Slaughter (band)

For the Canadian death metal band, see Slaughter (Canadian band). For other uses, see Slaughter (disambiguation).
Slaughter
Slaughter performing on June 21, 2008 in West Fargo, North Dakota
Slaughter performing on June 21, 2008 in West Fargo, North Dakota
Background information
OriginLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Genres
Years active1988–present
Labels
Spinoff ofVinnie Vincent Invasion
Members
Past members
Websiteslaughterusa.com

Slaughter is an American hard rock band that formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1988. The group was founded by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum, who previously played together in the band Vinnie Vincent Invasion.[4] The addition of guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias allowed Slaughter to quickly gain attention for their lively performances, catchy hooks, and melodic guitar solos.

Following Tim Kelly's death in a car accident in 1998, Slaughter added Jeff Blando as their new guitarist, who has remained an essential part of the band's lineup ever since. Blando also contributed to the band's most recent studio album.[5][6]

Slaughter's music was heavily influenced by the hard rock and heavy metal scene of the 1980s, with an aggressive yet melodic sound. To date, Slaughter has released five studio albums, two live albums, and one compilation album. Their debut album Stick It to Ya, released in 1990, has sold over two million copies worldwide and went double platinum, producing hit singles such as "Up All Night" and "Fly to the Angels".[7][8] Their follow-up album, The Wild Life, has sold over 500,000 copies, receiving a gold certification.[9]

In addition to their commercial success, Slaughter has also received critical acclaim for their music, including winning the American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist in 1991, beating out other popular hard rock and heavy metal acts of the time.[10][11]

Despite changes in the music industry in the early 1990s, Slaughter has continued to release new music and tour regularly, becoming a staple of the rock and metal festival circuit since their inception. Over the years, Slaughter has taken part in a number of renowned festivals, including the Monsters of Rock Cruise, the M3 Rock Festival, and Rocklahoma.[12] They have also played numerous headline shows and tours throughout the United States and abroad. The band's high-energy live performances and dedication to their fans have helped them maintain a strong and loyal following for over three decades.

  1. ^ Steve Huey (2016). "Slaughter". AllMusic. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  2. ^ McPadden September 24, 2015, Mike. "The Hair Metal 100: Ranking the '80s Greatest Glam Bands, Part 4". VH1 News. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Dennis Hut (July 15, 1990). "Slaughter: After the Invasion". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  4. ^ "Mark Slaughter Looks Back on the Band Mutiny That Ended the Vinnie Vincent Invasion". Ultimateclassicrock.com. 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  5. ^ "Slaughter -1999- The News Tribune - Part 2". The News Tribune. January 19, 1999. p. 39. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  6. ^ "Slaughter - 1998 - Central New Jersey Home News - Tim Kelly". The Central New Jersey Home News. July 31, 1998. p. 59. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  7. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 328. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  8. ^ "Slaughter". February 17, 2007. Archived from the original on February 17, 2007. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  9. ^ "Slaughter RIAA Certifications". RIAA. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  10. ^ "Rock Never Stops - 1998 - Battle Creek Enquirer". Battle Creek Enquirer. August 6, 1998. p. 33. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  11. ^ Slaughter Win Heavy Metal New Artist - AMA 1991, retrieved April 23, 2023
  12. ^ "Slaughter" (PDF).