Somewhere between the over-the-top humor of David Lee Roth and This Is Spinal Tap, there is Steel Panther, a Los Angeles hair metal band that does not take itself too seriously. Since forming around 2000, the band members exaggerated their on-stage personas to where they are intentionally a parody of the heavy metal music and lifestyle of the 1980s. The band’s lyrics and onstage demeanor lampoon the excesses of the 1980s Sunset Strip scene – the no-restraints sex, drugs, cursing, make-up and hairspray. The band’s 2009 album, Feel the Steel, debuted at number one on Billboard’s comedy charts and received a Grammy nomination for best comedy album.
At Irving Plaza tonight, the band was true to form. This was entertainment more than it was great music. Vocalist Michael Starr (Ralph Saenz) sang goofy and profane songs touting extreme rock culture decadence. Between songs, guitarist Satchel (Russ Parrish) bragged about unimaginable numbers of sexual conquests, while bassist Lexxi Foxxx (Travis Haley) checked his make-up with a handheld mirror and repeatedly sprayed hairspray on his long mane. Drummer Stix Zadinia (Darren Leader) added to the posing. Anthems like “Party All Day” and “17 Girls in a Row” performed live in concert help us see the comedy of today’s rock culture as well.
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