Concert Review
Steel Panther
Buckcherry
Kurt Deimer
Sunday May 18, 2025
West Herr Riviera Theatre
North Tonawanda, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Sunday night a unique tour called the Northern Exposure tour made its way into the friendly confines of the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda. The tour received its name due to the heavy concentration of Canadian dates throughout the 25 date run. It was only fitting that this show marked the final night of the tour as Steel Panther, Buckcherry and Kurt Deimer let it all hang it. These are not the normal type of acts that the Riviera hosts regularly and after this show one is unsure if they will go this extreme in the future.
The show marked Steel Panther’s return to the area following last summer’s successful show out at Electric City. The band were in their usual frame of mind telling stories, teasing the heck out of each other and giving us a taste of what it was like back in the 1980’s. The band has been described for being known for their profane and humorous lyrics. They do not sugarcoat anything especially when guitarist Russ Parrish (Satchel) starts to give vocalist Ralph Saenz (Michael Starr) a ribbing in between songs all in good fun.
Oddly enough their first album Feel The Steel, released in 2009 hit the charts at number one on the Billboard Comedy chart. The band’s following four albums did the same and really helped them build a following. With song titles that hit the singles charts like “She’s Tight”, “17 Girls In A Row” and “Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World” it goes to show these guys can play.
Joining Starr and Satchel were drummer Darren “Stix Zadinia” Leader and bassist Joe “Spyder” Lester. The stage featured the big Steel Panther logo with the drum set up in the middle and a pair of stripper poles on each side. The band at various times brought guests and audience members out on the expansive stage. They made it really feel more like a party and they hosted one that many will soon not forget.
Co-headliner Buckcherry played a 75-minute set that featured many of their hits and best loved songs. Vocalist Josh Todd led the band through the blistering opener “Roar Like Thunder” which is the title track to their upcoming album. The highly anticipated album drops on June 13 on Round Hill Records. What better way to get everyone’s attention by playing mega hit “Lit Up” as the second song of set. Sadly “Lit Up” was the only song from the band’s 1999 debut album to be played. They played a good variety of songs from their past, including a trio of songs from their most recent 2023 album Vol. 10. They did also play a few from 15 which went double platinum and remains their biggest selling album to date.
The band lineup has remained stable since Jetboy guitarist Billy Rowe joined in 2020. Guitarist Stevie D is the longest tenured member having been in the band since 2005. Rounding out the band were the rhythm section of bassist Kelly LeMieux and drummer Francis Ruiz. These guys seem more cohesive each and every time I see them.
The band will be playing headline shows this summer playing 15 in it’s entirety so if the tour comes to a city near you…do not miss it!
The evening was kicked off by Kurt Deimer and his band. Deimer played Artpark last summer appearing on the bill as a special guest to hard rockers Tesla. He is known for his music as well as his acting. He has appeared in a few movies including the 2018 release of Halloween and 2019’s Trading Paint. His debut album And So It Begins… was just recently released.
Steel Panther Gallery
Buckcherry Gallery
Kurt Deimer Gallery
Click on the links for each artist for more info
Steel Panther: https://steelpanther.com
Buckcherry: https://www.buckcherry.com
Kurt Deimer: https://www.kurtdeimer.com
Steel Panther Set
Eyes of a Panthering
It Won’t Suck Itself
Asian Hooker
Just Like Tiger Woods
Never Too Late (to Get Some Pussy Tonight)
Girl From Oklahoma
17 Girls in a Row
Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World
Community Property
Death to All but Metal
Glory Hole
Buckcherry Set
Roar Like Thunder
Lit Up
So Hott
Onset
Ridin’
Keep on Fighting
Let’s Get Wild
Say Fuck It
Out of Line
Come On
Gluttony
Sorry
Good Time
Tight Pants
Crazy Bitch / Sex Machine / Bad Girls / Irresistible Bitch / Proud Mary / Crazy Bitch
Kurt Deimer Set
Look
Doom
Dance
Have A Cigar
Whatcha Sayin’
Live or Die
