LIVE: STEEL PANTHER – December 6, 2023

Venue: The Machine Shop

City: Flint, MI

Dates: December 6, 2023

Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (www.toddstarphotography.com)

Who doesn’t like the holidays?  There is something magical about this time of year, but the magic grew exponentially this year when Steel Panther announced a year end tour including two days at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI.  This short run, dubbed the Holidaze Tour was sure to be a ton of fun and one not to be missed.  In town on business, I was able to catch the second of the shows.  Openers Moon Fever came out and for more than 30 minutes warmed the crowd with some cool music and great rock vibes.  From the minute they hit the stage until their exit, they gave it all they had and rocked as if they were headlining an arena.  Their rock sound was slightly different than the band we all came to see, but was a good fit with what Steel Panther was about to deliver.

After a quick stage change, the moment arrived for Steel Panther to once again tear up the stage and deliver the rock, sexual prowess, and over the top presentation only they can deliver.  Leaning into their catalog, including their latest, On The Prowl, the band delivered 90 minutes of fun rock and roll.  The heaviest representation in the evenings set was their debut release Feel The Steel, but that proved to be a good play on their part… that material is well packaged and has been dialed in for perfect delivery with some of the best stage banter between frontman Michael Starr, guitarist Satchel, and the packed venue.  There were songs that seemed to garner a better response than others, but there wasn’t a boring or drab moment throughout the evening.  Some of my personal favorites were a part of the evenings set including “1987,” “Friends With Benefits,” and the ballad only Steel Panther could write “Community Property.”  The latter song was performed with a stage full of women called up from the crowd to join the band on stage after they serenaded one of the women Harley with an impromptu song and the new holiday classic “The Stocking Song.”  Drummer Stix Zadinia kept the set anchored from behind his kit.  There were several mentions of recording the evening (as well as the night before) for a live album and it got the crowd cranked up each time.  It was a perfect night of rock and roll done in a fun way but with music played by guys who have more than a firm grasp on how to play, including new bassist Spyder.  The only thing missing in my opinion was the newest song “On Your Instagram.”  There is something so hooky, fun, and relevant about the track that allowed it to creep into my favorites list.  From opener “Eyes Of A Panther” to the final notes (and hat tosses) of “Gloryhole,” this was a great show.  If you want some holiday cheer and an evening of amazing rock and roll, check out the tour dates below, grab your friends, and get tickets to the show when it comes near you.

Setlist: Eyes of a Panther – Let Me Cum In – Asian Hooker – The Burden of Being Wonderful – Friends With Benefits – Death to All but Metal – 1987 – Ain’t Dead Yet – The Stocking Song – Community Property – Party All Day (Fuck All Night) – Gloryhole

[Show as slideshow]

COMPLETE SET OF STEEL PANTHER PHOTOS

STEEL PANTHER LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

X – TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

TOUR DATES

[Show as slideshow]

COMPLETE SET OF MOON FEVER PHOTOS

MOON FEVER LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

X – TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

TOUR DATES

Tags: featured

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries