2013 Horrorhound Weekend Pt 10: Marilyn Munster and Killer Car Christine!
It was 7:30am when the alarm went off and the final day of Horrorhound Weekend began. In lieu of the previous night, it was a minor miracle I didn’t have a hang-over though this should not suggest I was feeling anywhere near 100%. The non-stop activity, coupled with lack of sleep, had begun taking its toll and I quickly dressed before heading to the hotel lobby in pursuit of free coffee.
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Pt. 9: Horrorhound Girls Gone Wild!
After a long and busy Saturday at Horrorhound Weekend, Brian and I relaxed and ordered dinner in our room. While it’s rarely a positive experience for any Chicagoan to order pizza outside of city limits, this was the perfect food choice when one planned on following it up with copious amounts of alcohol. Saturday nights at Horrorhound were notorious for their raucous all night gatherings…and this year I was determined to join their party! Afterwards, I headed outside for some air and met a guy in the lobby who pulled out a mason jar that looked as if it were half full of motor oil. “Want some moonshine?” he asked.
I smiled but hesitated. It had only been the week before on St. Patrick’s Day when I’d indulged in another home-made concoction with my fellow pod-caster, Jason, resulting in a drunken argument between us. I’m batting a 1,000 with friends these days, folks! Please check out the “Podcast” link at the top of this page to hear our first (and possibly final) eight episodes of Terror on Tequila!
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Pt. 8: Tom Savini cracks a smile…
I met Tom Savini for the first time twice during my first Horrorhound Weekend back in 2010. Although it would be my last pre-Terror Dave event, I walked in harboring lots of goals concerning the horror hosts and the celebrities that were attending. Of course the main plan was to have a great time and I was joined by my friend, Jason. I remember us being particularly excited about having the opportunity to meet some of the folks behind one of our favorite zombie films; Dawn of the Dead. Tom Savini, Ken Foree, and the godfather of zombies himself, George Romero, would all be there and we couldn’t wait.
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Pt. 6: Why you should never try and sell Michael Madsen a pair of Sunglasses!
The big celebrity draw at this year’s Horrorhound Weekend were cast members of AMC’s hit show, The Walking Dead. As this program is currently a hot topic for both traditional and non-traditional horror fans alike, it was no wonder the convention had such a gigantic turn-out. It also explained why a lot of guests wore vests with angel wings (showing their support for Norman Reedus’ Daryl Dixon) as well as a few less rebellious fans opting for the sheriff’s deputy uniform of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln).
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Pt. 5: Rock n’ Roll all Nite with the KISS Gals!
Still reeling from The Horror Host Hall of Fame, I went across the street with my friend, Russ Wrangler, to that gawd-awful Crown Plaza restaurant I mentioned earlier. It was Saturday and Horrorhound Weekend was now in full swing, though the lines seemed to be moving quicker (not quick, just quicker). We ate lunch while watching Dr. Destruction storm out again due to the service (for some reason that never got old) before Russ and I returned to the convention to do another walk through.
2013 Horror Host Hall of Fame…a Downright Shame!
Unlike the last few years, 2013′s March Horrorhound Weekend featured only a sparse number of horror hosts which, in many ways, seemed like a “last stand.” After the Vampira Tribute in 2010, Jason Hignite continued the Horrorhound Weekend/Horror Host tradition with a Zacherley Tribute in 2011 along with “inducting” at least ten horror hosts into the Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Horror Host Hall of Fame. The tradition of choosing ten random hosts for induction would continue in 2012 and, despite the lower turn-out, took place again this year.
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Part 3: The Costume Contest!
It was after 8pm when I walked out of Horrorhound Weekend’s main convention hall during its opening Friday night. While maneuvering past the immense line of patrons (still looking to gain access) I walked across the street to The Crown Plaza hoping to catch a screening of The Profane Exhibit. It’s a new Italian film written and directed by Ruggero Deodato whom I’d met a couple of years back in Massachusetts. As the previous film was still playing, I took a seat in a comfy, lounge chair located outside the room. I was in the process of checking my phone messages when I heard a familiar voice call, “Hey Dave!”
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Part 2: The Costumes!
There was no doubt that the fan costumes (many of which seemed to mix gore with sex appeal) kicked things up to whole new levels at Horrorhound Weekend! Check em’ out!
2013 Horrorhound Weekend Part 1: That Crazy Opening Night!
It was around 3pm on Friday, March 22nd when I arrived in Cincinnati for Horrorhound Weekend. Brian Maze from monkeygoatboy.com graciously asked me if I’d like to save expenses and room with him. This was in lieu of the person he was originally supposed to be going with cancelling due to an injury. Brian was staying at the Livinn Hotel which, while across the street from the event’s official hotel, was actually right next door to the Sharonville Convention Center and closer. Rather than seeking out my press pass, Brian saved me a LOT of anguish by also giving me his fallen compadre’s “vendor pass” which was even better. This act of kindness can not be understated as getting inside that convention center was like storming the gates of Mordor.
2013 HORROR HOST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED!
Hard to believe, but we’re now heading into the final week before the March Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati! It’s a bittersweet event for me as this is my fourth straight year attending this event and had always been done so with friends while, this time, I’m the lone Terror Dave. That should not imply that I won’t still have a blast nor be surrounded by friends and I’m looking forward to seeing many of them. Especially my pal, Brian Maze, who will be making regular appearances on this site and I think is one great guy!
INDIANAPIOLIS HORRORHOUND WEEKEND FAN COSTUMES!
Special thanks to John Bonior from “Scares that Care” for sharing these shots from last weekend’s event!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK “Loves her some SVENGOOLIE!”
Recently we shared some pictures taken by Svengoolie fan, Jerry Victory, while visiting the host at The Little Boots Rodeo. Jerry also had the privilege of addressing Elvira: Mistress of the Dark during a recent appearance on The Stephanie Miller Show. Svengoolie and Elvira met at The Flashback Weekend convention in 2008. See that clip below… and she had this to say…
2012 Horror Host Hall of Fame Induction: The Shock Theater Package!
Well, gang, this is our final post regarding the Ohio 2012 Horrorhound Weekend before we aim our focus at future events! As mentioned prior to this gathering, David and I were asked by Jason Hignite to participate in this year’s Horror Host Hall of Fame ceremony by doing an induction of our own. Not for a specific host, but for a unique package of films that lead to their proliferation.
PAM GRIER: Larger than Life!
The theme of the 2012 Horrorhound Weekend was “Women of Horror.” While Pam Grier isn’t necessarily a horror queen, she is the quintessential blaxploitation actress an absolutely grindhouse royalty. If that isn’t enough for purists, her having SCREAM BLACULA, SCREAM on her resume,’ certainly justifies her spot at this event. Grier was located in her own private signing area in the hotel but fans had no trouble finding her as her line remained constant.
HORROR HOST LOST AND FOUND: Professor Headstone!
As we reported last month, one of the most amazing experiences we had at Ohio’s Horrorhound Weekend was DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW writer, J.D. Feigelson, hand delivering us the identities of TWO previously unknown horror hosts (story HERE). The first, as covered, was the popular Dr. Ghoulman. The second is being revealed here for the very FIRST time, Professor Headstone!
HORRORHOUND WEEKEND 2012 COSTUME CONTEST PART 2!
More ghoulish characters featured at the 2012 Horrorhound Weekend costume contest…
HORRORHOUND WEEKEND 2012 COSTUME CONTEST PART 1!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….it’s always the fans themselves that are the best part of any genre convention! Especially the ones that decide to dress up in costumes. These folks don’t need Halloween to strut their sinister stuff on the killer cat-walk and both Daves are always amazed at the incredible creativity that goes into many of them. There were quite a few monstrous characters walking around the 2012 Ohio Horrorhound Weekend but, fortunately, we were able to catch many in one spot as they converged for the Saturday night costume contest!
Face to Leatherface with THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE’s Gunnar Hansen!
Throughout horror movie history, there are few films that have been able to grab viewers with the sheer raw intensity as the original THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Tobe Hooper (who both produced and directed) took a handful of unknown actors, a scant $300,000 budget and created a film that plays with such gritty intensity you almost feel like a voyeur watching one of those infamous “loop” films many believe exist despite none having officially surfaced.
Meeting Julie Adams: THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON had good taste!
When I was in Junior High School, I had an amazing art teacher named Mr. Ray. He was known for his quick wit, hilarious commentary, and a penchant for dropping unruly kids into an industrial-sized waste basket (Ah…the good ole days!). Mr. Ray also was a fan of horror films and, aside from boasting a 1979 ALIEN figure on his classroom shelf, would also host a “Horror Video Club” after school. If there was ever a good reason to be kept after class, this would be it! Our parents had to all sign a consent form as he’d be playing scenes from Rated R horror films, and it was he who introduced me to the prom night vengeance of CARRIE, the genius directing of Hitchcock, and other great examples of horror/sci-fi/suspense treasures.
TIPPI HEDREN GIVES HITCHCOCK THE BIRD(s)!”
One of the celebrity encounters I was most looking forward to was Tippi Hedren. Ms Hedren, of course, will be forever remembered for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s THE BIRDS. While this film is often panned by critics in lieu of The Master of Suspense’s other achievements (eg.PSYCHO, VERTIGO, REAR WINDOW) this has always been the film I find myself re-watching the most. I’m sure that is, no doubt, due to my love of animals as well as a good “man vs. nature” flick (of which there are few).
HORRORHOUND WEEKEND OHIO: And so goes the Horror Nation…
It was a gloomy day in Chicago when I picked up the “other Dave” at Midway Airport. Despite a delay in getting our rental car and a GPS system intent on sending us on a scenic tour of Ohio, we arrived at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Columbus soon after HORRORHOUND WEEKEND began. The accommodations were nice and we were fortunate to have gotten our room there as the demand for the event was such that many guests had no choice but to stay at neighboring hotels.
TALES FROM HORRORHOUND WEEKEND: Smitten with Ms Mittens!
When Cinema Insomnia launched its ambitious holiday telethon during the holiday season of 2010, we Daves wanted to contribute. I, however, was less interested in the various perks & gifts Mr. Lobo was offering in favor of something a bit more unique. I contacted Lobo and asked that if we sent (an amount we agreed to) would he be willing to add to the booty, something a little different. I was delighted when he agreed!
TALES FROM HORRORHOUND WEEKEND: Penny Dreadful!
The 2010 Indianapolis Horrorhound Weekend was a plethora of hosts and one of the ones I looked most forward to meeting was New England’s Penny Dreadful! David had already been a fan ever since he saw her show which featured a visit to the grave of Mercy Brown (you can see information on Brown by clicking HERE). He was absent for this event but Penny gladly gave him a shout out (seen in the clip below).
I had seen many of her shows prior to my arrival and new that she was a fan of the art of horror hosting as well as Svengoolie (both Svens). I decided to break the ice of our meeting by creating a gift basket suitable for a witch. My kids helped me put together a collection of potions and rubber insects as well as tossing in some Svengoolie clips for her enjoyment (this was back during the time when Svengoolie only appeared on Chicago TV). She seemed to enjoy it and it would be the first of several meetings and blogs (the Horrorhound meeting can be read along with an overview of her show (that would later lead to an article in Scary Monsters Magazine) HERE).
All in all it was a lot of fun and Garou, as always, was a hoot!
The Daves~
TALES FROM HORRORHOUND WEEKEND: The Late Dr. Lady!
My friend (and later co-blogger), David Albaugh, and I were anxious for me to attend the 2010 Indianapolis Horrorhound Weekend. We’d both grown up with a love for Svengoolie and had decided just a couple months prior to this event that we’d like to see what other hosts were operating around the country. I was already slated to attend this convention along with my friend, Jason Lucas, due to our mutual love of zombies and the appearance of their god-father, George Romero.
