Steel Panther, John 5 @ Entertainment Centre, Adelaide 21/10/2024
In the current climate of political correctness, cancel culture and a range of sensitivities to navigate Steel Panther continue to find a way to reign supreme. Some might say they have more front than David Jones tackling “adult” content that most other bands won’t. Glam metal, comedic, parody, riotous and brash are a few words to describe Steel Panther’s barnstorming performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. It was their first visit to Adelaide in six years taking new album On The Prowl to the fans. It might of been a Monday night but that did not stop an enthusiastic crowd treating it like a Saturday night.
The addition of revered musician John 5 was worth the ticket price alone with a resume that boasts an extensive solo career but also playing in bands of the ilk in Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and most recently joining Mötley Crüe. Elite! As far as his guitar playing goes he is right up there with the best of them. As the lights dimmed it was the words from Gene Wilder’s “Willy Wonka” echoed through the room:
Hold your breath
Make a wish
Count to three
Come with me and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
With that John 5 emerged with his distinct gothic-like on stage persona to tear through opener Crank It – Living With Ghosts. It was the music that did all the talking with John 5 joined with a drummer, there wasn’t a lot said but there wasn’t a need to say anything. Getting the crowd on side with his appreciation and love of our city and being in Australia there was plenty to like with the bold statement made in I Am John 5 followed by Que Pasa. There’s plenty of tricks in the kit bag with a neon glowing mouth piece and a toy ray gun used to great effect. Bringing the crowd in the flamenco fused cover of Queen’s A Crazy Little Thing Called Love getting to sing a long adding that this would be going on his live recording. If the crowd was going to get fired up it was the Mötley Crüe medley that would featuring snippets of Live Wire / Too Fast for Love / Shout at the Devil / Looks That Kill / Home Sweet Home / Wild Side / Girls Girls Girls / Same Ol’ Situation / Dr. Feelgood / Kickstart My Heart to finish an awesome set.
The innuendo started with Steel Panther’s walk on track “are you ready for the greatest night of your life…” kicking in to bombastic opener Eye Of A Panther followed by Let Me Cum In. Musically fantastic but it was the lengthy banter between songs that seemed to drag on a bit too long albeit funny. Satchel makes the pointed statement for Adelaide to “grow the fuck up, it’s a Steel Panther show” and that he shaved his balls for this. He also added that he was looking forward to seeing his six year old son. New bass player Spyder was introduced as the seventy-five-year-old with three testicles. They pushed the hilarity in to dangerous territory with the impersonation of Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen amongst other bawdy talk that you would expect at a Steel Panther. It was at this point they really did need to refocus and get on with playing. Even the photographers down the front looked confused waiting for the third song to start.
Set staples Asian Hooker and Fat Girl were solid with new tune Friends With Benefits (originally friends with sperm”) followed. Iconic Panther classic Death To All But Metal showed how good they are as players. The single 1987 seems quite anthemic now with the crowd singing a long and one lucky lady “Jamie” was escorted on stage to be intimately serenaded by front man Michael Starr on Girl From Oklahoma who was encouraged to show a little more of herself.
Keeping an eye out for local talent Starr encouraged as many women as possible to get up on stage and dance on 17 Girls In A Row. Even with the slightest chance of a bit of naked flesh I hadn’t seen so many phones out in anticipation of what might of followed. At song’s completion Starr said it smelt like Fisherman’s Wharf up here as they were escorted off stage. The energy was high on Community Property and set closer Party All Day (Fuck All Night) leaving one last chance for gratification on Gloryhole. With the crowd all riled up after that having got their Panther on it was time to bask in the glory of the post-gig haze.
Live Review By Rob Lyon