Eyes Of A Panther

The song Eyes of a Panther from Steel Panther's debut album Feel the Steel is a high-energy glam metal anthem that has become a staple in the band's live performances. In a video retrospective for the album's 15th anniversary, guitarist Satchel and vocalist Michael Starr described the track as "the perfect opening song on the road," highlighting its ability to electrify audiences worldwide. The song's raw power and catchy riffs make it a fan favorite, with its lyrics embodying the band's over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek take on the 1980s hair metal era. Notably, Eyes of a Panther was featured on the soundtrack for the video game Skate 3, exposing it to a broader audience beyond the band's dedicated "Fanthers."

Behind the scenes, Eyes of a Panther showcases Steel Panther's knack for blending humor with technical prowess. The track includes guest appearances from metal icons like Corey Taylor of Slipknot and M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, who contributed backing vocals, adding to its star-studded production. In interviews, the band has emphasized their commitment to crafting authentic glam metal sounds, and this song's instrumentation draws heavily from influences like Bon Jovi and Poison. Fans on social media, particularly in groups like the Steel Panther Fan Club on Facebook, often praise the song's infectious energy, with some sharing stories of singing along at concerts, air-drumming in their cars, or even introducing it to younger family members who misinterpret the lyrics in hilarious ways.

Steel Panther began their journey in the early 2000s as Metal Shop, a cover band playing glam metal hits on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip. Formed by vocalist Ralph Saenz (Michael Starr), guitarist Russ Parrish (Satchel), bassist Travis Haley (Lexxi Foxx), and drummer Darren Leader (Stix Zadinia), the group performed weekly at venues like the Viper Room and Key Club. Their shows were a mix of faithful covers and comedic stage antics, poking fun at the excesses of the 1980s hair metal scene. By 2008, they rebranded as Steel Panther, adopting exaggerated personas to fully embrace their satirical take on the genre. Their dedication to the craft, combined with their irreverent humor, quickly built a cult following.

The band's big break came with the release of Feel the Steel in 2009 through Universal Republic, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy chart and peaked at No. 98 on the Billboard 200. Their authenticity stems from the members' deep roots in the music scene—Satchel, for instance, previously played with L.A. Guns and Fight, while Starr had a cameo in the glam metal-inspired film Rock Star. Over the years, Steel Panther has maintained their commitment to their comedic personas while proving their musical chops, collaborating with artists like Corey Taylor and Justin Hawkins and touring with legends like Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe. Their global fanbase continues to grow, fueled by their relentless touring and engaging online presence.

Fans can connect with Steel Panther through their official website, where they offer merchandise, music, and tour updates. Their social media presence is vibrant, with regular posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour announcements, music videos, and humorous content like their "Are You Metal?" and "Love on the Rocks" series. For dedicated fans, the Steel Panther Fan Club on Facebook offers a space to discuss concerts, share memes, and celebrate the band's outrageous style. Additionally, fan-driven sites like Metal Storm provide forums and archives for enthusiasts to dive deeper into the band's discography and legacy.