Eric Carlson (May 22, 1958 â December 29, 2024) was an American musician who was a founding member and lead guitarist of heavy metal band Mentors. Under the stage name Sickie Wifebeater, Carlson started the Mentors in Seattle in 1976 with bass guitarist Steve Broy (Dr. Heathen Scum) and singer/drummer Eldon Hoke (El Duce) who attended Roosevelt High School together.
On December 30, 2024, the Mentors announced via their official Facebook page that Carlson died from cancer the night before. He was 66.
Carlson's playing style when soloing (with hand above and over the fretboard) was one of the things that gave the Mentors' guitars a unique sound. His signature sound was fluid with alternating bottom-heavy crunch with fast-noted metal runs.
When performing, Carlson wore a black executionerâÂÂs hood.