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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Mental as Anything...Australia has gone Mental




G'day, 

An old schoolmate of mine ( G'day Scotty) saw this blogaroo's subject matter on Australia Day at Cronulla Beach...some 37 years since they came into existence...SO.....



Sometime late late last century, I found myself a LOOONG way from my home stomping ground of Punchbowl at, and I cant remeber why, The exceedingly famous Annandale Hotel, the only reason I can think of was that someone told me it was a crash hot pub for live music and I should have a look...


so I did and the first band I saw was Mental as Anything, now, to be fair, they werent playing my fave kind of tunes at the time..I was more ya Rosey Tatts, TMG and Angels kinda fella....BUT, I musta enjoyed 'em cause I ended up with a few of their albums + a compilation...so, to the might mighty Mentals



The boys formed Mental As Anything (or Mentals to fans) at an art school in Sydney in 1976



 Its most popular line-up (which lasted from 1977-1999) was Martin Plaza (birth name Martin Murphy) on vocals and guitar; Reg Mombassa (birth name Chris O'Doherty) on lead guitar and vocals; his brother Peter "Yoga Dog" O'Doherty on bass guitar and vocals; Wayne "Bird" Delisle (birth name David Twohill) on drums; and Andrew "Greedy" Smith on vocals, keyboards and harmonica.




Formed on a whim by a group of bored art students in search of free drinks, Mental as Anything have gone on to a career spanning several decades, their tongues remaining planted firmly in cheek throughout the duration of their existence.

 Debuting in 1978, the Sydney-based group included singer/guitarist Reg Mombasa (born Chris O'Doherty), his bassist brother Peter O'Doherty, lead guitarist Martin Plaza, keyboardist Andrew "Greedy" Smith, and drummer Wayne Delisle; their first gig was held at the Annandale hotel, with a pool table serving as a makeshift stage. 




Their early shows proved surprisingly successful, and soon Mental as Anything had earned enough of a cult following to record a single, 1979's "The Nips Are Getting Bigger"( one of my personal faves); it was a Top 20 hit, and when their debut LP, Get Wet, achieved similar success, the group was off and running with a fury



Mental as Anything resurfaced in 1980 with Espresso Bongo, which generated two more hit singles, "Come Around" and "(Just Like) Romeo and Juliet." After 1982's Cats and Dogs achieved platinum status on the strength of the smashes "If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?" and "Too Many Times," Mental as Anything began attracting worldwide notice, and in 1982 they mounted their first tour of the United States. Fan Elvis Costello produced the single "I Didn't Mean to Be Mean," issued later that same year, and in 1983 the group issued its fourth LP, Creatures of Leisure, another Aussie Top Ten hit. Also in 1983, 




Mental as Anything launched their first group art exhibition, featuring works from each of the bandmembers; among the buyers was Elton John. In 1985 they returned with Fundamental as Anything, their biggest hit to date; the single "Live It Up" was a smash throughout much of the globe, reaching the Top Five in the U.K. and Germany.



After their 1986 collection Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 fell just shy of topping the Australian charts, Mental as Anything returned the following year with Mouth to Mouth; after 1989's Cyclone Raymond, they mounted a touring art exhibition that traveled across the country, but for the most part, the quintet was out of the limelight for the early part of the next decade, instead focusing on personal lives and the occasional side project (including the O'Doherty brothers' collaboration Dog Trumpet). 



A Mental as Anything B-sides collection, Chemical Travel, appeared in 1993, and in 1995 the band's first new studio LP in six years, Liar Liar Pants on Fire, returned them to the Top 40 on the strength of the hit "Mr. Natural." In 1997, Mental as Anything celebrated their 20-year anniversary with the original lineup still intact; the LP Garage appeared the following year.




Their original hit songs were generated by Mombassa, O'Doherty, Plaza and Smith, either individually or collectively; they also hit the Australian charts with covers of songs by Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.



Their top ten Australian singles are "If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?" and "Too Many Times" (both from 1981), "Live it Up" (1985) and "Rock and Roll Music" (1988). Internationally, "Too Many Times" made the Canadian top 40 in 1982, and "Live it Up" peaked at No. 3 in UK,  No. 4 in Norway, and No. 6 in Germany,[ after it featured in the 1986 Australian film "Crocodile" Dundee. 


All of the original members are visual artists and have had combined studio displays, some have had solo studio displays 



And I along eith a stack of other Aussies wear Reg Mombassa's artwork , cause it is on our Mambo boardies & t-shirts. The majority of the group's record covers, posters and video clips have been designed and created by themselves or their art school contemporaries.



 On 27 August 2009, Mental As Anything was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame alongside Kev Carmody, The Dingoes, Little Pattie and John Paul Young.





Current members
Martin Plaza (Martin Murphy) – guitar, vocals (1976–present)
Greedy Smith (Andrew Smith) – keyboards, harmonica, vocals (1976–present)
Mike Caen – guitar, vocals (2002–present)
Zoltan Budai – bass guitar (2011–present)
Jacob Cook – drums (2011–present)

Past members
Reg Mombassa (Chris O'Doherty) – guitar, vocals (1976–2000)
Steve Coburn – bass guitar (1976–1977)
David Twohill (Wayne de Lisle) – drums (1976–2004)
Peter O'Doherty (Yoga Dog) – bass, vocals (1977–2000)
Mike Gubb – keyboards (on tour) (1986–1987)
Murray Cook – guitar (2000–2002)
David Barraclough – bass guitar, vocals, guitar, keyboards (2000–2011)
Robbie Souter – drums (2004–2011)



1979 - Get Wet aka Mental As Anything
1980 - Espresso Bongo
1981 - Cats & Dogs aka If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?
1983 - Creatures of Leisure
1985 - Fundamental
1987 - Mouth to Mouth
1989 - Cyclone Raymond
1995 - Liar Liar Pants on Fire
1998 - GarĂ ge
2000 - Beetroot Stains
2002 - Road Case
2005 - Plucked
2009 - Tents Up

Compilation albums
1986 - Greatest Hits Volume 1
1993 - Chemical Travel
1999 - Best of
2009 - Essential As Anything 
( 30th Anniversary Edition)




SOME TRULY MENTAL GIGS FOR 2014

Feb 2014
Fri 21 – VAT 2 Bunbury (WA)
Fri 28 – Twilight concert series @ Taronga Zoo

March 2014
Sat 1 – National Museum of Australia (Canberra)
Sat 15 – Beaches Hotel Thirroul

April 2014
Fri 4 – Lizottes Newcastle
Sat 5 - Lizottes Central Coast
Fri 11 – Lizottes Dee Why
Sat 12 – Asquith Leagues


























Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Lynryd Skynryd : Whiskey Powered Rock'n'Rollers


the first time I ever heard OR even saw Lynyrd Skynyrd was on a Saturday avo in the early 80's, layed a live concert of theirs, Knebworth in '76 I believe  ....Its the one with the band playing their arse off, .Ronnie Van Zant controlling the crowd, The Honkettes grooving away up the back, Artimus banging away with that signature Skynyrd beat and all the boys having a fair old hoot



That gig is thus far, apart from youtube the only way I've seen Skynyrd..they never made it to Orstraylia when Ronnie was kickin up dust and raisin hell ...dunno if it was on the cards or not...but none the less, the Knebworth gig is brilliant



Oh, by the by, here is an interesting bit of info..for all you people learning guitar...learn 'FREEBIRD" according to Benny from pommy rockers Thunder, its got everything a rookie guitarist needs to get your chops down in double quick time...so there you go....As is the Lynryd Skynryd Movie...an ridiculously great flick..showing the entity that is Skynyrd in various incarnations...ANYWHOO to the band....



Lynyrd Skynyrd was the definitive Southern rock band, fusing the overdriven power of blues-rock with a rebellious Southern image and a hard rock swagger. they were a hard-living, hard-driving rock & roll band -- they may have jammed endlessly on-stage, but their music remained firmly entrenched in blues, rock, and country. For many, Lynyrd Skynyrd's redneck image tended to obscure the songwriting skills of their leader, Ronnie Van Zant. 


Throughout the band's early records, Van Zant demonstrated a knack for lyrical detail and a down-to-earth honesty that had more in common with country than rock & roll. During the height of Skynyrd's popularity in the mid-'70s, however, Van Zant's talents were overshadowed by the group's gritty, greasy blues-rock. 


Sadly, it wasn't until he was killed in the tragic plane crash in 1977 along with two other bandmembers that the world at large began to realize his talents. Skynyrd split up after the plane crash, but they reunited a decade later, becoming a popular concert act during the early '90s.




Named after a decidely grumpy head coach ( Leonard Skinner) at their high school...and after Ronnie K'O'd Bob Burns while playing baseball...they formed the band ...they played around Jacksonville in bard like the little Brown jug and similar joints.



 Within a few months, the group added bassist Leon Wilkeson and keyboardist Billy Powell, and changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd, a mocking tribute to their gym teacher Leonard Skinner, who was notorious for punishing students with long hair. With drummer Bob Burns, Lynyrd Skynyrd began playing throughout the South. For the first few years, the group had little success, but producer Al Kooper signed the band to MCA after seeing them play at an Atlanta club called Funocchio's in 1972. 



Kooper produced the group's 1973 debut, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, which was recorded after former Strawberry Alarm Clock guitarist Ed King joined the band. The group became notorious for their triple-guitar attack, which was showcased on "Free Bird," a tribute to the recently deceased Duane Allman. "Free Bird" earned Lynyrd Skynyrd their first national exposure and it became one of the staples of album rock radio, still receiving airplay decades after its release.



 "Free Bird" and an opening slot on the Who's 1973 Quadrophenia tour gave Lynyrd Skynyrd a devoted following, which helped their second album, 1974's Second Helping, become its breakthrough hit. Featuring the hit single "Sweet Home Alabama" -- a response to Neil Young's "Southern Man" -- Second Helping reached number 12 and went multi-platinum. At the end of the year, Artimus Pyle replaced drummer Burns and King left the band shortly afterward. 



The new sextet released Nuthin' Fancy in 1975, and it became the band's first Top Ten hit. The record was followed by the Tom Dowd-produced Gimme Back My Bullets in 1976, which failed to match the success of its two predecessors. However, the band retained their following through constant touring, which was documented on the double live album One More from the Road. Released in late 1976, the album featured the band's new guitarist, Steve Gaines, and a trio of female backup singers, and it became Skynyrd's second Top Ten album.



 Skynyrd released their sixth album, Street Survivors, on October 17, 1977. Three days later, a privately chartered plane carrying the band between shows in Greenville, SC, and Baton Rouge, LA, crashed outside of Gillsburg, MS. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie, one of the group's backing vocalists, died in the crash; the remaining members were injured. (The cause of the crash was either fuel shortage or a fault with the plane's mechanics.) 


The cover for Street Survivors had pictured the band surrounded in flames; after the crash, the cover was changed. In the wake of the tragedy, the album became one of the band's biggest hits. Lynyrd Skynyrd broke up after the crash, releasing a collection of early demos called Skynyrd's First and...Last in 1978; it had been scheduled for release before the crash. The double-album compilation Gold & Platinum was released in 1980.



Later in 1980, Rossington and Collins formed a new band -- naturally named Rossington Collins Band -- that featured four surviving members. Two years later, Pyle formed the Artimus Pyle Band. Collins suffered a car crash in 1986 that killed his girlfriend and left him paralyzed; four years later, he died of respiratory failure. In 1987, Rossington, Powell, King, and Wilkeson reunited Lynyrd Skynyrd, adding vocalist Johnny Van Zant and guitarist Randall Hall. 


The band embarked on a reunion tour, which was captured on the 1988 double live album Southern by the Grace of God/Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour -- 1987. The re-formed Skynyrd began recording in 1991, and for the remainder of the decade, the band toured frequently, putting out albums occasionally. 



The reunited Skynyrd frequently switched drummers, but it had little effect on their sound....During the '90s, Lynyrd Skynyrd were made honorary colonels in the Alabama State Militia, due to their classic rock staple "Sweet Home Alabama." During the mid-'90s, Van Zant, Rossington, Wilkeson, and Powell regrouped by adding two Southern rock veterans to Skynyrd's guitar stable: former Blackfoot frontman Rickey Medlocke and ex-Outlaws Hughie Thomasson. With ex-Damn Yankee Michael Cartellone bringing stability to the drum chair, the reconstituted band signed to CMC International for the 1997 album Twenty. 



This lineup went on to release Lyve from Steeltown in 1998, followed a year later by Edge of Forever. The seasonal effort Christmas Time Again was released in fall 2000. Although Wilkeson died one year later, Lynyrd Skynyrd regrouped and recorded Vicious Cycle for a 2003 release. The DVD/CD Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour followed a year later, 2006 saw the release of Face to Face, and 2007 brought Paper Sleeve Box and Lyve from Steel Town. 
But death continued to haunt the band, and the lineup continued to change, as much from attrition as anything else. Wilkeson, Skynyrd's bassist since 1972, died in 2001 and was replaced by Ean Evans that same year (Evans in turn died in 2009). 


Artimus Pyle, Ed King, Bob Burns, Leslie Hawkins and JoJo Billingsley played with the rest of the band at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony of 2006.



Thomasson left the band to reform his band Outlaws in 2005, dying two years later in 2007. His spot in Skynyrd was taken by Mark "Sparky" Matejka, formerly of Hot Apple Pie, in 2006. Original keyboardist Powell died at the age of 56 at his home near Jacksonville, Fl in 2009. That year also saw the release of a new studio album, God + Guns, on Roadrunner Records. Live From Freedom Hall was released on the same label in 2010. 


A new studio album, Last of a Dyin' Breed, produced by Bob Marlette, recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, and featuring a new bass player, Johnny Colt (formerly a bassist for the Black Crowes), appeared in 2012.





MODERN SKYNYRDS
Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, Johnny Van Zant, Michael Cartellone, Mark Matejka, Peter Keys. Johnny Colt, Dale Krantz-Rossington, Carol Chase

FORMER MEMBERS 
Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Bob Burns, Larry Junstrom, Greg T. Walker
Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, Ed King, Artimus Pyle, Steve Gaines
Randall Hall, Kurt Custer, Mike Estes, Owen Hale
Hughie Thomasson, Jeff McAllister, Kenny Aronoff, Ean Evans
Robert Kearns

HONKETTES
Leslie Hawkins, JoJo Billingsley, Cassie Gaines, Carol Bristow







1973 (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)
1974 Second Helping
1975 Nuthin' Fancy
1976 Gimme Back My Bullets
1977 Street Survivors
1991 Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991
1993 The Last Rebel
1994 Endangered Species
1997 Twenty
1999 Edge of Forever
2000 Christmas Time Again
2003 Vicious Cycle
2009 God & Guns
2012 Last of a Dyin' Breed

LIVE ALBUMS
1976 One More from the Road
1988 Southern by the Grace of God
1996 Southern Knights
1998 Lyve from Steel Town
2004 Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour
2010 Live from Freedom Hall

1978 Skynyrd's First and... Last
1979 Gold & Platinum
1982 Best of the Rest
1987 Legend
1989 Skynyrd's Innyrds
1991 Lynyrd Skynyrd (Box Set)
1993 A Retrospective
1997 What's Your Name
1997 Old Time Greats
1998 Extended Versions: The Encore Collection
                 The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd
                Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album
1999 20th Century Masters
                Solo Flytes
2000 All Time Greatest Hits
                Collectybles
                Then and Now
2003 Thyrty
2005 Greatest Hits (first of that name)
                Then and Now Volume Two
2008 Greatest Hits (second of that name)
2010 Icon







So there you go..Southern Rock at its finest...have a rocking day


















Friday, January 10, 2014

My names Recky and I'm a Steel Fanther



The VERY first time I'd ever seen Steel Panther, they were called Metal Skool and were on the 2nd dvd of the music doco HEAVY METAL:Louder than Life....and since then, and being a BIG fan of phenomenal piss takes, I think it a very safe bet that I'm a dedicated Steel Fanther




....to the boys and the history thereof..TOTALLY BITCHIN DUDES.




The Panthers bioys satirically pretend to be a hair metal band that missed its big break in the '80s, singer Ralph Saenz ("Michael Starr"), drummer Darren Leader ("Stix Zadinia"), bassist Travis Haley ("Lexxi Foxxx"), and guitarist Russ Parrish ("Satchel") hit the club circuit on the Sunset Strip around the turn of the millennium under the name Metal Shop (later changed to Metal Skool, and then Steel Panther). With big spiky wigs, leather jackets, zebra-striped spandex, chops earned from playing in a Van Halen tribute band, and lots and lots of machismo, their comic take on sex, drugs, and rock & roll to the extreme caught on quickly, leading to sold-out shows and some unexpected brushes with mainstream success.




 As their popularity increased, the Hollywood crowd started frequenting their sets, often making appearances on-stage ( Ive seen Kat Von D, Charlie Sheen and a fair sized smattering of 80s metal dudes on stage with the Panthers (courtesy of YouTube) 




This led to some opportunities: the band fittingly played the role of a metal band as "Danger Kitty" in a Discover Card commercial; they appeared on The Drew Carey Show as themselves; and their song "FF" was used as the theme for MTV's Fantasy Factory. In May of 2008 the band signed to Universal Republic. After releasing the singles "Death for All But Metal" and "Community Property," Steel Panther's full-length Feel the Steel was released in October of 2009. The album broke the band onto the Billboard chart, netting them a spot at 98 on the U.S. charts (and 48 on the rock chart). Not wanting the fun to stop, the band got back to it quickly and in 2011 followed up with Balls Out, which featured guest appearances from comedian Dane Cook and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, among others
.

The quartet began to gain popularity in the Sunset Strip during the early 2000s under the name Metal Shop. The band did weekly shows on Monday nights at the Viper Room, playing covers of 1980s hair metal hits while parodying the bands that made the songs famous. Despite the name changes, some members putting in time in a Van Halen tribute band, they finally managed to gain some success  In 2003 Steel Panther published Hole Patrol,  their self-produced debut. The band appeared in a Discover Card advertisement as Danger Kitty and in the sitcom Drew Carey Show as themselves. 



Also in 2003, their song "Death to All But Metal" was included in a compilation CD called Hey, That's What I Call Sludge! Vol. 1 put out by the Metal Sludge web site. Their cover of the song "Fantasy" by Aldo Nova was used as the opening musical theme for the MTV program Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. On November 27, 2007 Metal Skool played original songs as well as covers of KISS songs at the Gene Simmons roast, they can be seen in the background of Gene Simmons' reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels. That year, they also appeared as themselves on Las Vegas in the episode "The High Price of Gas".





In April 2008 the band decided to change their name from Metal Skool to Steel Panther, making a new debut at The Rockin' Saddle Club in Redlands, California. In an interview with Michael Starr, he states that the band's name wasn't inspired by Steel Dragon, the band with Zakk Wylde and Mark Wahlberg in the movie Rock Star. In May 2008, the band signed a contract with Republic Records (owned by record label Universal Records) announcing plans for a new studio album.



The first single, an updated version of "Death to All but Metal", first appeared on iTunes on 27 January 2009, whereas the album, entitled Feel the Steel and produced by Jay Ruston, was published on 9 June, during the same year. A promotional video, directed by actor Dean Cameron, was shot for the song "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows.)"...Sometime collaborator Dean Cameron, also credited with co-writing "Supersonic Sex Machine" on "Balls Out", directed and co-wrote a pilot presentation in an attempt to land Steel Panther their own television program.






On December 6, 2011, Steel Panther announced their second solo UK tour in support of their newest album Balls Out. Tickets for the shows went on sale on December 9, 2011, with many ticket providers selling out their allocations within a month. This Prompted another headline UK tour taking place in November 2012





Steel Panther played on the main stage at Download Festival in June 2012, during which they were joined on stage by Corey Taylor of Slipknot to play Death to All But Metal. They played in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people....Steel Panther are managed by Satchel's brother, Glenn Parrish.



The band released their major record label debut (Universal Republic), Feel the Steel on June 8, 2009 in the UK and on October 6, 2009 in North America. Feel the Steel debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy chart, No. 123 on the Billboard 200 chart and would eventually peak at No. 98 on the Billboard 200 chart. The record features hit singles, "Community Property" and "Death to All but Metal" as well as notable guest vocal performances from Corey Taylor, Justin Hawkins, and M. Shadows.....The record's success also caught the attention of the Grammys, making it onto the "Best Comedy Album" ballot in October 2010, yet failing to reach a nomination.
The track "Eyes of a Panther" from Feel the Steel is featured on the sound track for the video game Skate 3.



The boys continued their revival of the 80's heavy metal genre with their sophomore effort titled Balls Out released through major record label, Universal Republic on October 31, 2011 in the UK and on November 1, 2011 in North America. Balls Out debuted at No. 1 on the UK iTunes Rock chart surpassing Megadeth's TH1RT3EN and Lou Reed's and Metallica's Lulu. Balls Out also debuted at No. 4 on the US iTunes Rock chart, No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart and at No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy chart with first-week sales of 12,000 copies in the US.




Steel Panther released their first Live DVD British Invasion in September 2012. The DVD was released worldwide on October 22, 2012. The DVD was filmed at Brixton Academy in London and features a two-hour concert/documentary based on the band's sold-out British tour.



Steel Panther released their new video "Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World" on October 28, 2013 via their YouTube VEVO channel. It is the first single for their upcoming album All You Can Eat, due for release in 2014. The band played a new song called "Glory Hole" from their upcoming album for the first time in Brisbane Australia on December 6, 2013




Due to their growing popularity, Steel Panther were invited by Def Leppard to join them and co-headliners Mötley CrĂ¼e as "Special Guests" on the Mirrorball Tour tour in December 2011.



Exactly one week after ending the UK arena tour in London with Def Leppard and Mötley CrĂ¼e, Steel Panther opened for Guns N' Roses at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA on December 21, 2011.




On May 11, 2011 Steel Panther announced that they would be playing the main stage (same stage as Van Halen) at Soundwave Revolution, however, the spin-off festival would be cancelled due to poor ticket sales. In fact, drummer Stix Zadinia was responsible for breaking the story via his Twitter account on August 9: "Soundwave revolution is cancelled. I am bummed." The news shocked Soundwave fans and caused a huge debacle resulting in Steel Panther trending on Twitter and fans accusing Steel Panther as the reason for the cancellation.

Though Steel Panther were disappointed by the news knowing that they wouldn't be sharing the main stage with Van Halen, the Soundwave Revolution cancellation ended up being a blessing in disguise for it allowed the band to finish recording their second major release, [Balls Out].
The band then proceeded to play the 2012 edition of the main festival, sharing a stage with System of a Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit.




Brazzers sponsored the Australian tour of Steel Panther in early October 2012, which sold out in Brisbane, Sydney (two shows), Melbourne, and Adelaide.





In late 2012, Steel Panther's European tour was crowned a huge success. They played sold out shows, particularly in Germany:




Steel Panther toured Australia in December 2013. Shows were sold out in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth between 6 and 12 December.
It has been mentioned that parts of the Australian live shows were recorded for a DVD for a deluxe release of their next CD, "All You Can Eat". At this time, it's unknown if this will be an Australia-only release.

Best Debut: Feel the Steel - Metal Hammer Germany
2012 Live Act of the Year - Loudwire Music Awards





   2003 Hole Patrol
    2009 Feel the Steel
2011 Balls Out
     2014 All You Can Eat

Singles
       2002 "Love Rocket" (as Danger Kitty)
2003 "Death to All but Metal"
2009 "Death to All but Metal"
"Community Property"
"Eyes of a Panther"
"Don't Stop Believin'"
"Fantasy"
"Sexy Santa"
2010 "I Want It That Way"
       2011 "If You Really, Really Love Me"
"17 Girls in a Row"
"Just Like Tiger Woods"
       2013 "Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World"

Videography

Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) – The Video (2005) – home DVD featuring the music video for the title track and behind-the-scenes footage.
Behind the Music: Steel Panther (2009) – iTunes podcast featuring a fake Behind the Music story for Steel Panther. (Features stars like Matt Sorum, Kat Von D, Jani Lane, Dee Snider and Dave Navarro)
British Invasion (Steel Panther DVD) (2012) first live release

Music Videos
"Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)" (2009)
"Death To All But Metal" (2009)
"Community Property" (2009)
"If You Really Really Love Me" (2011)
"Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World" (2013)
"The Burden Of Being Wonderful" (2014)
"Glory Hole" (2014)



Ralph Saenz (born May 17, 1965) is most known by his stage name Michael Starr, although he has also been nicknamed Michael Diamond. Starr is the lead singer for the comedic glam metal band Steel Panther.[1] Steel Panther was formerly known as Metal Shop, or Metal Skool and were once featured in a Discover Card commercial as "Danger Kitty."
Saenz was the lead singer for the David Lee Roth-era Van Halen tribute band Atomic Punks from May 1994 through December 2008, where he had the nickname "David Lee Ralph."
Saenz was briefly the lead singer for L.A. Guns singing on the Wasted EP. He also has sung for the bands 7% Solution, First Cause, Longgone, and Nightfall. The latter were featured on the KNAC radio sponsored Pure Rock compilation (1987), with Ralph going under the name Michael Saenz.
Saenz appeared briefly in the 2001 film, Rock Star. Ralph can be seen in the glass booth auditioning, when Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston walk into the audition. Ralph struts, glaring at the two before Wahlberg takes his turn to audition.
Although he has led various groups as the primary vocalist, Saenz also provided background vocals for rock band AFI on the albums Sing the Sorrow and Decemberunderground.




Russ Parrish (born November 24, 1970 in Redwood City, California) 
He has worked extensively with Paul Gilbert and has writing credits on several Paul Gilbert tracks.....Russ also is the leader of his own band called The Thornbirds with Darren Leader who is also a member of Steel Panther, Guitarist, Jeff Duncan, is a former member of rock-metal bands Odin, Armored Saint, The Atomic Punks, and DC4. Rounding out the group is bassist Dean Cameron.




In the early 1990s Russ was an instructor at The Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.) at Hollywood's Musician's Institute. Russ played guitar for Jeff Pilson's post- Dokken band War & Peace and released one CD, before leaving to join Rob Halford's band Fight. In 1995, Parrish played guitar in Kevin Gilbert's touring band (dubbed "Thud") in support of Gilbert's Thud album. Parrish can be seen performing with Gilbert on Welcome to Joytown - Thud Live at the Troubadour, a DVD/CD combo released in 2009 documenting the band's June 1, 1995 concert at The Troubador in Los Angeles. In 1996, he played guitar with vocalist Sebastian Bach in the song, "Rock Bottom"[disambiguation needed] for an Ace Frehley tribute album named Spacewalk (A Salute To Ace Frehley)



Stix Zadinia is the stage name of Darren Leader, an American-born drummer. He is best known as the drummer for the glam metal band Steel Panther (formerly known as Metal Skool). He is influenced by Bon Jovi and many other rock bands from the 1970's and 80's. Stix was a member of a band called The Thornbirds with Russ Parrish, the guitarist for Steel Panther, Jeff Duncan, a former member of rock-metal supergroups Odin, Armored Saint, and DC4, and bassist Dean Cameron.




and there f**k all about Travis Healy aka Lexxi Foxx ...so instead of guessing about Travis stuff,  I will say that Lexxi does an awesome hair solo and is never EVER without a mirror while on stage (and probably off stage as well) and his a helluva bass player just quietly.






SO..there you go...I highly recommend you become a Steel Fanther...if nothing else you will end up with a smile...and that cant be a bad thing