Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach has addressed decades-old romantic entanglements that recently resurfaced following actress Christina Applegate's memoir release. The 57-year-old musician expressed surprise and remorse after Applegate detailed a 1989 love triangle involving herself, Bach, and actor Brad Pitt.
In an interview with Billboard published on Friday, March 13, Bach acknowledged the incident that occurred at the MTV Video Music Awards more than three decades ago. The rocker stated he was caught off guard when Applegate's revelations became public.
"I was very surprised when that all hit," Bach stated. "I was a single guy on tour, in a band, and I met a lot of girls and I apologize if I hurt her ... If I hurt anybody."
The musician reflected on the chaotic nature of his early career, describing the period as a whirlwind experience for a young performer navigating sudden fame. Bach characterized the era as comparable to riding a roller coaster, acknowledging that the rapid ascent to rock stardom presented challenges in maintaining personal relationships.
"When you're young you get thrown into the whirlwind of rock 'n' roll, meeting a lot of people and you better hold on tight," Bach explained. "It was a long time ago. If I hurt anybody, I apologize for it."
The controversy stems from Applegate's memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, released earlier this month. In the book, the 54-year-old Married With Children actress provided detailed accounts of her romantic history, including the notable evening at the 1989 awards ceremony.
According to Applegate's account, she attended the VMAs as a presenter with Pitt as her date. However, the actress became captivated by Bach's stage presence during Skid Row's performance. At the time, Pitt had not yet achieved the Hollywood prominence that would later define his career.
"I had spent all night staring at Bach, who was then a long-haired hunk fronting the band Skid Row," Applegate wrote. "I hate to put it like this, but Brad back then was still making his way as an actor, and he wasn't yet THE Brad Pitt, the man of so many people's dreams."
The actress described feeling empowered by her decision to leave the awards show with Bach rather than her original date. This choice left Pitt to drive Applegate's mother and friend Lori Allison home, a journey that reportedly included a tense confrontation at a gas station.
"I felt so powerful and sure of myself for once that when the awards show was over, I left with Sebastian Bach," Applegate recounted. "Brad was left to sullenly drive my mom and [friend] Lori [Allison] home. Apparently, at a gas station on the way, Brad almost got into a fight with a bunch of gang members, and, not surprisingly, was subsequently very mad at me."
The incident created a rift between Applegate and Pitt that lasted for years. The actress acknowledged in her memoir that the two did not communicate for an extended period following the VMAs incident. She also noted that her connection with Bach never developed into a substantial romance.
Applegate and Pitt eventually reconciled, with the actress taking responsibility for her youthful behavior. In her memoir, she reflected on the maturity required to acknowledge past mistakes and seek forgiveness.
"Eventually, we agreed that I'd been a kid," Applegate wrote of her reconciliation with Pitt, noting that "he'd deserved much better" and "it was time to forgive the child who dumped him for the lead singer of Skid Row."
The revelations provide insight into the personal lives of three prominent entertainment figures during a formative period in their respective careers. Bach's response demonstrates an awareness of how past actions can carry lasting consequences, even decades later.