Picture this: a dimly lit venue in Medina, Minnesota, buzzing with anticipation for hometown favorites Them Pesky Kids prepare to unleash their sonic storm. These guys don’t just play music—they hurl it at you with a reckless abandon that fuses vintage rock swagger with a fresh, rebellious edge. As the house lights fade, the air crackles with a vibe you can’t ignore, and the trio of larger-than-life frontmen storms the stage like they own it. Mark Westlund belts out notes that could shatter glass, Mark Woerpel tears into the strings with wild, scorching riffs, Super J and Lane Allen hold up the bottom end with precision. It’s a relentless assault on the senses, and the crowd laps up every second.
Then there’s Slave Raider, a sonic juggernaut that crashes through the night like a runaway train. They wield a ferocious brew of thrash, glam, and pure, unfiltered rock fury, and their live shows are nothing short of a detonation. The second their boots hit the boards, it’s game on—guitars scream, drums thunder, and the sheer force of it all sends the crowd into a frenzy of flailing hair and pumping fists. What makes them unforgettable is the way they turn the stage into a circus of chaos, with a frontman who prowls like a caged beast and a guitarist who peels off solos that could melt steel. They don’t just perform; they drag the audience into the madness with them. One of the many highlights was when Leticia sang a Rush cover, Limelight.
Their playlist is a treasure chest of bangers—timeless cuts from their old-school catalog sit shoulder-to-shoulder with fresh tracks that hit just as hard. Tonight, The Black Hole, Make Some Noise, Take The World By Storm and Wrecking Crew ignited the place, sparking roars from a sea of loyal devotees who’ve been with them since the glory days. This is so much more than a concert for many fans. It was a trip back in time to the glory days of rock at Mr. Nibs. The visuals match the mayhem—bold, sweeping lights cut through the haze, framing a band that revels in its over-the-top metal mythology. If you’re the type who lives for blistering tempos, heart-pounding vibes, and a show that feels like a rebellion you’re enlisted in, Slave Raider is your ticket to ride. They’re a raucous love letter to the 80s rock heyday, served up with enough fire and grit to keep the torch blazing. As one of Slave Raiders biggest fans Don Anger said, “Welcome to Raider Nation!”
