Even at 35, when it comes time to go to a horror convention, I still get that wide-eyed excitement. This year’s con was no different. What was there NOT to be excited about? Clive Barker, a Psycho sequel reunion, and then there was the hook — a Night of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary reunion featuring most of the surviving cast and, of course, the Godfather himself, George A. Romero! Folks, it just gets no better!
Friday started with a smile for the Dread crew because we immediately ran into our brothers-in-arms and fellow horror junkies, Rob G., Spooky Dan, Ryan Rotten, and Brian Collins. Everyone was in great spirits so this meant one thing — the con was gonna be fun, and the after-show activities (or at least what we would remember of them) would be pretty damned stellar too. It was immediately off to the vendors’ room. This place was just massive. The entire area as far as the eye could see was littered with horror paraphernalia of all sorts. If it was out there and you were looking for it, chances are you’d find it somewhere in here. The best part? Honestly I was shocked at how many celebs had tables. This was pretty unusual for a Fangoria show, but the presence of star power definitely lent a lot to the overall accessibility and warm feeling that was often absent in past Weekends of Horrors. Most everyone was out in full force, and fans were ecstatic.
Before we knew it, Friday had come to an end, and after a long night of partying (aw yeah, mama), most of us weren’t ready for the monster day that Saturday was going to be. This was without question the day of the Bay. Anchor Bay was omni-present in both the vendors’ room and the panel area. The dude they had working the crowd, Jonathan, is nothing short of a force of nature, man! He had people screaming for free DVD’s like I haven’t seen in some time. This was all leading up to their big panel of the day for the upcoming flick Brutal Massacre, which has one of the biggest damned genre casts I have ever seen. We’re talking names like David Naughton, Brian O’Halloran, Gerry Bednob, Ellen Sandweiss, Ken Foree, and Gunnar Hansen to name a few. After some very funny clips from the film, worlds collided. Gunnar and Ken began tussling. Thankfully O’Halloran (of Clerks fame) was on hand to settle the big men down. Without question this was one of the two absolute highlights of the day!
Other Saturday highlights included a talk with some of the talent behind Fear Itself, some intimate time with Clive Barker and the great Angus Scrimm, Shawnee Smith and Missi Pyle, followed by Reggie Bannister and his band, rocking out at Fango’s staple Ice Cream Event, and the announcement that Sid Haig is officially running for President. Does he think he can win? Of course not! But can he piss some of the right people off along the way? You’re damned right! Our country is in the shitter for the most part, and leave it to the Captain himself to take a stand by pointing out whose asses need a boot in them! God bless ya, brother!
It was back to business on Sunday, and there was plenty of cool shit to do leading to the show-stopper, the Night of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary reunion. The vendors’ room was still buzzing as usual. The men in black from Rotten Cotten were on hand showing off not only some killer designs (seriously you NEED the Sutherland Invasion of the Body Snatchers shirt) but also The Black Devil Doll himself! Lord, I cannot wait for this flick! Also on hand and showing more than a little love were the movie’s stars Natasha Talonz and Heather Murphy. After I wiped up the drool, it was time to head on over to the After Dark HorrorFest booth for a trip through their mini-maze of terror! Pretty nifty! Nothing like a small on-site haunted house to get the old blood pumping! Before we dive into Sunday’s premiere activities, there are two more hot spots I just have to mention. Sean Clark’s Horror Shirts table and the FearWerx booth. From celebrities to exorcism kits, these two spots were must visits! Dig on their sites above, and you’ll see what I mean!
The place was buzzing, and within the hour Romero and the gang were set to take center stage for the most historical panel of the weekend. It did not disappoint. What could be said about this moment? I’m nearly at a loss for words. Night of the Living Dead has influenced and changed many lives. Myself included. This was a moment in time that would be unforgettable for many, and memories is what it’s all about, is it not? If you live in an area where they’ll be visiting this year, make sure you don’t miss it. One definite stop on the tour is Fango’s Secaucus Weekend of Horrors June 20-22.
Creation Entertainment, along with Fangoria, has been providing genre fans a platform to celebrate what we love for decades. An event in which we can revel in the depraved without judgment. Here’s to the next one! Keep kickin’ ass, guys!
Click on the teaser images below for a sampling of the weekend’s goodness, and keep an eye out for our official photo gallery coming soon!
Special Thanks to: Tony Timpone and Fangoria; Adam Malin, Amy Murphy, Monica Gillen, Ted Venemann, and the rest of the Creation staff; Joe Sena; Ed Peters; Chris Roe; and Emilie Noetzel for the great pics!