Weenie Ride

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as The Zoo Crew spins Weenie Ride by Steel Panther from their 2011 album Balls Out! This tongue-in-cheek ballad, dripping with the band’s signature raunchy humor, is a fan favorite for its over-the-top lyrics and glam metal swagger. According to drummer Stix Zadinia in an interview with AntiMusic, the song was born over a steakhouse lunch in Las Vegas, where he and guitarist Satchel hashed out what they proudly called a “full-blown ballad.” The track’s absurdly explicit lyrics, comparing a sexual escapade to a Disneyland ride, were crafted to both shock and amuse, with lines like “It’s better than a Ferris wheel or a water slide.” The band’s knack for blending 80s-style power ballads with crude comedy shines here, making it a standout on the album.

Another tidbit from the band’s lore is how Weenie Ride became a live show staple. In a 2016 Metal Injection acoustic performance, Steel Panther delivered a surprisingly tender version of the song, proving their musical chops beneath the comedic facade. Fans on Steel Panther’s Facebook page often share stories of laughing hysterically at live shows when frontman Michael Starr dedicates the song to “all the ladies who’ve taken the ride.” The song’s music video, though less iconic than some of their others, leans into the sleazy aesthetic with exaggerated machismo and plenty of winks to the camera, perfectly capturing their parody of 80s glam metal excess.

Steel Panther started as a Sunset Strip phenomenon in the early 2000s, originally under the name Metal Shop, then Metal Skool, before settling on Steel Panther in 2008. Fronted by Ralph Saenz (Michael Starr), a former LA Guns vocalist, the band—rounded out by guitarist Russ Parrish (Satchel), bassist Travis Haley (Lexxi Foxx), and drummer Darren Leader (Stix Zadinia)—began as a cover act playing 80s hair metal hits at venues like the Viper Room. Their over-the-top personas, complete with spandex, big wigs, and lewd banter, quickly drew a cult following. By parodying the sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll lifestyle of bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison, they carved out a niche as both a tribute and a satire of the genre. Their weekly gigs became a Hollywood hotspot, with celebrities like Corey Taylor and Justin Hawkins joining them on stage, as noted in their Wikipedia bio.

The band’s big break came with their 2009 major-label debut, Feel the Steel, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy chart. Balls Out followed, cementing their reputation for catchy hooks and outrageous lyrics. Despite lineup changes—bassist Lexxi Foxx left in 2021, replaced by Joe “Spyder” Lester—the band has kept the party going, releasing albums like On the Prowl and touring globally. Their ability to balance musical talent with comedic excess has kept them relevant, with fans loving the nostalgia and irreverence.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Steel Panther online at their official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, memes, and tour antics. Fans also gather at the Steel Panther Fans Worldwide Facebook group, a lively spot for sharing concert photos and debating the band’s wildest lyrics. For more fan-driven content, check out Metal Sludge, a site that’s been covering the band since their Metal Skool days with gossip and throwback stories.