Slave Raider
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota , United States |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums |
Slave Raider was a heavy metal group originating from Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1985. The band became recognized for their dramatic stage performances, distinctive heavy make-up, and glam-inspired lyrics, attracting a loyal fanbase known as "The Raid." Their original ensemble supported notable 1980s bands such as Ratt and Poison during live shows.
The lead vocalist, Mike Findling, adopted the persona Chainsaw Caine and incorporated a chainsaw into his live act. Following a childhood injury that resulted in a wandering eye, he wore an eye patch, which influenced the band’s pirate-themed identity. Other members included Lance Sabin on guitar, Nicci Wikkid on guitar, Letitia Rae handling bass duties, and Rock on drums.
In 1986, Slave Raider secured all four Heavy Metal awards at the Minnesota Music Awards, an event that also featured performances by artists like Prince. Although they released three albums from the late 1980s through the early 1990s, their progress was hindered by the emergence of grunge, a genre popularized by fellow Minnesotan bands such as the Replacements.
Following the release of their third album in 1990, Slave Raider was dropped by Jive Records and subsequently dissolved. Chainsaw Caine later went on to establish U.K.I. (The Unstoppable Kamikazee Idiots). The original members have reunited sporadically for sold-out reunion concerts.
Slave Raider’s tracks appeared in several films: "Make Some Noise" was featured in the 1988 movie License to Drive, "What Do You Know About Rock 'N' Roll?" appeared on the soundtrack of 1989's A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, and "Youngblood" was included in the Oscar-nominated 1994 film The Paper.
Band members
- Chainsaw Caine (Mike Findling), lead vocals
- Lance Sabin, guitar
- Nicci Wikkid (David Hussman), guitar (passed away August 18, 2018)
- Letitia Rae, bass
- The Rock (Patrick Williams), drums
- Tommy D (Tommy Dades), bass
Discography
- Take the World by Storm (1986)
- What Do You Know About Rock 'N Roll? (1988)
- Bigger, Badder and Bolder (1990)