Review and Photos by Michelle Sokolowski
From the moment 9:15 hit, the lights dimmed, and the first cords played Gramercy Theatre came alive with the energy of a Steel Panther. Steel Panther is an 80’s, big hair inspired, metal band with entertaining and playful lyrics to songs such as “Asian Hooker”, “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin”, and “Party All Day (Fuck All Night)”. The crowd cheered and chanted to each song as it amplified over the loud speakers and throughout the auditorium walls.
Steel Panter Performing Live at Gramercy Theater-NYC
As a first timer I was not sure what to expect. I’d heard they were a good time but until you experience them live you’ll never understand how good a time they truly are. For the hour and thirty minutes they played they never once stood still. Constant interaction fed the already crazed fans, who were just as obscene as the band members themselves, with even more excitement. With the help of fans blowing their big hair around onstage, to their Guns N Roses look and attitude, you truly get wrapped up in their personas and believe they are the characters they play.
Lexxi Foxx playfully makes the crowd laugh with his larger than life impersonations of the “closeted” band member. Throughout the show he brought out his sparkly hand mirror to apply lipstick and hairspray while attempting to pump up the crowd by shouting queer remarks in a pre-pubescent voice. Such remarks lead to taunting and chauvinistic jokes from the other two members of the band. Lead Guitarist Satchel showed extreme talent during a solo performance mid show. He ignited the crowd by playing popular riffs from idolized 80’s metal bands such as Slash and Guns N Roses. Ringleader and lead vocalist Michael Starr supplied the theatre from beginning to end with energy, great vocals, obscene gestures, remarks, and non-repeatable racist, homophobic, and womanizing jokes. Even though their music is absurd and outrageous their skill is anything but. Skills they showcased in an acoustic performance of their number one requested song, “If you really really love me” to round out the end of the show. They also provided the audience with an encore of their popular song “17 girls in a row.” “Wham to the Bam to the Thank You, Mam!”, Metal is not dead!
If you’re looking for a fun night out with exciting entertainment, head to a Steel Panther show. The party from beginning to end explains why their NYC show sold out in only 10 minutes! No matter what you come expecting, or not expecting, their show will not disappoint. Even if you’ve never heard a song of theirs in your life you’ll party like a rock star and find yourself singing along in no time!
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