Photography Reviews

Concert Review: Steel Panther @ History in Toronto, ON 9/14/23

By Taylor Cameron / September 18, 2023

A crowd clad in teased wigs, neon spandex and leather, lined up outside of History on a sunny Thursday evening in Toronto, Ontario. Steel Panther spelt out in bold letters lit up the marquee. As it hit 8pm, the doors opened and fans filed into the venue, making their way towards the stage for the perfect spot to see the band. Everyone ready for a fun night of rock ‘n’ roll.

Kicking off the night were BRKN LOVE, a band local to Toronto. With a 70s vibe and a strong rock ‘n’ roll attitude, this group of young musicians brought the heat. Their energy steadily staying high throughout their set, they pumped up the crowd magnificently. From nostalgic guitar riffs and groovy bass lines, to gruff powerful vocals delivered by lead vocalist Justin Benlolo, BRKN LOVE had everyone in the audience completely captivated. Playing a slew of originals and a compelling rock version of Bishop Briggs’ ‘The River” sung by guitarist Kyle Duke, their set gained them a plethora of new fans, including myself.

Up next were the main event, glam rockers, Steel Panther. Kicking off their set with a track off their debut album, Eyes Of A Panther, Michael Starr paraded the stage, already pointing out women in the front row. Known for their subjective stage antics, a Steel Panther show is never for the faint of heart. Squealing guitars and raunchy lyrics is what makes a Steel Panther show, the band playing their parts perfectly. By the third song, ‘Asian Hooker’, the band had started their usual tradition of bringing women onstage. “This is Rick Allen’s hooker number 9. He picks the best Asian hookers” Satchel jokes, before they rip into the song. Holding her hand, Starr led the girl around the stage, showing her off and occasionally grinding against her. The crowd cheered loudly, for the “Asian Hooker” before the band ripped into ‘The Burden Of Being Wonderful’, followed by ‘Friends with Benefits’.

Satchel stepped up to the front of the stage as the rest of the members left, beginning his captivating guitar solo. Filled with 80s inspired riffs and a section of the late great Eddie Van Halen’s ‘Eruption’ that had the crowd loudly cheering. The musicianship in this band is stronger than ever, each member seeming to step up their game each tour.

 Up next was fan favorite ‘Death To All But Metal’ and a few tracks off their latest album ‘1987’ and ‘Ain’t Dead Yet’. Starr claimed 1987 as his favorite in music, consisting of some major rock albums such as ‘Appetite for Destruction’ by Guns ‘N’ Roses and ‘Crazy Nights’ by Kiss. In true Steel Panther fashion, it was time to bring up another woman onstage, this time writing an impromptu song for her. The crowd laughed at the ridiculous lyrics, as the band each took turns coming up with something for Monica, the beautiful girl who sat center stage. 

“Alright, I think it’s time to bring some girls onstage,” Starr stated, inviting more women from the audience to join the band onstage for some fun. Female fans crowded the stage as the band kicked into ‘Community Property’. Everyone singing along, swaying along to the ballad. Kicking things back into high gear, the band kicked into ‘Party All Day’. The female crowd jumped and danced around onstage, the energy being high and enthusiastic. Starr made his way over to me, pulling me center stage to sing along with him. “Give it up for her” he smiles, lifting my arm into the air before pulling me in for a hug. Steel Panther knows how to have a good time, their energy being utterly contagious.

Closing out with ‘Gloryhole’, the crowd went wild, not wanting the night to end. A Steel Panther show is never disappointing, their crude comments never miss a beat and their musicianship never wavers, always leaving everyone wanting more. They are at the top of their game and keeping the love of heavy metal alive.

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