Monster Makers

A Shindig spotlight on the hands the make the monsters you love to hear songs about.

R.I.P. David Prior

Today The Shindig, horrordom, 80’s Actiondom and indeed all of moviedom has lost a great contributor in writer/director/producer David Prior.

Beloved by The Shindig specifically for the ridiculously 80’s and ridiculously awesome Aerobicide (aka Killer Workout) and by me personally for additions to my life such as Deadly Prey, Raw Nerve, Mankillers, Jungle Assault, The Final Sanction and the SOV pioneer Sledgehammer, David’s pictures always felt like the product of a pure desire to just make movies and never disappointed.

Regrettably, Aerobicide (and Woman On Fire) are deeper within the playlist than I have yet to reach on this blog, but David’s musical contributions will have their day on The Shindig, rest assure.

David will be missed but his work will live on in the hearts and minds of myself and his fans all over the world.

Though 1 obscure and myopic blog and 1 fan can hardly provide any amount of solace to a grieving family that has no idea they even exist, Halloween Shindig still sends its condolences to David’s brother Ted and the rest of the Prior family. I have truly enjoyed what he has given to the world and the VHS copies of his films that I have are among the most beloved in my collection. I will continue to cherish them for as long as I am able.

Rest in peace David Prior.

A little piece of cinema just stopped exploding.

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Tenement is a Place to Live!

Here’s the awesome VHS 1 sheet poster for Roberta Findlay’s Tenement (aka Game of Survival) painted by John Fasano himself.

Give Tenement a go to get your next fix of sleazy 80’s punk vs. vigilante apartment dwellers action.

Plus it’s got that awesome Title Track from The Kool Krew!

“Tenement is a place to live!”

Monster Makers: John Fasano

On July 19th of 2014, writer, director, producer, actor, artist, monster maker and all-around nice guy John Fasano, passed away in his home near Los Angeles California.

John was a purveyor of that which molds the very foundations of the Shindig; rock ‘n roll horror. The man behind such 80’s cult staples as Zombie Nightmare, Black Roses and The Edge of Hell (aka Rock N Roll Nightmare), John understood exactly why metal and horror went together so well, and added much to this unfortunately thin sub-genre.

Having been a fan of his work, it was surreal to meet and become friends with his son, John Cody, through my network of special effectsery out here in LA.

Though I only met him a few times, on those occasions John was the nicest guy you could imagine, and truly gracious for every fan he had.

Our condolences go out to John Cody and the entire Fasano family.

Without a doubt John left his mark on the world of Horror, and horror fans will continue to celebrate his work for as long as there are horror fans to do so.

For our part, The Shindig will honor John the only way it knows how; through kick-ass horror songs and gifs. We’ll cram all the Fasano hits already spread throughout the playlist into one blistering block of rock ‘n roll remembrance.

Thank you John Fasano for your work, without which, my life and this blog would be a lot less awesome.

R.I.P. John Fasano 1961 – 2014

Monster Makers: Graham C. Schofield

Monster Makers: Graham C. Schofield

Professional Make-up artist, mold-maker, teacher, sculptor, painter, voice-over actor, impressionist, part time science-scientist and full time weirdo, Graham C. Schofield is one bizarre dude.

From Man-Thing to life-casting, from materials to methods, from ghost removal to the canopies of Old India and from The Twilight Zone to The Twilight Zone, Graham’s a guy who can drop some serious knowledge bombs on the Hiroshima in your head. Don’t let em do this. At least not without a little preparation.

Graham also happens to be a really good friend of mine, a Halloweener for life and a huge fan of The Shindig. +3 to relevance.

What’s more? All you gorehounds can catch a glimpse of this madman in action as a cast member of the newest season of Face/Off.

Tune in each week to see the strange creations of Graham and company Tuesdays @ 9/8c on the Syfy Channel.

If your gratification is a bit more immediate, you can head down to the International Make-Up Artists Trade Show  in Los Angeles today, where Graham and fellow Make-Up artist and Face/Offer Corinne Foster will be demonstrating a silicone prosthetic application on none other than my girlfriend Rachel.

You can check out more of Graham’s work @ GCSFX.com or hear the sound of his ridiculous voice @ realiveradio.com.

But, let’s be honest. All I really care about is this; What’s his favorite Shindigger? Well, while it’s hard to speak for a man like Graham, I can say with confidence he’d probably select Track 3: Halloween by King Diamond. Though I’m sure Whodini’s Haunted House of Rock might take a close second.

Be sure to check out this season of Face/Off for some bold and extreme nonsense from Mr. Graham.

Now, as my lawyer he advises you to take 2 hits from the little brown jar in his bag. Not too much though. Just a taste.