Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
Galleries: Steel Panther, Stone Horses
On November 23, Steel Panther brought their over-the-top glam-metal extravaganza to the House of Blues Boston, celebrating the 15th anniversary of their iconic debut album, Feel the Steel. Equal parts parody and genuine rock mastery, Steel Panther delivered an unforgettable night of music, comedy, and outrageous fun that left fans buzzing long after the final chord.
The band wasted no time kicking things off with “Eyes of a Panther,” a track that set the tone for the evening. The crowd roared in approval, throwing devil horns in the air as Michael Starr commanded the stage with his charismatic blend of soaring vocals and cheeky antics. Satchel, ever the guitar hero, dazzled with precision riffs and blistering solos, blending technical skill with a flair for the absurd.
The setlist leaned heavily on Feel the Steel, treating fans to classics like “Asian Hooker,” “Community Property,” and “Death to All but Metal.” Each track was performed with the same tongue-in-cheek bravado that has made Steel Panther a household name among glam-metal enthusiasts. Starr kept the crowd entertained between songs with banter that ranged from self-deprecating humor to off-the-wall audience interactions, and bassist Spyder brought his own brand of cool confidence and musicianship.
The night wasn’t just about nostalgia, though. The band also showcased “Friends With Benefits,” a standout from their latest album, On the Prowl (ed. PLEASE watch that video). The track blended seamlessly into a set otherwise dominated by older material, highlighting the band’s knack for crafting infectious hooks and keeping their sound fresh without losing their signature edge.
Highlights of the night included Satchel’s guitar solo, which featured not only jaw-dropping technical skill but also comedic flair, as he riffed on classic rock staples and even incorporated a playful nod to Boston’s musical heritage. The interplay between Starr and Satchel throughout the show kept the energy high, with quips and gestures that blurred the line between rock concert and stand-up comedy.
As the night drew to a close, the band saved the best for last. Their encore, “Gloryhole,” was an uproarious finale, leaving fans thirsty for more. The entire room erupted into a singalong, proving once again that Steel Panther’s mix of irreverence and genuine rock chops continues to captivate audiences.
The Citizens House of Blues Boston, with its intimate yet electrifying atmosphere, was the perfect setting for the evening’s spectacle. Fans packed the venue, some decked out in ’80s glam attire, ready to embrace the night’s mix of nostalgia and uncensored fun. The sound quality was top-notch, ensuring every note of Satchel’s shredding, every thump of Stix Zadinia’s drums, and every vocal flourish from Starr came through with clarity.
Steel Panther’s Feel the Steel 15th Anniversary Tour is more than just a celebration of a milestone album—it’s a reminder of why the band has endured. They’ve managed to carve out a unique space in the rock world, delivering performances that are as musically impressive as they are entertaining. In Boston, they proved once again that they are the kings of glam-metal parody, keeping the spirit of the genre alive while poking fun at its excesses. This was a concert experience that perfectly captured the band’s essence—a mix of rock, revelry, and a whole lot of laughs.