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FEAR AND LOATHING AT ROCK AND SHOCK


Once again I found myself in good old Worcester, MA for the Rock and Shock Festival. Held every October this combination rock/metal show and horror convention is one of the most fun times you can have. I certainly was in all of my glory with the combination of two things I love dearly.


I was really only interested in the Friday night lineup of bands and I saw a bunch of great ones. From THE OCEAN, EARTH CRISIS, OTEP, THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and the headliner MUSHROOMHEAD; everyone put on a good show. I especially loved seeing Otep Shamaya, Devin Townsend and Max Cavalera; three of my musical and lyrical heroes back to back to back on the same stage. Mind blowing! As I said I had no interest in the other musical acts although a funny thing happened to me the next night when I bumped into some ICP fans. You can read about the loathing part here. You can read about the loathing part here.

Max Cavalera leads the way!

I spent the rest of my time at the convention hall checking out all of the celebrities, vendors and fans. Rock and Shock is a great even for people watching and meeting new and old friends alike. Even though there were some last minute cancellations by some notable folks (I'm bummed The Walking Dead folks never made it) people like Robert Englund, William Forsythe, Ace Frehley, Lance Hendricksen, Camille Keaton, Gary and Jake Busey and many more were big draws and many more made it all worth it.

Gary Busey plays drums with MUSHROOMHEAD.

Besides all the cool vendors and scores of people in costumes and cosplay outfits Rock And Shock is a place where the industry gathers. I got to talk to many folks like two of the editors of Fangoria at length about horror films and take part in their panel discussion. The fest also shows horror films, including some premieres. On Saturday night I attended the screening of Robert Englund's new film INKUBUS (review to follow) co-staring William Forsythe, Jonathan Silverman and Joey Fatone! It was really cool to see the cast up close at the screening and take part in a few Q and A's. There are already planning a sequel. Sunday at the festival saw the debut of IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's horror film A BEARY SCARY MOVIE (review to follow). The flick was excellent and the band hung out with everyone and generally were awesome.

Pretty Tied Up.

Vendors ranged from legendary (TROMA) to local.

Larry from Three's Company as a Zombie?

Obama's approval rating would improve as a zombie.

Many Q&A panel's were held. like this one for the Freddy movies


Jake Busey and IWABO hang after their screening. 

Lance Henriksen

Mother and child?


I'll definitely be back next year!

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