Steel Panther's Feel the Steel out now

June 10, 5:53 PMMinneapolis Rock Music ExaminerJustin Bartz

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Steel Panther's "Feel The Steel" cover

If you've been a longtime fan of the heavy metal parody band Steel Panther, then like me you're excited at the news of the release of their long-awaited album, titled "Feel The Steel".  If you live in the United States, then like me again, you're upset that the release of their long-awaited album, titled "Feel The Steel" is only being released in the U.K. right now.  The word on the street is that the U.S. version will be coming out in November, only... five months away?!?

After you finish mourning over the heartbreaking news, it's easy to understand why.  Steel Panther is set to perform at the Download Festival 2009 in Donington Park on June 14th, but still... November?  (It probably means there are some more live shows scheduled between now and then!)

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Steel Panther, where do you begin?  The "story" behind the band (in character) is that 20 years ago, they were legends on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, blowing their fans away, and inspiring other bands to do the same, or at least attempt to do the same.  The list of bands that Steel Panther "inspired" to form included none other than Jane's Addition, Anthrax, and Warrant.  Then, in some drug or alcohol-induced stupor (or both), the band disappeared when it was on the cusp of signing a major label deal.  Fast foward 20 years later to today when a hard-rock album lands on the desk of the president of Universal Republic, and lo and behold, the Steel Panther story begins.  They even released a VH1 Behind The Music episode about the band (featuring interviews with Dave Navarro, Jani Lane, Jeff Pilson, Matt Sorum, and more).

That's the "story" of Steel Panther.  In reality, Steel Panther is one of the most-talented heavy metal parody bands today.  They're actual talented musicians that put on an incredible show.  It's just that the show is truly tongue-in-cheek.  (Remember Spinal Tap?)  Steel Panther consists of lead singer Michael Starr (real name Ralph Saenz), guitarist Satchel (real name Russ Parrish), bassist Lexxi Foxxx (real name Travis Haley), and drummer Stix Zadinia (real name Darren Leader).  Saenz is the former lead singer of the "Atomic Punks", a Van Halen tribute band, and was also lead singer for L.A. Guns briefly.  Parrish was the former guitarist for the Atomic Punks, as well as the band "Fight", the Rob Halford-fronted band.  Along with Leader, Parrish also has another band called "The Thornbirds" with Jeff Duncan of Armored Saint on guitar and Dean Cameron on bass.

Steel Panther has undergone a variety of name changes, formerly being Danger Kitty, Metal Shop, and then Metal Skool (blame it on horrible band management and not owning the rights to any of their names).  If you recall, Danger Kitty was the parody band in that old Discover Card commercial circa 2001, showing Saenz falling from the height of hair metal success to running a hot dog stand.  (Strangely enough, their first song "Love Rocket" is still available through the internet archived version of their old site, and it still works!)

Steel Panther's energetic live show is the longest running heavy metal show on the Sunset Strip.  If you're lucky enough to have witnessed it live, you'll enjoy the band playing tribute to (and poking fun at) the 80's glam metal heyday.  Between songs, the conflicts between band members and improvised humor with the crowd make for an unforgettable experience.  However, it's not just an experience for the fans, but also an experience for other band members and celebrities alike.  Appearing onstage with Steel Panther have been the likes of Avril Lavigne (video), Kelly Clarkson (video), Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and Dennis Haskins (video), Jessica Simpson (video), David Draiman (video), Billy Ray Cyrus (video), Pink (video), Vince Vaughn and the Dodgers (video), Tom Morello, Justin Hawkins, Paul Stanley of KISS, Dennis Rodman (video), Benji Madden, M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold (video), Jani Lane of Warrant (video), Scott Ian, Stephen Pearcy of RATT (video), and more.

Steel Panther currently plays The Key Club in Los Angeles every Monday at midnight, every Friday night at the Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas at 12:30 AM, and every Saturday night at The Aliante in Las Vegas at 10:30 PM.  For more information, check out the band's official website or on Myspace and Facebook.