Fly to the Angels

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew’s got Slaughter’s “Fly to the Angels” spinning on the turntable, straight from their killer debut album Stick It to Ya. This power ballad’s got heart, and there’s a heavy story behind it. In a 2017 interview with AXS, frontman Mark Slaughter shared that he wrote the song about a high school girlfriend who tragically passed away. He’d just returned from touring and couldn’t reach her, only to learn from a friend that she’d died, with her funeral the next day. That gut-punch moment inspired the song’s raw emotion, capturing the pain of letting go while imagining her soaring to a peaceful place. It’s no wonder this track hit #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and went platinum, resonating with fans worldwide.

Here’s another tidbit for you vinyl junkies: “Fly to the Angels” was born in the thick of the hair metal era, right when every band was dropping a power ballad to score a chart hit. But Slaughter stood out, and this song’s got legs—it’s been covered by tons of artists and still gets the crowd roaring at their live shows. Fun fact from the X posts by Mark Slaughter: back in October 1990, the band was hyped up filming the song’s video, which became a staple on MTV and boosted the song’s massive airplay. The video’s dramatic narrative of love and loss perfectly matched those soaring vocals and guitar riffs, making it a fan favorite.

Now, let’s rewind to how Slaughter got rolling. Formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1988, the band was built on the chemistry of lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum, both ex-members of the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. After splitting from Vinnie Vincent, their label, Chrysalis Records, handed them a $4 million contract that Vincent had blown through, giving them a fresh shot. By 1989, they’d locked in guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias, crafting a sound that mixed hard rock grit with melodic hooks. Their debut Stick It to Ya, released in 1990, exploded with hits like “Up All Night” and our tune today, selling over 2 million copies and snagging a nomination for Best Metal Album at the 1991 American Music Awards. Even after losing Kelly in a 1998 car accident, the band kept rocking with guitarist Jeff Blando, staying true to their high-energy roots.

For you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Slaughter’s official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with them on Facebook, where they share updates and throwback pics, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. On X, Mark Slaughter keeps it real with posts about gigs and memories like the 29th anniversary of Stick It to Ya in 2019. For fan love, join the Slaughter Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards swap stories and rare photos. There’s also a cool fan-run site, Hair and Flannel, with reviews and nostalgia for Slaughter’s early days. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!