By Kellie Green
I had no idea what to expect when Steel Panther’s direct support Moon Fever hit the stage, but you know if they’re on tour with the Panther boys you’re in for something decently unhinged… and damn did they deliver. I had heard a couple of their songs on Spotify, so I knew they had a garage-punk style sound, but experiencing these guys live is a garage-punk EXPERIENCE. I have been blasting them non-stop since the show and I see no end in sight.
Hailing from Seattle, Moon Fever brings that gritty, dirty, good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll sound and energy that just makes you want to pick up the closest valuable item next to you and smash it on the floor. Singer Triston Bracht actually demonstrated when he tripped over his riser mid-song, snatched it up and tossed it out of his way. I feel like that was a visual metaphor that nothing is going to get into the way of Moon Fever.
They’re the perfect combination of a heavy pour of vintage punk turpitude with a modern float. If you wanna experience the old school way of musicians jumping off the balcony high amps while still sounding like a high ball of smooth whiskey…. Run don’t walk to catch Moon Fever. Beware of the front row, though; we almost got caught up in a web of mic cord when Triston was flingin it around like Thunderball comin at Thor. Definitely would have been worth getting clotheslined, but he had to keep us alert to catch him when he dove off the stage screaming “Feels So Good”, which is their latest single you need to check out, like right now.
That high energy Moon Fever brought got the crowd ready to rage, which is a non-negotiable if you’re in a SOLD OUT crowd for Steel mf Panther. One of my favorite things about Steel Panther shows is the crowd. The energy is always higher than Satchel’s hair and the pants sizes are lower than my standards because no matter the gender, it’s skin tight animal print for all.
If you’ve never been to a Steel Panther show, you’re not only missing out on a classic, 80’s hair band glam style rock show. You’re missing out on a comedy show, an interactive sexy dance party, and even a little athleticism displayed in their expert dance moves and abilities to catch a hat with their instruments. You’re in for some killer rock-god level music, of course, but what makes a Steel Panther show is the top notch X-rated comedy, vibrant fashion, and most importantly, a safe space to scream things like ‘Asian Hooker’, ‘Weinie Ride’, and ‘Glory Hole’ at the top of your lungs if you haven’t choked on hair spray fumes yet. The only thing brighter than Satchel’s custom spandex is the stage lighting that makes you feel like you’re in an 80’s glam music video.
I have seen these guys live several times, and they never disappoint. With their 2023 album ‘On the Prowl’ songs sprinkled in amongst the songs we already know and love to get ratchet to, the set list is stacked with old and new raunchy lyrics you can’t set as your Facebook status if your boss and grandma follow you. The great thing about Steel Panther, though, is that whether it’s an old or new jam, the energy is so hot you’ll need help getting your leathers off post-show.
Closing out the night with ‘Glory Hole’, the guys made sure to leave the max-capacity room devastated that the night was coming to an end. The wigged out crowd piled out of the building still screaming the lyrics and already dreading Monday morning to start earning their ‘weekly pay’. But alas, it’s time to start saving for a new wig, new spandex or leathers since you probably had to cut the last ones off, or for your next trip to France to take a glory hole for a weinie ride.
