Rock Star Versus Fan: What Really Happened After He Said No?

 I was asked by two of the largest media syndicators in the US to write (Not ghostwrite) this article, so don't throw any rocks at me. It's strictly my 57 years as a music & entertainment journalist's opinion. 

This is how I view what happened, in an unbiased and impartial manner, regarding the "Hug" event that took place inside the Copa Room at the Bootlegger Bistro in Las Vegas this past weekend.

1st of all, I was writing national sports news that night at home, so I'm gathering my facts and news from Facebook, the internet, and TV (TMZ), and calling a few friends in the industry about what happened.

There's plenty of media out there about what happened that night, much of the posts, videos, and pics portray the two people involved in a slanted way. Either the rockstar was at fault, or the fan started it all. But what really happened to cause all the stir? 

First of all, 

To me, Sebastian Bach is one of the most famous music-making rockers out there! The times that I've dealt with him, he's been very pleasant to be around. The young lady (Fan), I looked her up on Facebook. I've never met her, so I can't form an opinion about how her temperament may be.

So, let's talk it out like a trained journalist or a police detective would at a crime scene. 

First and foremost. Video/Photos: In Las Vegas venues, especially places like the Copa Room at Bootlegger, fans often record video and take pics.  If a video exists, it could show body language, tone, and what actually happened. To my knowledge, no media actually exists of the start to this story.

Witnesses: Other audience members, staff, or even security might have seen the interaction. If several unrelated people describe it the same way, that adds weight.

For Sebastian Bach: As a performer, his reputation matters. He may want to appear professional, protect himself from situations that could be misinterpreted, or assert boundaries.

What I did see was a picture of the fan taking a video of Sebastian performing onstage, with their other hand doing the Finger thing. Hum? And a handful of videos that showed Sebastian asking for the lady to be 86'ed. But at what time of the night did these two occurrences happen?

For the fan: Fans usually want positive, personal connections with their rock star idols. Sometimes disappointment or embarrassment can shape how they tell the story or even how they may act for the rest of the night.

Someone exaggerating might use dramatic or absolute language (“He always treats fans like this!” or “She was totally out of line!”).

More grounded accounts usually sound specific, calm, and less sensational.

Often, it’s not black-and-white. Sebastian may have felt uncomfortable and declined in a way that seemed harsh, while the fan may have genuinely felt hurt or disrespected. Both experiences can be valid at once.

Rock stars like Sebastian Bach have had incidents in the past with fans being overly aggressive or crossing lines, so he may be cautious.

Fans, especially younger ones, may not understand those boundaries and assume hugs or close contact are always welcome.

Without independent video or multiple neutral witnesses, it’s almost impossible to know what really happened that night. The fairest stance is to recognize that both sides likely experienced the same moment differently, shaped by their expectations and emotions. No one was physically injured that night. I'm sure that both the rock star and the fan learned something from their experience that night. 

{As A Journalist}

I say "Nolo Contendere" between the rock star and the fan!

I really can't say who was at fault that night, or if either of them was in fact at fault?

Both Rock Stars and Fans are people with emotions and feelings about their music. 

Sorry if anyone's feelings got hurt. :-(

I say turn the lights out on this story .. It's been told enough!

GE - Gary England

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