Newcastle O2 Academy, not the biggest of venues and seldom visited by bigger artists; it's certainly a location to draw the crowds. Spacious floor, loud music, bars aplenty; it's a wonder why more artists are unwilling to venture into the North East of England's greatest place for live music.

Completely sold out, the floor is abundant with beings and all four bars are packed; the place flooded with sleazed up fans sporting wigs, leopard print, spandex and makeup; the crowd have gone the whole hog for this parodical glam foursome.

Racing on the stage (with much cheer from the congregation) and breaking into 'Eyes of A Panther,' the band begin their epic routine; Satchel and Lexxi back to back in a cliché 80s fashion. Realising that each member of the assembly is singing along to every single word, vocalist Michael Starr's face is full of simultaneous suprise and glee. There is no deficiency of onstage energy here.



Comedic they may be, but Steel Panther have no lack of musicianship. Blasting into 'Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)' the genuine talent of the guys begins to shine through their mock garb and paraphernalia. Fun and fast paced, the group have the diverse horde of fans frenzied; screaming; bouncing; riotous.

Steel Panther have much more to the show than their vivacious music. Each song broken by skits of crude humour; foul-mouthed references to fornication, lady-parts, and how appalling their stage crew are. Inviting girls into their spotlight is another of their antics; provoking the flashing of breasts to the masses.

Separating Steel Panther from every other parody band, Starr officially introduces Satchel, who continues to blare out a 'kick-ass' solo, of which the last lingering note transforms into the first of the truly awesome riffing of 'Turn Out The Lights.'

Incredible.

After more hilarity, such as encouraging the throng to chant 'P-U-S-S-Y' for 'We Want Pussy' (obviously), the troupe conclude with their classic 'Death To All But Metal,' followed by overwhelming covers of 'Shout At The Devil'(Motley Crue) 'Paradise City'(Guns and Roses) and 'Youth Gone Wild'(Skid Row), to the accompaniment of young, attractive ladies from the audience.

Combining droll banter with great showmanship, crowd interactivity and not forgetting genuine talent, Steel Panther are one of the finest acts to hit the Academy since it's opening in 2005.