The Burden of Being Wonderful

The Zoo Crew is spinning the glam metal anthem "The Burden of Being Wonderful" by Steel Panther, a track that perfectly captures the band's tongue-in-cheek take on the excesses of 1980s hair metal. Released as the second single from their 2014 album All You Can Eat, the song is a power ballad that humorously laments the struggles of being "too perfect." Guitarist Satchel, in an interview with Songfacts, revealed that the song was written to be radio-friendly, avoiding the band's usual explicit lyrics while still embodying their comedic spirit. He crafted the song imagining himself as lead singer Michael Starr, poking fun at Starr's less-than-graceful dance moves, particularly the line "I've got the grace of a dancer," which Satchel noted was inspired by Starr's comically awkward stage dancing.

The music video for "The Burden of Being Wonderful" is a nod to the over-the-top heavy metal videos of the MTV era, directed by Kirker Butler, known for his work on Family Guy. Filmed at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip on October 28, 2013, the shoot doubled as a Halloween show where fans, dubbed "Fanthers," dressed up as Steel Panther members. The video stars comedian Matt Braunger as an average Joe who envisions himself as the epitome of Steel Panther's perfection. According to a post on Fanthers.com, the band played the song four times to capture the footage, with Butler guiding the audience on how to react, making it a memorable night for the Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Steel Panther began in Los Angeles in 2000 as Metal Shop, a cover band playing 1980s hair metal hits. Fronted by Ralph Saenz (Michael Starr), with Russ Parrish (Satchel) on guitar, Travis Haley (Lexxi Foxx) on bass, and Darren Leader (Stix Zadinia) on drums, they performed weekly at venues like the Viper Room. Initially known as Metal Skool, the band built a cult following on the Sunset Strip with their spot-on covers and comedic personas that exaggerated the glam metal lifestyle. In 2008, they rebranded as Steel Panther, shifting focus to original songs that parodied the genre's clichés with raunchy humor and technical prowess. Their 2009 debut album, Feel the Steel, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy chart, cementing their status as both a parody act and a legitimate musical force.

The band’s over-the-top antics and musicianship have earned them a dedicated fanbase, with communities like the Steel Panther Fans / Fanthers Worldwide website and the Steel Panther Fanthers Facebook group keeping the Zoo Freak spirit alive. Fans can follow the band’s latest shenanigans on their official social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Whether it’s their hilarious lyrics or shredding solos, Steel Panther continues to deliver the kind of outrageous energy that makes "The Burden of Being Wonderful" a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s airwaves.