Steel Panther Celebrates 15 Years of Feel the Steel
What does a band do when the critics say their debut album is “an exercise in taking a joke way too far”? Go on tour celebrating the 15th anniversary of that album, of course. Feel the Steel was released in June of 2009, and has divided people since. Some people laugh at the joke, some don’t find it funny, while others believe the whole shtick is real (those people burned what was left of their brain cells at a Mötley Crüe show in 1989).
Steel Panther has had a healthy touring schedule over the past 15 years, including stints opening for Judas Priest, and a questionable appearance on America’s Got Talent. During this time, they’ve certainly shown no signs of slowing down (they’ve appeared on this site at least 8 times), and the rooms are still packed.
Always a raucous party, lead by a “skinny Vince Neil”, as Satchel refers to front-man Michael Starr. Pretty boy, Lexxi Fox (the extra ‘x’ stands for sex) who seems to still be in sex rehab, was replaced by Spyder in 2019, and brings his own energy to the group; of course, things are rounded out by Satchel on guitar, and Stix Zadinia on drums. The quartet always deliver a powerhouse performance, and constantly push the boundaries of good taste.
With a setlist filled with songs about sex, drugs, and STDs, it’s probably best to leave mom and the kids home for this one. Though the lyrics are bawdy, the musicianship and skill of the boys is clear to see. Everything is on full display on stage (at least as much as decency laws allow). It’s a party that starts late, and still ends at a reasonable hour so you can still make it in to work in the morning, maybe a little hungover.
For those who miss the drug fueled spectacle of 80s glam rock, or those who never lived through that era, a trip to a Steel Panther show will be the closest we can get anymore. Of course, the drug of choice these days will be an artisanal edible, from a dispensary a block away from the theater in a heavily gentrified entertainment district. Just don’t expect a song about gummies anytime soon.
