Eldon Hoke

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Eldon Hoke (March 23, 1958 – April 19, 1997), better known by his stage name El Duce, was an American musician and the drummer and lead singer of the shock rock band The Mentors. Hoke was notorious for his controversial behavior and provocative performances, which often included explicit lyrics and themes. The Mentors' music and stage shows, largely crafted by Hoke, were a blend of heavy metal and punk rock, characterized by their self-described "rape rock" genre, which attracted both attention and criticism.

Early Life

Eldon Hoke was born in Seattle, Washington. Little is known about his early life before he emerged on the music scene. He formed The Mentors in the late 1970s with guitarist Eric Carlson (known as "Sickie Wifebeater") and bassist Steve Broy (known as "Dr. Heathen Scum"). The band gained a following in the underground music scene for their outrageous performances and the controversial themes of their songs.

Career

The Mentors made a name for themselves in the 1980s, with Hoke at the forefront as El Duce. Their performances were marked by Hoke's lewd and often offensive lyrics, which he delivered wearing a black executioner's hood. The band's lyrics and stage antics frequently drew criticism, but also a cult following. They released several albums during this period, including "You Axed for It!" and "Up the Dose," which became underground hits.

Hoke's persona as El Duce was characterized by excessive drinking, explicit storytelling, and a no-holds-barred approach to entertainment. Despite the band's controversial image, Hoke was often described by those who knew him as intelligent and articulate, with a deep knowledge of music history.

Controversy

Eldon Hoke's career was not without its controversies. In the 1990s, he claimed to have been offered money to kill Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana. This claim was featured in Nick Broomfield's documentary "Kurt & Courtney," but was widely dismissed as a fabrication.

Death

Eldon Hoke died on April 19, 1997, in Riverside, California, under mysterious circumstances. He was struck by a train in what was officially ruled an accidental death. His passing was mourned by fans of The Mentors and the underground music community, though it also sparked conspiracy theories due to his previous claims regarding Kurt Cobain's death.

Legacy

Despite the controversies surrounding his life and career, Eldon Hoke remains a figure of interest in the history of rock music. His work with The Mentors has been cited as an influence by various artists in the punk and heavy metal genres. Hoke's unabashed approach to performance art and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of acceptability have left a lasting mark on the music industry.