Steel Panther Does 'Crazy Train'

It's been three minutes since we've talked about Steel Panther, so let's fix that. We all know their schtick by now and most of us love it. But here's something new: the band doing an absolute bang on impersonation of Ozzy Osbourne and "Crazy Train." It's so good, it's scary. Enjoy this and happy Monday, my friends. Stay glam.

Comments

[Bob]

It's weird, but I'm having two different reactions at the same time. First, I love how much fun they are, and how good they are musically. but then second, there's an undercurrent of mockery in this version of "Crazy Train" that, in a way, kind of makes me sad for Ozzy: the constant yelling, "We love you" which Ozzy does do way too much, the mumbling when he can't remember the lyrics, and the tons of echo that are added to his voice, seemingly out of nowhere when he starts mumbling. Finally, the guitar player isn't so much doing Randy Rhoads as he is doing Brad Gillis doing Randy Rhoads when Brad was with Ozzy in '82.

[Gary]

It's straight up mockery. That being said, sadly he does Ozzy way better than the real Ozzy does anymore. Starr has the mannerisms down to a science. Lol.

And I know I've said it a million times, but Russ Parrish/ Satchel is a freaking monster guitar player. He nailed Randy's tone on this. (@Bob, I know what you mean about the Brad Gillis reference. Good catch. When he started noodling with the whammy bar about 2/3's in on the solo, it was classic Gillis (He does that exact move right at the end of his part of the solo on Don't Tell Me You Love Me,leading into Jeff Watson's part)

[Bob]

Gary, I knew you'd get what I meant. In fact, I almost referenced you in the comment, but didn't for some reason. Anyway, I have two Ozzy concerts from '82 when Gillis was in the band. Almost any time their was a solo when Rhoads did taps, gillis would do essentially the same taps, but add whammy bar.

[fletch]

Gary: You can't be more wrong. It's a tribute. Enjoy it for what it is. We (the collective we- that post here) understand what Bob opines. In real time, the average (not a slight) person at the show is experiencing it, for (maybe) the first time. Just go with it and have fun.

To quote Robert Plant...Does anybody remember laughter?

[JCD]

It is a pretty close tribute except for the fact that he's moving around too much. Ozzy has to stand still while singing so he can constantly read the teleprompter.

[Gogmagog]

I treasure my original vinyl copy of Speak Of The Devil because Gillis was a beast on that record. And because Sharon hadn't messed around with the performances.

I wanted them to keep playing The Spirit of Radio ...

[Gary]

@fletch. I honestly wasn’t trying to put it down. I laughed through the entire video at Starr’s spot on Ozz. And after reading all of Ozzy’s books, I’m pretty sure he’d laugh at it too (Sharon not so much) I love these guys. I’ve always told my daughters “If you don’t laugh at life, you’re going to end up crying when you realize the shit show that it mostly is”. Rock on brother!! 🤟😎

[Him]

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (a thought and phrase that Oscar Wilde didn't coin), then this is it. It is mockery, to be sure. But it does point to the source in a (dare I say it?) loving way. All of us who love Ozzy know what he has been reduced to over the years: the water cannons, the jumps, the pat stage banter, and so on. But we love Ozzy in spite of all this . . . and so much more.

Amazing insights, Bob and Gary. Had to pull out my copy of SotD just to bask in your glorious knowledge. Love it when I come here for some good-natured discussion and get a reminder of things I may have only thought I knew!

In a slightly less funny nod to the discussion, I really do hope this is Ozzy's last tour. Glad that Wylde is back (flame me if you must). But, seriously, Ozzy, stop. I'll be there to see you do your thing (in spite of Sweet and Sour Pork Metal opening). I owe you that. But this is the end, right? Not sure how many more times I want to see you and your plugs and your black outfit, lugging out the hits . . . and, well, doing a pale imitation of Steel Panther doing a loving imitation of you.

[crued]

Hey guys-
I'm seeing them in ATL next Wednesday! i'll let you know how it went! \m/

[Bob]

SotD is a great record and, dare I say it, a far more enjoyable listen than "Live Evil" which was Sabbath with Dio's offering around the same time. I have the raw tapes of both of the gigs at The Ritz that made up the SotD album. comparing the album to the raw tapes, there was a little polishing done on the final product, but nothing too outrageous. When Gillis was touring with Ozzy, they normally did the regular setlist that they were playing with Rhoads. Just yesterday, I watched a documentary on Netflix called "Hired Gun", and Brad Gillis was one of the people they interviewed. He said that the word from the Ozzy camp was that, as long as he learned the main parts of Randy's solos, he was free to play whatever else he wanted. As I said, I have two regular shows from that tour, besides the Ritz tapes. Anyway, Gillis largely stuck to Rhoads' solos, and put his whammy, and other Gillisisms on top. He says that audience members were really mean to him on that tour and, although everybody agrees that he played well, and I think so too, he simply couldn't deal with the hostility from the audience, so that one tour was enough for him. Interestingly enough, the Ozzy guitarist whom I think came the closest to nailing Randy's solos and vibe was Bernie Torme. He did the first few post-Rhoads gigs before Gillis. I have two of those gigs in not good sound quality, but Torme sounds amazing doing the Rhoads stuff, and he gets lots of support from the Audience.

[Him]

Bob, another set of awesome insights.

People, myself included, often forget about Torme. But even the scratchy audio on YouTube of him playing "Flying High Again" at MSG suggests just how talented he was to step in and fill some mighty big shoes with little notice. Hell, the Gillan band stuff is just amazing too. Bob, have you listened to GMT? Just curious. Unfortunately, recent pictures suggest his has been a hard life while making great music. Sorta' fellow who should release a book about his life (including his time with Dee Snider!).

Gillis didn't deserve the reaction he received from crowds or from Ozzy. It was a no win situation. That said, SotD still holds up even with the sweetening that Bob points out (a sin on many 'live' albums).

As I said several weeks ago, Ozzy has been blessed to have so many great artists in his band.

[Bob]

Him, I have lots of Torme's stuff, but honestly, GMT is one that escaped me, so thanks for the tip. I will definitely check their stuff out. the amazing thing about Torme is that, even though the style he was playing with Ozzy wasn't his natural style, he still had the chops to pull it off anyway. Btw, torme's last two solo albums, especially the double album, "Flowers and Dirt" are both great. Listening to "Flowers and Dirt", you'd almost swear it was recorded in the 70s. it's so heavy, so bluesy, so tasty, so awesome!

[Him]

Bob, if you like Torme I assume you will like GMT (they worked in some Ozzy songs during their live performances, some of which can be heard on YouTube, albeit in fairly poor quality). And thanks for the suggestion about his recent work, which I have not followed. Cool that he is still making music. I will check it out.

[fletch]

Him: I guess we view the term "mocking" differently. When I googled it, the Oxford dictionary definition reads, "making fun of someone or something in a cruel way; derisive". As most readers on this site can attest, I am (admittedly so), sensitive to this type of behavior and that is why I responded to Gary's post. Conversely, I understood and accept, his explanation for the term; yours, too.

Whereas, the same dictionary, when googled, reads that "tribute" is "an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration". This is why I chose to use that specific word, instead.

Growing up (and to present day), I hear the mantra, "Sticks and Stones...but names will never hurt me". Even Judge Judy repeats this 'tune" on her show regularly. I think she needs some updated sensitivity-training, as this message is one of the biggest cocks of sh*t. Words do hurt, mockery does hurt...and many times, a lot more that a stick or a stone.

And before he posts about what I've written...f*ck yourself, Ripper. -respectfully signed, snowflake libtard

[Him]

Excellent observations, Fletch. But I think we are simply misunderstanding each other or disagreeing (which is fine).

To my mind, one can _both_ deride (the etymological origin of the term mock, which you note) and celebrate (the concept of a tribute is based on this notion as you also suggest) at the same time. And I think that Steel Panther are experts in the art of sarcasm, no less irony. That, perhaps, adds to my previous comments. They are not Swift. They make no 'Modest Proposal." But their whole act is based on the idea of celebrating and ridiculing a genre of music that all of us love. That also means the performers who made us love it in the first place.

So let me explain: SP are mocking what Ozzy has become and, in so doing, celebrating what he still represents. Anyone who watches that video and loves Ozzy goes: "You nailed it." What did SP nail? The patterns, cadences, and rhythms that are part and parcel of the late career Ozzy. Are they poking fun? Sure. Do they dislike Ozzy? No. So I see it as being both funny and true, praise for the man and also a suggestion of why (at least to me) Ozzy needs to make sure that "No More Tours II" doesn't beget a III.

There are other examples of this sort of thing. Elvis comes to mind. But, again, no, I don't think that mockery and tribute exist, or have to exist, in opposition to each other. If you don't agree, that is cool.

Your nursery rhyme discussion is fodder for another exchange, Fletch. But you do raise a good point about the difference between physical and psychological pain and whether, and when, that distinction matters.

I mean this with no disrespect, Fletch. But I prefer this version of you. And I willingly engage because the points you make deserve a reply.

[fletch]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FT3IGXtAk

[Him]

Hilarious clip, Fletch. I forgot that one.

But, to be true to my last post (and my last point therein), I was wondering if you had a response?

[fletch]

yes, him...I had a very important point. For the life of me, I can't figure it out. Ok, him, I'm still f*ckin' with you. #mybad #blamegeorge thorogood and that band of brothers.

[Him]

No worries, Fletch. You can do what you want when you want to do so. I pick my spots when engaging you. So any response is a good one I guess.

[fletch]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICqY2t7OGEI