Steel Panther Advance On 'America's Got Talent'

With "Eyes of a Panther," Steel Panther made it through the audition round on America's Got Talent last night. This means they will go on to compete in the next round. The winner of AGT gets a one million dollar prize.

I was amused that AGT used the fake Behind The Music documentary that Steel Panther put out several years ago. I mean, it's been awhile because Jani Lane was even in it. The band members said they've been together 40 years and really played it up like they are from the Sunset Strip era. I swear some of judges (Howie Mandel) and host Terry Crews believed this, but whatever.

The audience seemed to love the way of the Panther and that can only mean great things in our quest to Bring Back Glam. Still... what in the world will the band sing next? A Van Halen cover?

Steel Panther, 'America's Got Talent' - Tonight

Yes, this is really happening: Steel Panther will compete on America's Got Talent tonight. The show premieres at 8 pm on NBC.

I don't typically watch AGT, but I will for Steel Panther. The audition clip is below - but the judges decision is cut off so you have to watch to see if they get through to the competition or not.

Steel Panther sings "Eyes of a Panther," which is probably their cleanest song. I'm not sure what they will sing if they get through and keep advancing. Not exactly a family-friendly band, but definitely entertaining and really telling they are on this major network show!

This Photo Never Gets Old

Back when Pantera was a hair metal band! Remember the purpose of this Memorial Day in America and those who gave all.

🇺🇸Happy Memorial Day, U.S.A.🇺🇸🤘We play good ‘ol fashion American #HairMetal from the #80s @ https://t.co/1NQqPKOON9 🌎#pantera pic.twitter.com/PVOJzcg9NX

— 80s Rock Radio (@80sRockRadio1) May 29, 2023

...and an old school video too of the hair metal Pantera introducing themselves to the world!

Sunday Spins: Pet Shop Boys, 'Please'

Time for a new Sunday Spins vinyl review! Please is the amazing 1986 debut album by British duo Pet Shop Boys. The album features mainstays like "West End Girls," "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)" and "Love Comes Quickly."

I obtained an original EMI Records pressing from Luna Music in Indianapolis, Indiana last weekend.

My copy of Please just cooks. Flawless in every way, there is nary a crackle to be found. The sound is crisp and clear and I'm easily transported back to the 80s. My mom had a lot of Pet Shop Boys singles on 45s so I was used to hearing them on vinyl. Finding a copy of Please brought me right back to childhood... and I mean that literally. I was like seven when the album first came out!

I have to say "West End Girls" is one of my favorite tracks of all time. So much so that when I was first connected to the Internet and had the thought to look up music, the song I searched for before any other was "West End Girls." To my delight, I found it! Thanks early song sharing!

I had the very first iteration of the iPod which held like a thimble-full of songs and one of the tracks taking up that precious space was "West End Girls."

Please is one of those albums that you just let play through because every track is a banger. This is especially helpful when listening to vinyl because you don't have to get up to move the needle! On my pressing, the liner is intact and features lots of pictures of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe as the Pet Shop Boys. It was great fun to gaze at the photos while listening to the record the first time I look it out of the sleeve.

Captain's Log: Behind The Scenes With Def Leppard 'Drastic Symphonies' Release Week

This is a fun video featuring Def Leppard chronicling the release week of their new album Drastic Symphonies and the release of their book, Definitely: The Official Story of Def Leppard. (The book is already out in the U.K. and comes to the U.S. next month).

Spend about seven minutes watching the band chronicle their rehearsals for their big BBC concert to promote Drastic Symphonies, plus their press for the new book and hear their nightmares before launching a big tour. More than 40 years on they all still get panicked the night before the first tour stop! Oh and the accents. So many delicious accents!

Monsters of Rock Cruise 2024 Open For Booking

If you are so inclined, the booking window has opened for the March 2 - 7, 2024 Monsters of Rock Cruise. The sailing is on Royal Caribbean and is five nights. It seems like acts are still being added because Black N' Blue were announced just two days ago.

I did a quick, fake booking to see the cost and it looks like a balcony cabin for two adults is around $6k which is about right for a music cruise these days. If you want to attend, don't wait! I do think this lineup seems fun, but I couldn't convince Eric to go on this one.

Farewell Tina Turner

We have to talk about the passing of music icon Tina Turner. The Queen of Rock and Roll died at her home in Switzerland yesterday. She was 83.

Tina had an amazing voice, crazy stage presence, smart business acumen and the best legs in the business (at any age).

Eric loves Turner's music, especially her 80s hits. He loves the Private Dancer album! I never saw her live, but I know our friend London did because he sent me his ticket stub from her show at London's Wembley Arena in 1987 - the Break Every Rule world tour!