The Exchange Event Centre was electric on Friday, October 18, 2024, as fans packed the venue for Sebastian Bach’s Child Within The Man Canadian tour, and first in six years, was an evening celebrating rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal in its rawest form. With support from Kurt Deimer and the local act The Bloodshots, the night was filled with nostalgia, unbridled energy, and unapologetic rock tunes.
Winnipeg’s own The Bloodshots kicked off the night, delivering a punchy, high-energy set that got the crowd moving early. Known for their hard-hitting sound that blends punk, grunge, and classic rock, they wasted no time in lighting up the room with blistering riffs and gritty vocals. Their local fan base came out strong, but even those unfamiliar with the band couldn’t help but get drawn into their infectious energy. It was a perfect warm-up, and they showed once again why they’ve become such a staple in Winnipeg’s rock scene.
Kurt Deimer. All photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.
Next up was Kurt Deimer, bringing his unique fusion of rock and spoken-word storytelling to the stage. Deimer’s vocal delivery, which blends gravelly intonations with powerful rock melodies, felt refreshing amidst the more traditional rock elements of the night. His band supported him with tight musicianship, seamlessly moving between straight-up rock and more experimental moments. Songs like “Hero” and “Burn Together” particularly stood out, with Deimer’s charismatic stage presence engaging the crowd and preparing them for the headliner.
When Sebastian Bach stormed the stage, the energy in the room shifted into overdrive. With a setlist packed full of Skid Row classics and solo material, Bach made it clear that he’s still a powerhouse vocalist and frontman. Opening with “What Do I Got to Lose?,” a fiery track from his solo catalogue, Bach immediately set the tone for a night of rock anthems. He quickly transitioned into a string of Skid Row hits, launching into “Slave to the Grind” and “Here I Am,” which had the crowd singing along word-for-word.
Bach’s signature charisma was on full display, interacting with the crowd between songs, recounting stories from his storied career, and even acknowledging his deep connection to his home country Canadian audiences. His voice, though weathered like anyone after years and years on the road, still soared on power ballads like “18 and Life” and “I Remember You,” which elicited emotional responses from longtime fans.
Sebastian Bach. All photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.
In addition to Skid Row staples, Bach performed solo tracks such as “Everybody Bleeds” and “Freedom,” which held their own next to the classics. The blend of old and new kept the set feeling fresh, with Bach clearly relishing his role as both a rock veteran and ongoing solo artist.
One of the night’s highlights came during another Skid Row classic, “Monkey Business,” when Bach cleverly incorporated Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” into the mix, paying tribute to Canadian progressive rock royalty. This unexpected twist was met with massive cheers from the audience, who fully embraced the homage. Especially after acknowledging he's, "doing something right as a parent if my kid can play Rush on drums," before introducing his son Paris is behind the kit.
Bach closed the show with a triple punch. First with the triumphant solo anthem, “(Hold On) To the Dream,” followed by the two last Skid Row classics of the set, “Rattlesnake Shake” and “Youth Gone Wild.” By the time the last chords of “Youth Gone Wild” rang out, the crowd was on their feet, chanting and basking in the nostalgia of one of rock’s greats.
Sebastian Bach’s Child Within The Man tour stop in Winnipeg was everything a rock fan could hope for—a night filled with timeless classics, fresh material, and the kind of energy that makes live music so powerful. Bach’s voice, charisma, and love for performing are as strong as ever, and with solid support from Kurt Deimer and The Bloodshots, the concert was a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form. For fans of Skid Row and classic rock, it was a night that won’t soon be forgotten.