Steel Panther frontman Michael Starr delivered a confident vocal performance with strong crowd command oozing with Rock & Roll charisma.

Steel Panther took over The Ritz on April 2, 2026 with a performance that reflected a band fully aware of its identity and audience. The “Twenty Twenty $ex Tour” draws from a catalog that has defined their career—Feel the Steel, Balls Out, All You Can Eat, Lower the Bar, Heavy Metal Rules, and their most recent release On the Prowl—each record reinforcing their position within modern glam metal. Operating largely outside traditional label constraints, they have sustained a global touring presence, with this run covering key U.S. cities and extending into international markets. In Raleigh, the execution was tight. Michael Starr’s vocals were controlled and consistent, Satchel’s guitar work remained precise, Stix Zadinia drove the tempo without drift, and Spyder delivered a clean, grounded low end. The stage setup leaned into classic rock presentation with risers, banner visuals, and a focused lighting rig that emphasized timing and movement. The lighting design was handled with clear intent, and front-of-house sound remained balanced and articulate throughout the set. The crowd response was strong from start to finish, with clear engagement across the band’s catalog. Merchandise reflected their established branding, with high visibility items moving steadily. The performance showed a band that understands exactly what it delivers and executes it with control. Official website: https://steelpanther.com — Latest release: https://steelpanther.com/music

Steel Panther

Cody Parks and The Dirty South opened the evening with a direct, stripped-down approach rooted in Southern rock and independent touring discipline. Their career has developed through self-released material and consistent road work rather than major label backing, building a catalog that continues to expand with each release. On this tour, they serve as a grounded counterpoint to the headliner, setting the tone without overextending production. In Raleigh, Cody Parks led the set with a focused stage presence, keeping the band tight and transitions efficient. The mix favored vocal clarity and a defined rhythm section, translating well in the room. Production remained practical, with a standard riser setup, banner elements, and lighting driven by the house system with coordinated cues from the touring package. Audience engagement built steadily, with noticeable buy-in as the set progressed. Merchandise offerings were straightforward and accessible, aimed at converting first-time listeners into repeat fans. Their placement on this tour reflects a pairing that supports both exposure and continuity within the genre. Official website: https://codyparksmusic.com — Latest release: https://codyparksmusic.com/music

Cody Parks and The Dirty South