Steel Panther, Koster
Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
December 29, 2024
If you’re looking for a concert experience that’s equal parts high-octane rock and outrageous comedy, Steel Panther’s Let’s Get Toasted 2024 night at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom was *the* place to be. On December 29, the glam-metal legends turned the iconic venue into an ‘80s fever dream, complete with shredding guitar solos, raucous humour, and enough hairspray to ignite a small forest fire.
Kicking off the evening, Toronto-based alt-rocker Køster delivered a great set. Køster’s raw vocals, boundless energy and hard-hitting tracks warmed the crowd up nicely, setting the stage for what was to come.
For the third year running, Steel Panther brought their wild antics to the Commodore Ballroom for a pre-New Year’s blowout. From the moment the crowd trickled in—dressed in leopard print, leather, and wigs galore despite the cold temperature and threats of rain—it was clear the audience was ready for a night of unapologetic glam-rock mayhem.
The band wasted no time, diving straight into their hit “Eyes of a Panther” as the curtain revealed the band bathed in light. Lead singer Michael Starr, with his powerhouse vocals and cheeky grin, immediately commanded the room. Guitarist Satchel delivered blistering solos with his red striped guitar, each riff more jaw-dropping than the last, especially during his solo set. Bassist Spyder struck poses between grooves, while drummer Stix Zadinia drove the rhythm with pinpoint precision.
Steel Panther is a full-blown comedy act. Between songs, Starr and Satchel’s banter had the crowd in stitches. From poking fun at themselves to roasting audience members, no one was safe, and everyone was laughing. At one point, Satchel tried to hype up Stix for the ladies by describing his achievements “high school graduate, has a driving license, is one of the top 3 drummers in the band, has a 4.1 Uber driver rating.”
The show wasn’t just about watching—it was about joining the party. During “17 Girls in a Row,” about 20 women from the audience flooded the stage, dancing, laughing, and embracing the chaos. It felt less like a concert and more like the best party you’ve ever been to. For “Impromptu Song for a Girl,” they brought a fan named Jessica on stage to “serenade” her in their own way.
The band’s setlist was a mix of fan favourites like “Asian Hooker” and “Community”*alongside newer tracks like “Friends With Benefits” from their 2023 release On The Prowl. Each song was packed with energy, hooks, and tongue-in-cheek humour. As the night drew to a close, Steel Panther ended with their infamous track “Gloryhole,” leaving the crowd sweaty, and grinning from ear to ear.
Steel Panther’s concert was a celebration of glam metal, humour, and unfiltered fun. Whether you came for the music, the jokes, or the sheer spectacle, you left with great memories. If Steel Panther rolls into town again, don’t miss them. Bring your spandex, your sense of humour, and prepare for a night you won’t forget.
For more photos from the show, head to our Facebook!
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer