Steel Panther // Winger // Live Review // The O2 Academy // Bristol

It’s the end of the week and a rather warm one too.  The sun is still shining as it lights up the two mega-long queues outside of the infamous O2 Academy in Bristol, on this warm and sunny Sunday evening.

So, who’s pulled in such a large crowd on a Sunday night, you ask?  Well, on tonight’s menu, we have none other than the legendary American rock band, Winger; and that’s just for starters.  This will be followed by a big portion of Spandex and big hair, topped with sprinkles of glitter; namely, Steel Panther, who are on their latest ‘On The Prowl’ Tour – and don’t we know it!

At 7 pm on the dot, the crowd are filtered into the venue after passing the usual security checks. There’s a little bit of a difference in tonight’s punters though; especially of the male species.  Whilst many would normally be sporting the latest tour t-shirt, there are a whole lot of big wigs being worn and some rather fetching trousers that leave little to the imagination.  But it’s all in the best possible taste of course.

The venue slowly fills up once fans grab their merch and hit the bar; it’s going to be a hot one tonight, that’s for sure. As 8 pm approaches, Winger makes their way onto the stage. The crowd are already lively and itching to party hard, whilst security stack up cups of water behind the barriers ready for the carnage.

Heading to centre stage is bass guitarist and vocalist Kip Winger, who’s joined by the band’s original line-up, with Reb Beach on guitar (also from Whitesnake),  Rod Morganstein on drums, Paul Taylor on keys/guitar and John Roth, who joined the band a few years later on guitar; all looking bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, furnished in black and ready to rock.

With seven albums under the band’s belt, there’s plenty to choose from for tonight’s set list. And of course, no Winger set list would be complete without one of their biggest hits ‘Miles Away’; a gargantuan ballad that saw Beach performing an almighty guitar solo with notes so high, the hair on the back of your neck stood up on end.  A tremendous track that had the crowd in awe.

As the band pummelled through their set, they were later joined by Steel Panther’s frontman Michael Starr to provide vocals for ‘Headed for a Heartbreak’, who’d been sat in the wings watching Winger’s set (that’s a bit of a tongue twister).  Taken from their first album in 1988, Starr’s glam-rock vocals fit the bill perfectly.  But before he left the stage, he couldn’t resist grabbing a towel and patting the sweat from Beach’s brow as he played his guitar.  What a gent.

Time was moving fast and the band wasted little time in between tracks with much of the crowd interaction coming from Kip.  Their sound was tight, with crisp, clean vocals; not forgetting the musicianship that was absolutely on point. After a tight schedule,  there was the obligatory ‘jam’ with all four guitarists making their mark as the drum roll finished their set.

Winger Seven Album Review

 

 

It’s now approaching 9pm and the O2 is much akin to a pack of sardines with the night being a complete sell-out.  But despite the lack of space, the crowd was buzzing as more hot and sweaty bodies made their way to the barriers for the finale.  Those wigs were still clinging on to fans heads and the heat wasn’t phasing anyone whatsoever; even those who’d braved wearing some of the most eccentric Spandex you’d ever set your eyes on.  All fun and games and the best was yet to come (snigger, snigger).

But whilst the crowd waited patiently, they were treated to some classic rock tunes via the PA to set the mood. You could feel the anticipation building as time went on; then the lights went dark, followed by an almighty cheer.

Steel Panther last played at the O2 Academy in Bristol just over three years ago with their predominate line-up.  But tonight, there was a new swinger in town known by the name of Spyder aka Joe Lester; with Spyder now replacing the band’s former bass guitarist, Lexxi Foxx.

Launching straight into ‘Eyes of a Panther’, the band were greeted with the loudest screams from the crowd and in typical Steel Panther style, it wasn’t long before the profanities commenced; mainly from Satchel who joked about the fact that Kip Winger could actually be his dad, much to everyone’s amusement.

‘Let me Cum in’ was next on their set list before the band took their first breather of the night, giving them a chance for a bit of banter between them and the crowd. First a fact. “Did you know we’ve been voted one of the top 12 heavy metal bands to play in Bristol this week?”, Satchel states. He also let on that Starr “gets $100 a month for being in the band”, which Starr is apparently going to spend on cocaine to sniff from his car dashboard, and some cryptos.

But Spyder wasn’t going to be left out of the jokes in any way; especially as the new recruit. ‘‘You’ve got some big gay boots to fill”, Satchel remarked. As the jokes continued there were some obvious clues as to what the next track was going to be. “I’m gonna fuck you, I’m gonna fuck you and oh, I’m gonna give you a miss…..” Satchel boasted, as he pointed to the front row of female fans, much to their delight.  Now let’s not forget the drummer at the back.  Stix Zidinia, according to the rest of the band, scores a 4.1 as an Uber driver and can do a great impression of Rick Allen on the drums (from Def Leppard).  That’s not before Spyder interrupts and states that Allen can “finish all his jobs single handedly”.  Ouch!! You didn’t think any of their comments were going to be flattering, did you?

A little earlier than expected was ‘Asian Hooker’, taken from the band’s phallically titled album ‘Feel the Steel’, which had the first of many females on the stage for Starr to ogle over; always a feature in the band’s show.

Their monstrous set of 13 songs continued with enough expletives in between to make a whore blush.  ‘1987’ is one of their newest tracks to debut tonight and it’s introduction was made by Satchel reminiscing about the 80’s era; a time when you could “fuck a girl all night and all you had to worry about was AIDS!”.  Class!  As Satchel shouts “everyone make some noise for the 80’s”, he then orders the crowd to all phone their bosses and quit their jobs, so they don’t have to go to work tomorrow. With the partying going on, there’s no doubt that that may well be the case for some people. It is a Sunday night after all.

‘Ain’t Dead Yet’ was another track from their new album ‘On The Prowl’ and a story about the perils of a Rock Star edging towards their sell by date. It’s filled with all the usual innuendos, featuring Starr on the acoustic guitar and Stix on the keys.  But it was at this point of the night that a 19 year old lass was plucked from the crowd to sit on the stage whilst the band played ‘Girl from Oklahoma’. And, was she ready to be the centre of some sordid and suggestive attention? Either way she was gonna get it, as each band member took it in turns to sing about her different orifices, fallopian tubes, and what they’d like to do to them. The fact of the matter is, of course she was ready. That’s what the show is all about.  No matter what, any girl in the crowd wants to get picked at a Steel Panther show.

During the bands last visit to Bristol, ’17 Girls in a Row’ was the final track of the night in which any girl that had been handed out a pass, was invited up on stage.  But this time, girls were picked before the band covered ‘Community Property’ and ‘Party All Day’, whilst the last girl remained on stage to join them all.  The criteria to be chosen? Each girl had to ‘do anal’. Getting them all off the stage though was a different matter.

Last but not least was the encore, as the band finished with their notorious track ‘Gloryhole’. And for anyone who’s not had the pleasure of witnessing a Steel Panther show, there’s no prizes for guessing what the song is about.

However many times the gags have been used, the band cannot be faulted on the sheer entertainment they provide.  Not only are they incredible musicians; they’re comedians too, and combined they put on one hell of a show.

If you’re easily offended, don’t head to a Steel Panther show.  But if you like good rock music, letting your hair down and letting everything else hang out, then get your ass to one of their shows; or you’ll live to regret it.

Set list – Steel Panther

Eyes of a Panther

Let me Cum In

Asian Hooker

All I Wanna Do

Burden

Friends With Benefits

Death to All

1987

Ain’t Dead Yet

Girl From Oklahoma

Community Property

Party All Day (Fuck All Night)

Gloryhole

 

Steel Panther ” On The Prowl”  Album Review

 

Review & Photography: Emma Painter // Pacific Curd Photography 

 

 

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Connect with Steel Panther:

Website: www.steelpantherrocks.com

Twitter: @Steel_Panther

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STEEL PANTHER ANNOUNCE NEXT US LEG OF THE 

ON THE PROWL TOUR SLATED FOR JULY AND AUGUST

https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/tour

Band Also Releases New Steel Panther TV Series

Are You Metal? On YouTube

Sixth Studio Album On The Prowl Now Available

 https://lnk.to/Panther_OTP

(New York, NY) – California’s greatest export Steel Panther are hitting the road again in support of their latest album. The band is announcing the next US leg of their On The Prowl tour that starts in July. The 22-city trek will kick off on July 13th in Huntington, NY before wrapping up in Las Vegas, NV on August 19th. The tour will make stops in Richmond, VA; Charleston, SC; New Orleans, LA and Ventura, CA to name a few. The latest tour comes on the heels of the recently played US tour as well as the current European tour that features multiple sold-out shows. Additional Information on all ticket and VIP packages including meet and greets, exclusive merch items, early entry and more for the On The Prowl World Tour 2023 can be found here: https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/tour.

On The Prowl World Tour 2023 Dates

7/13/23 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount

7/14/23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Sound Waves Theater

7/15/23 – Saylorsburg, PA – Sherman Theater Community Concert Stage

7/16/23 – Mashantucket, CT – Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods

7/18/23 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork

7/20/23 – Richmond, VA – The National

7/21/23 – Roanoke, VA – Dr Pepper Park

7/22/23 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa

7/24/23 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel

7/25/23 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm

7/26/23 – Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly

7/28/23 – Destin, FL – Club LA

7/29/23 – Huntsville, AL – Mars Music Hall

7/30/23 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues

8/1/23 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live

8/2/23 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom

8/3/23 – Ottumwa, IA – Bridge View Center

8/5/23 – Sturgis, SD – Buffalo Chip

8/11/23 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater

8/12/23 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

8/18/23 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre

8/19/23 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

Previously Announced European Dates

5/15/23 – Newcastle, UK – O2 City Hall #

5/17/23 – Manchester, UK – Academy #

5/18/23 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy #

5/20/23 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town #

5/21/23 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy #

5/23/23 – Leeds, UK – O2 Academy #

5/25/23 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall

5/26/23 – Cork, IE – Cyprus Avenue

5/28/23 – Dublin, IE – Vicar Street

6/3/23 – Nürnberg, GER – Rock im Park 2023

6/4/23 – Nürburg, GER – Rock am Ring 2023

# With Winger

Always the innovators and constantly finding new ways to expand their societal footprint, Steel Panther have launched a new series on their popular SPTV channel on YouTube. The new show – Are You Metal? – is the band’s first game show hosted by drummer Stix Zadinia and seeks to find out which of his bandmates is the most-metal on a given week. Vocalist Michael Starr, guitarist Satchel and bassist Spyder answer trivia as only they can with hilarious results. The show is released weekly on Tuesdays. The current episode as well as all Steel Panther visual content can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/@steelpantherrocks/videos.

Steel Panther released their sixth studio album On The Prowl worldwide on February 24, 2023. On The Prowl was produced by Steel Panther and brought the band their most-recent #1 Billboard comedy album. The album is currently available for order in multiple configurations including CD, Cassette, and 2 different color variant vinyl records here:  https://lnk.to/Panther_OTP. From the opening synth intro of “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)” to the thunderous outro of “Sleeping On The Rollaway,” Steel Panther is back with the infectious riffs, pounding drums, unforgettable vocals alongside the witty humor that has earned them a global audience. Songs like “On Your Instagram,” “Magical Vagina” and “One Pump Chump” are sure to fit in on the biggest live stages next to the band’s most-memorable songs. The band has released the music videos from On The Prowl to date: the opener

Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight),” the chart-topping German radio hit “1987” and most-recently their Shark Tank inspired “Friends With Benefits.”

The track listing for On The Prowl is:                                                   

1)    Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)

2)    Friends With Benefits

3)    On Your Instagram

4)    Put My Money Where Your Mouth Is

5)    1987

6)    Teleporter

7)    Is My D**k Enough (feat. Dweezil Zappa)

8)    Magical Vagina

9)    All That And More

10)  One Pump Chump

11)  Pornstar

12)  Ain’t Dead Yet

13)  Sleeping On The Rollaway

As Steel Panther has ventured into the musical instrument space with the successful release of three guitar pedals: the legendary Pu**y Melter, Poontang Boomerang and Butthole Burner; the band is back with another must-have piece of gear – the 1987 pedal. The pedal is a combination distortion and delay pedal that can give any guitarist the signature sound of that classic year. The pedal will retail for $198.70 (see what we did there?) and as only Steel Panther can describe: “With the grit of 100 chainsaws and the ability to repeat itself more than that super stoned dude from Chemistry Class, it is truly the ultimate badass accessory…next to eyeliner.” The 1987 pedal is available for order here: https://steelpantherrocks.com/collections/on-the-prowl.

Steel Panther L to R: Stix Zadinia (Drums),  Spyder (Bass),  Michael Starr (Vocals),  Satchel (Guitars)

Photo Credit: David Jackson

More information for all things Steel Panther can be found at www.steelpantherrocks.com.

ABOUT STEEL PANTHER:

History falls on two sides of one line. There was the age before Steel Panther—but let’s be honest, no one cares about any of that. And then, there was the age after Steel Panther, which is all that matters. Since Steel Panther clawed their way out of the Sunset Strip and onto the global stage, rock ‘n’ roll has kicked ass once again.

For the uninitiated, Steel Panther was formed in 2000.  They have continuously flown the flag for heavy metal higher than anybody this century. 2009’s Feel The Steel announced their arrival as saviors of rock, showing guests such as Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, and Scott Ian of Anthrax how it’s done! On its heels, Balls Out [2011] boasted collaborations with everyone from Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and Nuno Bettencourt to Dane Cook. The group unleashed a string of banging LPs, namely All You Can Eat [2014], Lower The Bar [2017], and Heavy Metal Rules [2019]. Meanwhile, they earned ink from Billboard, Classic Rock, Consequence, Metal Hammer, and more, tallying hundreds of millions of streams views in the process. They’ve logged countless miles on the road (and stolen groupies from) Aerosmith and Stone Sour in addition to leaving festivals such as Download begging for more. Steel Panther is a global phenomenon with five full-length albums, touring across the world, platinum-level You Tube status and high-profile television appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Larry King Now, and FOX NFL Sunday.  Now, the quartet—Michael Starr [lead vocals], Satchel [lead guitar], Spyder [bass], and Stix Zadinia [drums]—reach another level altogether on their sixth full-length offering, On The Prowl.

Connect with Steel Panther:

Website: www.steelpantherrocks.com

Twitter: @Steel_Panther

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steelpanther

Instagram: @steelpanther