On the electric night of September 20, 2023, the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg was set ablaze with a raucous double bill featuring the high-energy Canadian rockers BRKN Love and the American glam metal maestros Steel Panther. Fans of both bands had been eagerly anticipating this evening, and it did not disappoint. BRKN Love kicked off the night with an explosive set that instantly had the crowd's blood pumping. Lead singer and guitarist Justin Benlolo's raw and emotionally charged vocals commanded the stage from the moment he stepped out. The band showcased their versatility, moving seamlessly between hard-hitting tracks like "Dead Weight" and "Like A Drug" to the more melodic and introspective "Complicated" and "Little Black Box." The audience was hooked from the start.
BRKN Love. All photos by Mikey Jablonski.
One of the standout moments of BRKN Love's set was their cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs." The band put their own spin on the classic, injecting it with their signature intensity. Justin Benlolo's guitar work on this track was nothing short of spectacular. BRKN Love closed out their set with "Shot Down," leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for what was to come.
After a brief intermission, it was time for the main event: Steel Panther. The air was charged with excitement as the band walked upon the stage of The Burt, resplendent in their glam metal glory.
The night was a rollercoaster of laughs, outrageous antics, and blistering rock 'n' roll. Steel Panther unleashed a setlist that was a perfect blend of their signature humour and infectious tunes. "Eyes of a Panther" set the tone for the evening, with frontman Michael Starr's soaring vocals and guitarist Satchel's blazing riffs.
Steel Panther. All photos by Mikey Jablonski.
The band didn't hold back, diving headfirst into risqué tracks like "Let Me Cum In" and "Asian Hooker," which had the audience in stitches. But it wasn't all about shock value; Steel Panther showed their musical prowess with tracks like "The Burden of Being Wonderful" and "Ain't Dead Yet."
The interaction between the band and the crowd was electric. Michael Starr's banter and playful audience engagement kept everyone entertained between songs. During fan favourite songs such as "Community Property," the crowd sang along passionately, creating an unforgettable moment of unity. For the encore, Steel Panther delivered their hit "Gloryhole," leaving the audience screaming for more as they left the stage.
In the end, the night belonged to Steel Panther and BRKN Love, who left no doubt that rock 'n' roll is very much alive and thriving. This concert was a wild ride filled with unforgettable moments, proving that when these two bands hit the stage, it's a night you won't want to miss. Steel Panther and BRKN Love delivered a show that was loud, wild, and utterly unapologetic—a true rock 'n' roll spectacle.