Malcolm Young influenced more guitarists than Eddie Van Halen & Eric Clapton, claims Satchel

The Steel Panther guitarist makes a bold claim

AC/DC legend Malcolm Young
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 28th Feb 2023

Steel Panther guitarist Satchel has claimed that late-great AC/DC legend Malcolm Young influenced more guitarists than the Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton and Robert Johnson.

Satchel – real name Russell John Parrish – recently spoke to Loudwire about the albums that influenced him as a teenager including Deep Purple’s ‘Machine Head’, David Bowie’s ‘Hunky Dory’, Rush’s ‘2112’ and AC/DC’s blockbuster record ‘Back in Black.’

Speaking about the latter album, Satchel praised Malcolm Young’s guitar playing as being intrinsic to AC/DC’s sound and he claimed that Young, who died in 2017 aged 64, inspired countless budding guitarists.

Steel Panther

“Malcolm Young was probably the most influential guitar player in rock, if not in guitar,” Satchel said. “He probably influenced more people as a guitar player than Eddie Van Halen, Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton… more than any guitar player.

“Think about all the bands that have come after AC/DC that have tried to write AC/DC sounding songs with three chords.”

Steel Panther released their sixth studio album ‘On The Prowl’ last Friday (24th February), and it’s their first record not to feature Lexxi Foxx, who departed after 21 years in July 2021.

Promoting the album, singer Michael Starr was our guest on My Planet Rocks on Sunday. He chatted to Loz Guest about 'On The Prowl', future plans, and some other things that have got our producers sweating and reaching for the bleep button. Have a listen here:

Steel Panther’s Michael Starr, Satchel, Stix Zadinia and Spyder hit the road this May on a headline UK tour. Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.

See Steel Panther at the following shows:

MAY 2023

Glasgow O2 Academy – 14th

Newcastle O2 City Hall – 15th

Manchester Academy – 17th

Birmingham O2 Academy – 18th

London O2 Forum Kentish Town – 20th

Bristol O2 Academy – 21st

Leeds O2 Academy – 23rd

Belfast Ulster Hall – 25th

Buy Steel Panther tickets

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