What Is Sebastian Bach’s Net Worth?
Sebastian Bach, the Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor, has accumulated a net worth of $1.5 million. This figure represents the culmination of his earnings from a diverse career spanning music, Broadway, television, and film.
Sebastian Bach’s Early Career and Skid Row Success
Born Sebastian Philip Bierk on April 3, 1968, in Freeport, Bahamas, Sebastian’s journey to rock stardom began in Peterborough, Ontario. At age 8, he started singing in the All Saints’ Anglican Church choir, embarking on tours throughout Ontario and the United States. This early exposure to performance laid the groundwork for his future career. When Bach was 14, he auditioned for the band Kid Wikkid and was hired by the band’s leader, Jason Delorme. Since the band was based in Toronto, Sebastian’s father eventually agreed to let him live with his aunt so he would be able to pursue his dream of becoming a rock star. In the mid-1980s, Skid Row was formed, and in 1987, after Matt Fallon’s departure, Bach was suggested to contact Dave Sabo, Skid Row’s guitarist, by Jon Bon Jovi’s parents, who witnessed Bach’s performance at rock photographer Mark Weiss’s wedding. After trying out in New Jersey, Bach was hired as Skid Row’s new lead vocalist.
His breakthrough came as the lead singer of Skid Row, achieving mainstream success from 1987 to 1996. Skid Row released their self-titled debut album in 1989, and it went 5x Platinum and reached #6 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. Their follow-up, 1991’s “Slave to the Grind,” hit #1 on the “Billboard” 200, and in 1990, they released the video album “Oh Say Can You Scream,” which was certified Platinum. During this period, the band sold millions of albums worldwide, contributing significantly to Bach’s initial wealth. While specific sales figures for each album and tour aren’t publicly available, the band’s platinum certifications indicate substantial revenue. Bach sang Skid Row songs such as “18 and Life,” “Remember You,” “Monkey Business,” “Youth Gone Wild,” “Wasted Time,” “Slave to the Grind,” and “Quicksand Jesus.” These hits not only propelled Skid Row to fame but also established Bach as a prominent figure in the hard rock scene.
The exact financial details of his contracts with Skid Row are not public knowledge. However, lead singers in successful bands typically receive a larger share of royalties and performance fees, reflecting their role in the band’s image and sound. The band’s success translated into substantial touring revenue, with Skid Row performing at large venues and festivals globally. These concerts generated significant income for the band members, including Bach.
Post-Skid Row Career and Diversified Income Streams Contributing to Sebastian Bach’s Net Worth
Since departing from Skid Row in 1996, Bach has pursued a multifaceted career. He formed the band The Last Hard Men with Frogs guitarist Jimmy Flemion, Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, and Breeders lead guitarist Kelley Deal, and in 1998, the band released a self-titled album on Nice Records after Atlantic Records decided not to release it. Sebastian released the live solo album “Bring ‘Em Bach Alive!” in 1999, followed by the studio albums “Angel Down” (2007), “Kicking & Screaming” (2011), and “Give ‘Em Hell” (2014).
Bach ventured into Broadway, making his debut in “Jekyll & Hyde” in April 2000. While the exact salary for his role in “Jekyll & Hyde” is not publicly available, Broadway lead roles can command substantial compensation. He furthered his theatrical experience by playing Riff Raff in “The Rocky Horror Show” in 2001. The compensation for theatrical roles varies based on the production’s success and the performer’s profile. In 2002, Bach took on the role of host for VH1’s “Forever Wild,” marking his entry into television. Hosting gigs provide a steady income stream and can increase a celebrity’s visibility.
Bach’s television career expanded with a recurring role on The WB’s “Gilmore Girls” from 2003 to 2007, where he played Gil. Recurring roles in television series offer consistent work and income, although the specific amount Bach earned per episode is not disclosed. As an actor, he has also appeared in the films “Final Rinse” (1999), “Point Doom” (2000), “Rock of Ages” (2012), “Swearnet: The Movie” (2014), “Deserted” (2016), and “American Satan” (2017) and the TV series “Trailer Park Boys” (2007; 2014), “Adults Only” (2011), and “Californication” (2013). He sang Skid Row songs such as “18 and Life,” “Remember You,” “Monkey Business,” “Youth Gone Wild,” “Wasted Time,” “Slave to the Grind,” and “Quicksand Jesus.” These roles, while varying in size and prominence, contributed to his overall earnings and maintained his presence in the entertainment industry. In 2006, he performed the song “My Michelle” with Guns N’ Roses during several concerts.
Bach also participated in reality shows, co-starring on VH1’s “Supergroup” in 2006 with Ted Nugent, Jason Bonham, Scott Ian, and Evan Seinfeld. Reality television appearances typically involve a contract with a set fee, which can vary depending on the celebrity’s profile and the show’s popularity. From 2008 to 2009, Sebastian competed on the CMT reality series “Gone Country,” winning the competition. Winning such competitions often comes with a cash prize or other benefits that contribute to the contestant’s financial standing. Bach toured with Guns N’ Roses as the opening act for their “Chinese Democracy Tour” from 2009 to 2010. He voiced Prince Triton, the son of King Neptune, in the 2010 “SpongeBob SquarePants” episode “SpongeBob and the Clash of Triton,” and from 2012 to 2013, he toured with the all-star band Big Noize. In 2019, Bach toured for the 30th anniversary of Skid Row’s debut album, playing the album in its entirety on more than 40 dates. Though he invited his former bandmates to “get onstage and jam” during the tour, only drummer Rob Affuso accepted the invitation, responding on Facebook “Sure! I’ll be there dude.”
His solo music career has included the release of several albums, including “Angel Down” in 2007, “Kicking & Screaming” in 2011, and “Give ‘Em Hell” in 2014. Album sales and streaming revenue contribute to his income, though the specific figures for each album are not publicly available. Touring remains a significant source of revenue for Bach. He has consistently toured as a solo artist, performing at various venues and festivals. Concert ticket sales and merchandise revenue contribute to his overall earnings.
Real Estate and Personal Life Impacting Sebastian Bach’s Net Worth
Bach’s personal life has also had financial implications. Sebastian married Maria Aquinar on July 26, 1992, and welcomed son Paris on March 4, 1988, son London on January 17, 1994, and daughter Sebastiana on July 15, 2007. After the couple divorced in 2010, Bach began a relationship with model Minnie Gupta, and they became engaged in 2012 but split up two years later. Sebastian proposed to Suzanne Le two months after they began dating, and they married on August 26, 2015. In July 2017, Bach underwent hernia surgery that was “singing related. He wrote on social media, “After years of doing what I do, rock ‘n’ roll has taken a toll on a part of my body, and tomorrow I am going to get it fixed.” Sebastian later told “Loud” magazine, “I had a hernia from screaming my guts out…I definitely think, well, I know, that’s it’s from screaming on stage for all those years because I have to contort my body into weird positions.” Divorce can significantly impact one’s net worth, often involving the division of assets and ongoing alimony or child support payments.
In 2011, Bach’s home in Lincroft, New Jersey, was condemned due to flooding from Hurricane Irene. He put the home, which was featured on MTV’s “Cribs” in 2000, on the market for $669,000 in 2012, and in 2016, it sold for $272,500, approximately $85,000 less than Sebastian paid for it 25+ years earlier. This real estate loss further affected his net worth. Bach has fired off numerous angry tweets about Donald Trump, such as “Our reality TV show host leader is a petulant little baby who doesn’t believe in science when it’s science and science only that will get us out of this science fiction novel. He is killing us.” In a 2018 interview, he revealed that he had voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, stating, “I don’t understand how anybody would accept a reality show host as president instead of a politician. It’s insanity.”
While information regarding Bach’s specific investments is not publicly available, it is common for celebrities to invest in stocks, bonds, real estate, or other ventures to grow their wealth. However, the success of these investments can vary and impact their overall net worth.
Awards, Nominations, and Public Image Influencing Sebastian Bach’s Net Worth
In 1990, Skid Row won an American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist and earned a nomination for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album for their self-titled debut. Bach and his “American Satan” co-stars were named Best Ensemble Cast at the 2017 Northeast Film Festival, and Sebastian was nominated for Best Guest Appearance (Comedy) for “Adults Only” at the 2013 Indie Series Awards. Awards and nominations can enhance a celebrity’s reputation and potentially increase their earning potential.
Bach’s outspoken views on social and political issues, often expressed through social media, can influence his public image. While some may find his candor appealing, others may disagree with his opinions, potentially affecting his fan base and career opportunities. Bach’s involvement in various controversies throughout his career has also shaped his public perception. While controversy can sometimes generate publicity and increase visibility, it can also damage a celebrity’s reputation and lead to negative financial consequences.