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Steel Panther performs at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023.
Steel Panther performs at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023. [Henry Day I WOUB]

Irreverent glam rockers Steel Panther bring ‘Winter Holidaze’ tour to Bogart’s

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CINCINNATI, Ohio (WOUB) – Irreverent glam metal outfit Steel Panther brought their Winter Holidaze Tour to Bogart’s (2621 Short Vine Street) last week, proving once again that they have the looks, spandex, and shredding skills to head bang with the likes of Van Halen and Def Leppard.

While the headliners were ready to share hilarious and raunchy stories in between head bangers, openers Moon Fever (of Seattle, WA) were happy to set the stage with hard hitting baselines and blast beats complimented by roaring vocals.

Moon Fever performs at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023.
Moon Fever performs at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023. [Henry Day I WOUB]
It goes without saying that Steel Panther has a flair for the dramatic and striking colored by a whole lot of crass humor. The group opened their set with undisputed fan favorite Eyes Of A Panther.

No matter what you say about the band’s looks or the kinds of jokes they make, the bottom line is that you can’t deny the tight drumming provided by the percussive powerhouse “Styx” and the searing guitar solos provided by guitarist “Satchel.” Editor’s note: find WOUB’s interview with Styx at this link. 

Steel Panther performs at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023.
Steel Panther performs at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023. [Henry Day I WOUB]
Throughout the show the band was more than happy to recall their wild and raunchy stories from touring in 1987 (despite forming in 2000), coloring their parodic history with groupies, illicit substances, and a whole lot of laughs.

Steel Panther performs at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023.
Steel Panther performs at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023. [Henry Day I WOUB]
Throughout the performance the band performed hilarious yet sonically impressive ballads and bangers which included 1987, Party All Day, and Friends With Benefits. That last one in particular features a glamorously chunky metal hook plus lyrics describing the group’s fondness for the kind of intimacy that might make Caligula blush.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, Steel Panther’s act isn’t for the easily offended, the faint of heart, or the metal snob.

Much of the crowd at Bogart’s Thursday night could have passed for Mötley Crüe fans freshly imported from the ’90s – so – obviously, they were “in” on the “joke.” This meant a lot of spandex, a lot of hairspray, and (given that it ’tis the season) a few rock ‘n’ roll Santas and elves.

Steel Panther performs at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023.
Steel Panther performs at Bogart’s in Cincinnati, OH December 7, 2023. [Henry Day I WOUB]
That’s all to be expected. What I didn’t expect was the noticeable lack of clothing among the crowd – apparently Steel Panther fans are also often fans of not wearing clothes in public.

All of this being said, it’s clear that Steel Panther isn’t for everyone. But for those who do enjoy the group, the night could be best described as an equally high energy and hilarious rock show with strong musicianship to legitimizing the absurdity.