Don’t Dog Me

The song "Don't Dog Me" by Raging Slab from their 1989 self-titled album is a high-energy Southern rock anthem that became a defining track for the band. One of the most memorable aspects of the song is its music video, which reached No. 2 on the MTV countdown. Directed by Rocky Schenck, the video features the band performing on a flatbed truck driving down a Southern road, with scenes shot near monster truck tires in a junkyard along Pearblossom Highway, notoriously known as "Deathtrap Highway" due to its history of fatal accidents. The video's gritty, rebellious vibe, with the band being dragged around the Mojave Desert by a monster truck, perfectly captured the song's raw energy and the band's unique blend of Southern rock, punk, and metal influences.

Another piece of trivia about "Don't Dog Me" comes from its reception and cultural impact. The song was a minor hit on radio and MTV, praised for showcasing slide guitarist Elyse Steinman’s mastery of the bottleneck guitar and Greg Strzempka’s distinctive Southern drawl. Fans on platforms like Reddit have called the track a standout, with some highlighting its fast-paced, Metallica-influenced riffs and others comparing its vibe to Aerosmith’s classic ‘70s sound. The song’s infectious energy made it a favorite among the band’s cult following, often referred to as "Zoo Freaks" in the context of their radio play on stations like THE ZOO. Additionally, the 2000 remaster of the Raging Slab album included a live version of "Don't Dog Me," further cementing its status as a fan favorite.

Raging Slab was formed in 1983 in New York City by guitarists Greg Strzempka and Elyse Steinman, who bonded over their shared love for 1970s boogie rock and punk bands like the Ramones and Black Flag. Despite being based in New York, the couple crafted a Southern rock sound infused with metal and punk elements, earning them the tongue-in-cheek title of "New York’s Best Southern Rock Band." Early on, they recruited drummer Kory Clarke, bassist Robert Pauls, and third guitarist Dmitri Brill (later known as Super DJ Dmitri of Deee-Lite) to play shows in Manhattan’s Lower East Side rock clubs. By 1986, the lineup had evolved, with Clarke and Brill departing and Alec Morton joining on bass, solidifying the band’s core. Their debut album, Assmaster, was released in 1987 on the punk label Buy Our Records, featuring cover art by Marvel Comics artists Pat Redding and Pete Ciccone. This gritty start set the stage for their major-label deal with RCA Records, which led to the release of their self-titled album and the breakout single "Don't Dog Me."

Unfortunately, Raging Slab does not appear to maintain an active official website or official social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X as of the latest available information. The band’s online footprint is largely preserved through fan-driven efforts and archival sources. For instance, fans can connect on platforms like Reddit’s hairmetal community, where discussions about tracks like "Don't Dog Me" and the band’s discography remain active. Additionally, music platforms like Rate Your Music and Discogs serve as hubs for fans to explore the band’s catalog, share reviews, and trade vinyl or CDs. While no dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups exclusively for Raging Slab were found, their cult following continues to celebrate their unique sound through these online communities.