michael starr

Ralph Michael Saenz, born on May 17, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised primarily in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, established himself as a vocalist and songwriter. Early in his career, he adopted various stage names, including David Lee Ralph. From May 1994 to December 2008, Saenz fronted the Van Halen tribute band Atomic Punks, utilizing the persona of David Lee Ralph. During this period, he also had a brief tenure as the lead singer for L.A. Guns, contributing to their “Wasted” EP. Additionally, Saenz was involved with the band 7% Solution.

In 2000, Saenz co-founded the satirical metal band known as Steel Panther, initially under the name Metal Shop, which later became Metal Skool, then Danger Kitty for a commercial, and eventually Steel Panther. As the lead vocalist, Michael Starr, he has led the band to international recognition, attracting a diverse following and collaborating with various celebrities who have joined them on stage. His work with Steel Panther includes multiple studio albums such as “Feel the Steel” (2009), “Balls Out” (2011), “All You Can Eat” (2014), “Lower the Bar” (2017), “Heavy Metal Rules” (2019), and “On the Prowl” (2023).

Beyond his primary role in Steel Panther, Saenz has provided background vocals for AFI on their albums “Sing the Sorrow” and “Decemberunderground.” He also made a brief appearance in the 2001 film “Rock Star,” portraying a singer auditioning for the fictional band Steel Dragon. These engagements highlight his versatility and consistent involvement within the music and entertainment industry.