Concert Review: Steel Panther — It’s Finger Lickin’ Good, Baby

The crowd in the Egyptian Room was tiny but mighty on Tuesday, December 3rd. The crowd in the Egyptian Room was tiny but mighty on a deeply chilly Tuesday night, but this intimate experience meant everyone was up close and personal to Michael Starr and the rest of Steel Panther, (genital) warts and all.

When I Get Paid I Won’t Be Singin’ the Blues

Stone Horses deliver a raw, high-energy blend of classic and modern rock that commands attention. With gritty vocals, driving guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that packs a punch, their sound feels both nostalgic and fresh; their style is very reminiscent of Led Zepplin, with a sprinkling of Cage the Elephant. Tracks like “Good Ol’ Days” showcase their knack for catchy hooks and infectious energy, while their live performances exude charisma and tight musicianship. Stone Horses are a solid choice for anyone craving unapologetic, riff-heavy rock with a modern edge.

Teddy Merril shredding on lead guitar with vocalist John Allen of Stone Horses

220 Volts of Heavy Metal Power

Steel Panther brought their outrageous, high-energy glam metal extravaganza and it was nothing short of a raucous party from start to finish. With their blend of killer musicianship, over-the-top antics, and hilariously irreverent humor, they are, in my opinion, the Blades of Glory of the glam rock world. 

The night kicked off with the fan-favorite “Eyes of a Panther,” and the energy was through the roof. Clad in tight spandex, bandanas, and an abundance of glitter, Steel Panther wasted no time showing why they’re the reigning kings of parody rock. Lead singer Michael Starr commanded the stage with his powerful vocals and cheeky charisma, while guitarist Satchel shredded solos that would make any hair-metal legend proud. Particularly impressive was his extended solo partway through the show in which he played various riffs of classic rock songs at an increasing speed while simultaneously keeping beat on the kick drum. 

Michael Starr, lead singer for Steel Panther, hamming it up for the camera

Steel Panther’s ability to seamlessly blend top-tier rock music with laugh-out-loud comedy is unmatched. Between songs, the band’s banter had the audience roaring with laughter, with brand new bassist Spyder playing the hilariously washed-up,over-sexed rocker to perfection (complete with throwing out homemade candies into the crowd that he endearingly named “boobie bites”, which were allegedly filled with cocaine) and drummer Stix Zadinia keeping the jokes rolling with sharp timing. Tracks like “Asian Hooker” and “The Shocker” showcased their knack for writing ridiculously catchy (and outrageously NSFW) lyrics that had everyone singing along, regardless of blush-worthy content.

One of the night’s highlights came when the band first brought up a fan named Barbie for Starr’s “Impromptu Song for a Girl”, which then transitioned into inviting more women onstage for their infamous “17 Girls in a Row.” It turned into a chaotic, hilarious dance party as a horde of women joined Steel Panther onstage. The band’s connection with the crowd was electric, proving that their shows are as much about audience participation as they are about rock.

While Steel Panther’s humor takes center stage, their musical chops are no joke. Satchel’s guitar solos were jaw-dropping, with a particularly epic moment during his solo medley that included snippets of classic metal riffs. The band paid homage to their ’80s metal influences with a tongue-in-cheek yet genuinely impressive level of technical skill.

Satchel shredding on lead guitar for Steel Panther

Steel Panther’s concert was an unforgettable blend of face-melting metal and raunchy, raucous comedy. Their unapologetically outrageous style might not be for everyone, but for those who love their rock with a hefty dose of humor, it’s an experience like no other. The band’s energy, talent, and connection with their fans make every show a non-stop party that you won’t want to end.

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