One of the shows everyone looks forward to every year at NAMM is the NAMM Jam. This year was no different as Steel Panther headlined this year’s installment. Along with Steel Panther were Hardcore Superstar, Otherwise, Nick Colionne and the Johnny Coffin Fashion Show.
Due to BackstageAxxess covering another event, we were unable to get to the venue until Sweden’s own Hardcore Superstar took the stage. There was definitely a buzz surrounding the band as it was their first appearance in the US in over 10 years. Their brand of “sleaze rock” really took control of the crowd. Vocalist Joakim “Jocke” Berg was a madman on stage and used every inch for the short set they played. Unfortunately the 6 song set was only an appetizer before Steel Panther took to the stage. With a new CD that will be released (tentatively in April), I have a feeling you will be hearing a lot more of Hardcore Superstar in the months ahead.
Steel Panther has come a long way since playing covers and doing weekly club shows at the Roxy and House of Blues. The band has been doing consistent tours, playing some of the biggest festivals. In fact, they just came off their latest run opening for Judas Priest. Many didn’t see the band as a good choice to headline the NAMM Jam but I saw it differently. Their brand of musical humor is just what NAMM needed to lighten things up a bit. Make no mistake, they are very talented musicians.
Diving (no pun intended) into their opening song “Pussywhipped,” you can tell it was going to be one of those “special” nights. Why you ask? Well a few songs later former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman came out to play (unannounced by the way) “Asian Hooker.” Of course, why wouldn’t he play this song since he has taken up residency in Japan for the last handful of years. He played the song like his dinner depended on it. A great selection and choice.
The next special guest (who was previously announced beforehand) was KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. Tommy played his new signature Les Paul outfit guitar and led the band into “I Love It Loud.” The next song may take the traditional KISS fan off guard some. Tommy played “Gang Bang at the Old Folks Home” and kept up with Satchel note for note. I think the band appreciated that he learned the song and Tommy had fun doing it. Of course what’s a Steel Panther show without your occasional drunk and annoying topless girl who somehow finds her way on stage and won’t leave? It was funny because it was right before Thayer took the stage. He played it cool and played along.
As mentioned previously, it was a great night put on by Delve Texas and can’t wait until next year!
Steel Panther setlist:
Pussywhipped Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World
Asian Hooker (with Marty Freidman)
Just like Tiger Woods
I Love it Loud (with Tommy Thayer – KISS song) Gang Bang at the Old Folks Home (with Tommy Thayer)
Community Property
If I Was the King
Gloryhole
Death to All But Metal
Hardcore Superstar setlist:
Moonshine
Dreamin’ in a Casket
Above the Law
Run to Your Mama
Last Call for Alcohol
We Don’t Celebrate Sundays
We would like to thank Suzanne Penley of Delve Texas for the credentials to review the show.
