Metal Skool
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Metal Skool is a Los Angeles, California based glam metal cover band known for their energetic live show, the longest running metal show on the Sunset Strip [1]. The band recently moved to the Key Club on the Sunset Strip, where their shows have been selling out regularly, and continue to play other regular gigs in the Southern California area, including a weekly show in San Diego, California. The band has been featured on the cover of All Access Magazine [2], and won their award for "Best Tribute Band in the Universe." [3] The San Diego Union-Tribune has called them "the ultimate '80s heavy metal tribute." [4] The band members have all adopted pseudonyms in the spirit of the bands they imitate. Their line up is billed as: drummer "Stix Zadinia," guitarist "Satchel" (real name Russ Parrish), singer "Michael Star," (real name Ralph Saenz) and bassist "Lexxi Foxxx." Saenz is the current lead singer for the Van Halen tribute band the "Atomic Punks", and was lead singer for L.A. Guns for a short period of time. Parrish was formerly the guitar player for the Punks before being replaced by Lance Turner.
Onstage, the band both pays tribute to and lampoons the heyday of 80's glam metal. All four members are skilled musicians, and perform exact and virtuosic versions of the best-known and loved songs of the genre. They also pepper their show with comedy, including a "hair solo" in lieu of a bass solo "because our bassist sucks." Guitarist "Satchel" is known for his over-the-top solo section of the show, in which he will often attempt to play guitar and drums simultaneously. The band's between-song comedy also includes jests at conflict between band members, and discussions of drugs, sex, and improvised humor with the crowd.
Famous musicians and other celebrities, often members of the bands whose songs they cover, are known to make appearances at their shows. They are usually invited to join the band onstage for a song, sometimes replacing members temporarily. Joined by Nuno Bettencourt and Sully Erna, singer Micheal Star quipped, "Hey, I finally get to play with real musicians!"
Kelly Clarkson recently made an appearance with the lead singer of Yellowcard which was documented on video and made available through the popular video website, Youtube.com.
