Eric “Sickie Wifebeater” Carlson, Founding Member of The Mentors, Dead at 66

Sad news as founding member and lead guitarist Eric Carlson, a.k.a. Sickie Wifebeater, of legendary sleazy, shock-rockin metal band The Mentors died Sunday at age 66 following a year-long battle with cancer.

The news came yesterday on The Mentors official Facebook account, writing:

“It’s with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Eric Carlson. Eric was fondly known as Sickie Wifebeater, a founding member of the musical trio Mentors. He  passed this evening 11:43 est, succumbing to a year long battle with cancer. Eric will be missed by those who loved him. His musical legacy will out live us all.
REST IN POWER SICKIE!
Guitar Legend!
#ripsickie

“May 22, 1958 – December 29, 2024”

The Mentors, who are sometimes referred to simply as Mentors, were started in 1976 in Seattle but soon relocated to Los Angeles. Founding members Eldon Hoke (“El Duce”), Carlson, and Steve Broy (“Dr. Heathen Scum”) met as teenagers when attending Roosevelt High School. Known for performing in executioner hoods, the band became infamous for their satirical and shocking lyrics. In fact, Tipper Gore, when starting the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) who are responsible for those Parental Advisory stickers on albums, cited The Mentors as one of the bands whose outrageous lyrics were corrupting the youth.

Carlson is the second original member to pass away following the mysterious death of Hoke in 1997, a death which led to a number of wild conspiracy theories including one that says he was murdered by Courtney Love to cover up his involvement with the murder of Kurt Cobain. Following Carlson’s death, Broy remains the final original member in the band. It remains to be seen if the band will continue without Carlson.
We at MetalSucks would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the friends, family, bandmates, and friends of Carlson at this time.