Steel Panther brought their unique blend of satirical glam metal and outrageous comedy to Dublin’s Vicar Street on June 18th, 2025, for their “Feel The Steel 15th Anniversary Tour.” And for anyone in attendance, it was exactly what you’d expect from the Sunset Strip legends: a night of shredding guitars, soaring vocals, questionable-yet-hilarious banter, and a whole lot of hairspray.
From the moment Michael Starr, Satchel, Stix Zadinia, and Spyder (filling in on bass) strutted onto the stage, the energy was palpable. Kicking off with fan favourites, the band wasted no time in delivering their signature brand of high-octane rock. Satchel’s guitar solos were as blistering as ever, showcasing his undeniable talent while still maintaining the band’s comedic flair. Michael Starr’s vocal range remains impressive, nailing those classic glam metal screams with ease, all while engaging in his usual charismatic (and often explicit) crowd interactions.
But a Steel Panther gig isn’t just about the music – it’s a full-blown spectacle. The in-between song banter was a masterclass in politically incorrect humour, with the band members playfully (and sometimes not-so-playfully) roasting each other and the audience. The crowd, clearly in on the joke, roared with laughter and played along with every lewd suggestion and outrageous anecdote. The crowd participation was, as always, a highlight, with several lucky (or perhaps unlucky, depending on your perspective) audience members getting pulled onto the stage for some memorable, unscripted moments.
Celebrating 15 years of “Feel The Steel,” the setlist was heavily weighted with tracks from their debut, much to the delight of the long-time fans. Classics like “Death to All But Metal,” “Community Property,” and “Asian Hooker” got the whole venue singing along, while deeper cuts showcased the album’s enduring appeal. They also peppered in some hits from their other albums, ensuring a well-rounded show that appeased everyone.
What truly sets Steel Panther apart is their commitment to the bit. Every exaggerated pose, every meticulously applied streak of eyeliner, and every over-the-top lyric is delivered with such conviction that it transcends mere parody. They are genuinely excellent musicians who happen to have a fantastic sense of humour, and that combination is what makes their live shows so incredibly entertaining.
Walking out of Vicar Street, there were undoubtedly sore throats from singing along and cheeks aching from laughter. Steel Panther delivered a show that was loud, lewd, and undeniably legendary. They proved once again that in a world often too serious, there’s still a vital place for pure, unadulterated, hair-metal fun. Long live the Panther!
Black Sonic Pearls photos:
Steel Panther photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Eyes of a Panther
It Won’t Suck Itself
Asian Hooker
Fat Girl – Thar She Blows
Friends With Benefits
The Shocker
Guitar Solo
Impromptu Song for a Girl
Girl From Oklahoma
17 Girls in a Row
Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’
Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World
Death to All but Metal
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Community Property
Gloryhole
Photos & words – David McEneaney @experimentzero