the phone. He goes, 'What are you doing?' I go, 'I'm hanging out in Toronto.' He wanted me to come down and warm up with him."

• Sebastian Bach [51:24]: "Brad Whitford wrote 'Kings and Queens' off Draw the Line. He brought some really heavy riffs to Aerosmith for sure."

• Sebastian Bach [75:35]: "When MTV added 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' that was the moment I saw everything changing."

• Sebastian Bach [38:32]: "My dad is an artist and he painted pictures his whole life. He would whistle while he painted, all out of key, like a messed-up bird or something. He was happy, and if he was whistling and painting, everything was fine."

• Sebastian Bach [93:55]: "If you want to hear the sound of cool, if you want to hear the sound of the late '70s, if you want to hear the sound of a combination of heroin and cocaine and booze... Aerosmith Rocks says it all. It rocks. If you want to rock, listen to Aerosmith Rocks."

Follow Sebastian Bach:

• Instagram: Sebastian Bach
• TikTok: Sebastian Bach
• YouTube: Sebastian Bach Official
• Website: SebastianBach.com

Listen to the Podcast: For more insights and discussions on the greatest albums of all time, subscribe to The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers on your preferred podcast platform or visit the500podcast.com.