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Oct 20, 2024

LIVE REVIEW: STEEL PANTHER With Special Guest JOHN 5 - The Rockpit

20 October 2024Nicole Jobes Glam Metal Rock has landed in Perth! Dig out your best back combs, hairspray & sweat bands! Opening to the sounds of Gene Wilders ‘Pure Imagination’, John 5 takes the stage

20 October 2024Nicole Jobes

Glam Metal Rock has landed in Perth! Dig out your best back combs, hairspray & sweat bands!

Opening to the sounds of Gene Wilders ‘Pure Imagination’, John 5 takes the stage accompanied by drummer Alex Mercad and opens into a solid set, his heavy baseline would convince you there’s more than him and a tele on stage, however, the signature sound of his guitar and his technical playing are forefront on stage and has everyone mesmerised.

Those who haven’t experienced John 5 previously might be feeling a little trepidation; is this outrageous enough to open Steel Panther? Yet with over 30 years experience playing with the likes of Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and now Motley Crüe it takes the crowd little convincing.

A man of few words, he took the opportunity to confirm the trip to Australia was worth it & as the crowd sings along to ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ who can blame him. Bringing out David (bass & guitar tech) his sets switches up and brings us some favourites from Motley Crüe… you know that question, that “is it gunna get pumped enough”? Oh it is. And then some!

Hold on to your vaginas they’ve arrived, and with more energy than Olivia Newton John in a workout video! The Steel Panther quartet — Michael Starr (lead vocals), Satchel (lead guitar), Spyder (bass), and Stix Zadinia (drums) take the stage and within three songs we’ve covered tits & coke.

Never a band to take themselves seriously, in true steel panther fashion while they take a minute to introduce themselves to the crowd we have tittie time, innuendo and delight for all to share! With the Lexxi Foxx’s departure requiring a change in line up, Spyder taking up bass duties isn’t rocket science and even though the band undertook a game show like search for a bass player, their tour manager & former band mate (with The Atomic Punks) fits right in.

Their stage presence is unique and bold, and honestly no matter how many times you listen to their albums, seeing them live is something totally different. It gives the time and space for their witty banter and playful antics. It’s entertaining and nostalgic. And let’s not forget that’s the root of Steel Panther – taking the piss and parody whilst still bringing catchy hooks, solid musicianship and a love of OG heavy metal.

Moving on from the seriousness, we bring Electra to stage and have a “serenade off” which you know ended up with a room full of people singing “come on pretty baby, suck my balls all night”.

The room tonight was on fucking board! No one was taking themselves too seriously, no one was being a twat and everyone was just here for a good time. Steel Panther is a show just as much as a live music act. With their encore ‘Glory Hole’ finishing the night, what a way to kick of the Australian leg of their world tour!

With thanks to Charlotte of SGC Media and TEG (MJR) for the media access.

Photos by Mark DigginsGALLERY