Simon Rushworth
It’s that time of the year when we turn the spotlight on the bands you simply can’t afford to miss at this year’s typically eclectic 2014 Download Festival.
As usual RUSHONROCK will be on site for the full three days bringing you the very best news and reviews from the UK’s biggest and best rock and metal fest.
And to get you in the mood we’ll be pointing you in the direction of the cream of the crop – with spoof metal mob Steel Panther next up.
Band: Steel Panther
When: Sunday June 15 17:40-18:40
Where: Main Stage
Who: The Marmite of rock. The 21st century’s answer to Spinal Tap, the ultimate spoof metal band are Download regulars – beloved of boss man Andy Copping, promoters Live Nation and thousands of fans. But be warned: crass lyrics, questionable on-stage antics and the cheesiest posturing this side of a Dairylea advert aren’t to everyone’s tastes. Watch Winger or The Treatment on the same day for the real deal but watch the Panther if you’re up for a laugh.
Why: Even if you hated the hair metal era – in fact IF you hated the hair metal era – the Panther are a hoot. Great actors, competent musicians and brazen rip-off merchants they have 80s rock pastiche down to an art form. If the sun pokes out and you’ve downed a few mid-afternoon ales it’s unlikely you’ll find better company on Sunday evening.
Listen out for: Death To All But Metal from 2009’s Feel The Steel.
Fact or fiction? Only one of the four band members can put the hair into hair metal.
What we said: ‘Subtlety has never been one of Steel Panther’s strongest suits and yet – whisper it quietly – the ultimate bad-taste band could well be making a stealthy move towards the mainstream.’ Review of Steel Panther from March 2014 Newcastle O2 Academy show.