Lock the doors: Steel Panther are about to prowl through Fort Wayne. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the comedic glam band will bring their On the Prowl Tour to the Summit City for a performance at Piere’s. 

Motley crew of guys

Whether you lock the doors is your business. I’m just letting you know these crotch rockers aren’t the type to invite to your Thanksgiving dinner. Sure, they might pass the potatoes and stuffing, but you might also get a “hell yeah” and a slap on the bottom along with it. 

Whatever the case, these cats have been gaining fans with their profane and humorous lyrics, all while parodying the stereotypical glam metal lifestyle. 

With elements of old-school Mötley Crüe, Spinal Tap, Wayne’s World, and Andrew Dice Clay, you could easily consider Steel Panther as the world’s premier party band. 

With a handful of albums, tours around the world, success as a YouTube phenomenon, and high-level TV appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live and Fox NFL Sunday, Steel Panther have been taking the globe by storm, even while a lot of folks these days are walking on eggshells, afraid to offend anyone. 

Jokes aside

However, telling jokes and thrusting their hips is only part of it. Each member brings a high level of musicianship that results in a no-joke, super-tight performance. 

After all, the members have been cutting their teeth in the biz a while, having performed in bands such as the Van Halen tribute The Atomic Punks, Rob Halford’s Fight, Jeff Pilson’s War & Peace. 

They started their journey in 2000 when they were known as Metal Shop, then changing to Metal Skool before adopting the current moniker Steel Panther in 2008. At that time, they also shifted their focus from ’80s covers to originals, and the rest is history. 

The last couple of years have been busy for the band. In 2022, they brought on Spyder as their new bassist, or as they say the new R.O.L.E. — Ruler of Low End. He replaced long-time bassist Lexxi Foxx who stepped away for “sex rehab” before eventually departing. 

Latest effort

Last year, they released their sixth studio album, On the Prowl, that shows off their driving drums, shredtastic riffs, comedic lyrics, and a dash of corniness. 

The project began while the country was starting to come back from COVID and things were still closed, like recording studios. That didn’t hold them back as they pretty much recorded the entire thing on their own in home studios and even a garage, then sent the files to their producer Jay Ruston to mix. 

One of the songs that came out of the recording sessions is “Ain’t Dead Yet,” a perfect song to describe the feelings of what was going on in the world at that time. 

“During the pandemic, it was big time, at least for me and the guys, to have self-reflection about where you’re at in life,” frontman Michael Starr said in an interview with Whatzup. “When the work stops and you’re sitting there and the money stops coming in and you’re thinking, ‘Wow, what the hell is going to happen in the world? What am I going to do with my life? I’m almost 75 years old and I’m rockin’ out in spandex.’ That song reflects that time for us.”

The good news is the country opened back up, and Steel Panther were able to book a massive world tour to support their latest effort.

“We’ve been doing the On the Prowl Tour for about a year and a half now,” Starr said. “This is actually the last leg of the tour, which has been doing great. It’s been really fun, well-received, and everyone seems to really like our new record.” 

Another track, “1987,” is the ultimate ’80s tribute song that name-checks bands like Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake, Poison, Dokken, and Ozzy Osbourne. 

Beyond music

In addition to touring, Steel Panther recently put their brand into the world of skateboarding. 

Over the last few months, they’ve worked on designing an official skateboard deck complete with band illustration on the bottom, custom grip tape, and stylish fluorescent green wheels. It can be purchased as a complete deck or wall hanger at steelpanther.com. 

While there, you can also check out new merch and pre-order the 15th anniversary edition of Feel the Steel. The expanded edition includes two tracks which were previously available only in Japan, as well as completely new art that is available on limited edition purple marble vinyl, CD, and cassette. Those are due out Nov. 18. 

Starr also said that action figures are in the works which will make for a good stocking stuffer for that rocker in the family.

So what does all this debauchery leave us Fort Wayne folks? A freakin’ party at Piere’s, that’s what. 

“We’ve been to Piere’s a lot over the years, and it’s a fun place to play,” Starr said. “Our bus is right outside which is pretty convenient to hang after the show, dressing room is really fun, stage is killer, and crowds are always great. 

“We always look forward to coming back to Piere’s. 

“So if you want to have a laugh, have beers with your buddies, watch a fun rock show, and not worry about work or bills, or how your wife or girlfriend is mad at you for not taking the trash out, don’t worry about that and come to our show. 

“Rock n’ roll and heavy metal are about having fun and escaping the realities and stresses of life. We sell fun!” 

There you have it from the man himself. 

Do yourself a favor and come out for a good rock show as Starr, Satchel, Stix, and Spyder pound out the best riffs and songs this side of Bret Michaels’ bandanna.