Steel Panther Shined Bright in Silver Spring with a Glam Metal Spectacle
By Mike Sprouse

Steel Panther recently stormed into The Fillmore Silver Spring, transforming the iconic Maryland venue into a time capsule of ’80s glam metal excess. With their signature blend of outrageous humor, sharp musicianship, and infectious charisma, they left no doubt why they remain a standout act in a genre often overshadowed by nostalgia.

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Feel the Steel, Steel Panther delivered a hit-heavy setlist peppered with new material at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Dec. 5. Opening with “Eyes of a Panther,” the band immediately set the tone for a night of raucous fun. Crowd favorites like “Community Property” and “Death to All But Metal” had fans screaming along, while newer tracks like “Friends With Benefits” showcased their evolving sound without losing that quintessential Steel Panther flair

Let’s get one thing straight: Steel Panther doesn’t just play music — they put on a show. Frontman Michael Starr’s effortless ability to blend powerhouse vocals with stand-up comedy kept the crowd engaged between songs. Satchel’s extended guitar solo was a masterclass in technique and flair, featuring everything from shredding licks to tongue-in-cheek theatrics. Meanwhile, bassist Spyder seamlessly stepped into his role, providing the down low grunt with his colorful bass guitars while proving he’s a perfect fit for Steel Panther, following previous bassist Lexxi Foxx’s departure.

Stream “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’” by Steel Panther on YouTube:

Drummer Stix Zadinia anchored the chaos with precision, his beats driving the band’s larger-than-life anthems. And of course, no Steel Panther concert would be complete without their cheeky banter and interactive antics, which included serenading a fan named Megan with a dirty, improvised song specifically for her. Michael followed that touching song with “Girl From Oklahoma” and then the boys in the band invited 17 women from the audience to come up on the stage for a performance of “17 Girls in a Row”, with all the dirty dancing and double entendre one would expect.

The audience was as much a part of the spectacle as the band. Fans decked out in long hair wigs, band tees, and leopard prints sang along to every song, creating an infectious energy that pulsed through the venue. Even the uninitiated found themselves caught up in the band’s naughty spirit.

Steel Panther’s show was more than just a concert—equal parts parody and genuine love for the glam metal era, they delivered a night of high-energy music and unfiltered fun. For those lucky enough to snag a ticket, they got a reminder of why Steel Panther remains a beloved force in rock ‘n’ roll today.

As one fan aptly put it while leaving the venue: “I came for the laughs, but I stayed for the music.”

Steel Panther:
Michael Starr – vocals
Satchel – guitar
Stix Zadinia – drums
Spyder – bass

Setlist

1. Eyes of a Panther
2. It Won’t Suck Itself
3. Asian Hooker
4. Friends With Benefits
5. The Shocker
6. Song for Megan
7. Girl From Oklahoma
8. 17 Girls in a Row
9. Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’
10. Community Property
11. Death to All But Metal
12. Gloryhole

Here are some photos of Steel Panther performing at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Dec. 5, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/Odd Rocker Photography.