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[Preview] 13th Annual Rock and Shock Convention This Weekend In Worcester, Mass
The annual New England horror convention and heavy metal festival, known as Rock and Shock kicks off this Friday in Worcester, Mass. Entering its thirteenth year of existence, the 2016 guest list includes the likes of Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Chris Sarandon (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Danielle Harris (Halloween 4 & 5, Hatchet 2 & 3, Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), Derek Mears (Friday the 13th), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th, Hatchet), Tyler Mane (Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down), Meg Foster (They Live, 31), Judy Geeson (The Lords of Salem), Reggie Bannister (Phantasm), Zach Galligan (Gremlins), John Franklin (Children of the Corn), William Forsythe (The Devil’s Rejects) and more. The convention will also pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of Scream with Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich.
Some of the bands playing the Worcester Palladium throughout the weekend include: Trivium, Sabaton, Dope, Kataklysm, Suicide Silence, White Chapel, Twiztid, and the ever-evolving super-group The Rocking Dead comprised of Max Cavalera (Sepultura, Soulfully), Igor Cavalera (Sepultura), Ace Von Johnson (Faster Pussycat), Alan Robert (Life of Agony), Kriz DK (Genitorturers), Brent Ashley (Combichrist), plus Riki Rachtman (Headbanger’s Ball) and Don Jamieson (That Metal Show).
As in years past, the convention portion of the three-day event will take place at the DCU Center and the music festival is just a short walk over at the Worcester Palladium.
Some of this year’s celebrity panels include: Zach Galligan and Daniell Harris, along with Courtney Gains and John Franklin from Children of the Corn on Friday. Camille Keaton, William Forsyth, The Rocking Dead, the 20th Anniversary Scream with Skeat Ulrich and Matthew Lillard, the 30th anniversary of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 with Bill Mosley and Caroline Williams, and a 31 panel with Malcolm McDowell, Jeffrey Danielle Phillips, Meg Foster, Judy Geeson, David Ury, Pancho Moler and Ginger Lynn will appear on stage on Saturday. Reggie banister, Twiztid, Derek Mears, Kane Hodder and Tyler Mane will appear on Sunday.
In addition to the celebrity panels, signings and music festival, Rock and Shock will also feature costume contests, a horror-filled vendors room, on-site tattooing, and a three-episode screening of Starz’ Ash vs Evil Dead — with an introduction by (and a Q&A session following) Ray Santiago and Dana DeLorenzo on Saturday.
Rock and Shock kicks off Friday, October 14 and runs through Sunday at the DCU Center and Palladium in Worcester, Mass.
Tickets can be purchased at RockandShock.com or in-person at the DCU Center.
Photos and article provided by Brian Wilkins
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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