It Won't Suck Itself

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as we spin It Won't Suck Itself by Steel Panther from their 2011 album Balls Out! This track is a raunchy, tongue-in-cheek anthem that perfectly captures the band’s glam metal parody vibe. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song’s guest stars: Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger delivers co-lead vocals, while Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt lays down a blistering guitar solo. According to a 2011 Wikipedia entry, the song also features Heidi Murphy on female vocals, adding to its over-the-top flair. The lyrics, as shared on Genius, tell a hilarious story of a “cougar hunt” gone wrong at the San Diego Zoo, complete with a rattlesnake bite and a plea for help that’s as absurd as it is catchy. Fans on Reddit have called it a standout for its humor, with one user noting the irony of Kroeger’s involvement as possibly a sly nod to his polarizing reputation, making it a satirical gem.

Another tidbit comes from a fan’s Twitter post quoted in a 2019 Raw Music TV article, where a parent shared that their young daughters love the song, mishearing the lyrics as “It Won’t Stop Itself” and rocking out with air drums. This speaks to the band’s ability to blend infectious melodies with their provocative humor, appealing to fans who get the joke. The song’s production, helmed by Jay Ruston at Clear Lake Audio in Burbank, California, gives it that polished 80s glam metal sheen, as noted in a Metal Temple review, which praised guitarist Satchel’s “fast drive playing” reminiscent of Extreme’s style. It’s no wonder this track has become a fan favorite for its unapologetic energy and star-studded contributions.

Now, let’s dive into how Steel Panther got their start. Formed in Los Angeles, California, in the early 2000s, the band began as Metal Shop, later becoming Metal Skool before adopting their current name in 2008. Fronted by vocalist Ralph Saenz (aka Michael Starr), who previously sang with L.A. Guns, the band includes guitarist Russ Parrish (Satchel), bassist Travis Haley (Lexxi Foxx until 2021, now Joe “Spyder” Lester), and drummer Darren Leader (Stix Zadinia). As detailed on Amazon, they honed their craft on the Sunset Strip, parodying the 80s glam metal scene with big wigs, spandex, and a comedic take on the era’s excess. Their live shows, known for improvised humor and tributes to bands like Mötley Crüe and Van Halen, gained a cult following, attracting Hollywood celebrities and leading to gigs like a Discover Card commercial as “Danger Kitty” and a spot on The Drew Carey Show.

Their breakthrough came with their 2009 debut album Feel the Steel, which set the stage for Balls Out and their signature mix of catchy riffs and outrageous lyrics. A 2019 Billboard interview highlights their commitment to staying true to their vision, with Michael Starr saying they “play what we want to play, write what we want to write,” refusing to conform for mainstream airplay. This authenticity has kept their fanbase loyal, even as they’ve faced criticism for their provocative humor. By 2023, with their sixth album On the Prowl, they continued to tour globally, proving their staying power in a genre they both celebrate and satirize.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Steel Panther, check out their official website at steelpantherrocks.com for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, where they often share tour clips and interact with fans. For fan communities, join the Steel Panther Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to share concert stories and memes. You can also visit Metal Storm, a fan-driven heavy metal webzine with forums to discuss the band’s music and legacy. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the party going!