IVAN: We got some Whisky Shows going on. October 4th. And December 19th were opening directly for Agent Orange. Also Daddy Diamonds some time in Oct. I’ll be doing shows at the viper room soon too. U know like Kelly McGarry. They’d just be better n ill actually be there myself.
Any new recordings?
IVAN: We’re in the last third of finishing our 3rd record Rather Excessive. I’m like writing the last few songs right now. We’re gonna start releasing more singles next month. First ones gonna be 1969. People who come to our shows should be familiar with it: show me how to make love n I’ll show u how to fuck. It was inspired by the epic line –
I don’t make love…
I fuck hard…
from 50 shades!
How’s the band?
IVAN: Everyone’s doing great. We had a small little break over the summer just so everybody could get focused on their own little project. We know Philip has blaze Francisco Celinda has on polished. Sky also has My Bleeding Sky. Roland was touring with the warped tour while I was also focusing on my side project Death of a Nightingale. Claire was busy djing. She taught me a few things. So I’ll be djing myself pretty soon too.
I feel like everybody’s romantic relationships got strengthened during the making of this album. Phillip got married. Celinda is in a super stable relationship n I got engaged.
Excited for Halloween?
IVAN: But of course. I’ll be working at hide n seek at escape hotel again. ‘N going to every dumb ass Halloween event there is.
Whatcha doing for your birthday?
IVAN: I might do a lil bash again but a lil later since we have a show on Oct 4th at the whisky with American idiots (a green Day tribute) which is the day after my bday.
Any new venues to recommend?
IVAN: I’d say Daddy Diamonds. It’s not that new but great bands are starting to play there.
What’s your plans for the rest of 2025?
IVAN: Finally finish n release the new death of a nightingale record and have all the writing done for rather excessive so it can release proudly in Feb/March
The year 2025 seems to thrive for most people when they create a fantastical “reality” around them like a protective bubble. Rather than succumb to the media’s portrayal of a global political war agenda that is not a reality anyone needs in their life, perhaps it’s best to just dive into an early October filled with fun Halloween horror events. Life can be pleasantly appealing by submerging into the beautiful dark solitude that comes with living a Gothic lifestyle year round.
To start off, there are the early September horror conventions like Creep It Real OC, and HorrorCon that take up a weekend each. An extra special heavy metal treat in 2025 is the new Let There Be GWAR Exibition, celebrating their 40th anniversary, that is going on every Wednesday-Sunday from 11-6 for free until Nov. 2nd. Don’t miss out on the intricacies of gore themed costumes worn by our favorite scumdogs of the universe. The House Of Spirits Haunted Cocktail Sioree is always another spooky fun treat to attend with its dates available up to Oct. 31st. Since Ozzy Osborne’s passing, there has been no shortage of Ozzy themed events, and of course there is a haunted themed one. Created by Beware The Dark Realm, a haunted house creator, there is the Diary Of A Madman Ozzy Tribute free haunted house event taking place Oct. 24, 25, 31, and Nov 1st. in Santa Clarita. Keep the Ozzy love coming!
When it comes to actual Halloween day events, there are basically too many various options to list, but 3 Clubs is hosting Nick Fucco’s Metal Mayhem Halloween Costume Party Extravaganza with bands and vendors. This space is great, vibes are good, and the main stage is large. Some gothic themed events include Music for The Masses at the Virgil featuring the darker side of new wave tunes. At Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood there is a Gothic Masquerade party, and don’t forget that around Oct. 31st there will be a Halloween party at St. Felix as well as Rainbow Bar and Grill. Hotel Ziggy also has a Haunted Hotel party on the 31st that is likely worth checking out.
Whatever your preferred fantasy, the moral of this Halloween time tale should be to unapologetically be whoever you are or whoever you want to be, while accepting others for making the same choices. Differences should make humanity humane, and they can make life more fun. If everyone went as a ghost for Halloween, what a boring holiday it would be. Speaking of ghosts, it would be fantastic if Ozzy Osborne came to haunt us all forever, but no matter what, he will always be forever intertwined in memory through so many of our heavy metal hearts.
It seems appropriate here to give a little nod to the recent VMA Ozzy tribute performance featuring Young Blud, as they were known friends, and the youth of today desperately need to stay exposed to what heavy metal can offer them. Stay young, stay metal, and let Heavy metal, Halloween, and Ozzy Osborne be forever.
Spring has sprung and now it’s gone and on and on can you believe it’s Labor Day already? They had the big rainbow party yesterday chalk full of stars and it’s just been a season of rock excitement.
Red Cross played at the Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park last weekend it was a scene filled with old faces and old friends. Opening band was one and Juanita, who are the fabulous Alice bag of the bags and kid Congo powers, formally of the cramps both who have really great books out that you can Google on their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle I’m told it was a fabulous event. I was busy at the dig at all laboratory with a show of our own curated by Sean shimmer of shimmer bed With the x-ray zeros and more.
The room is filled with balloons, so there was a lot of popping going on atmosphere was exciting and next-door at custom land they had a huge festival of vendors selling homemade GX goodies all very creative and exciting and a comedy show outside in the yard, which was chalk full of patrons. This is all happening on Larchmont and Melrose’
Dig it all has shoes twice a month check us out on Instagram. We also recently had a Rudolph Valentino memorial party after celebrating the 98th Valentino memorial service at Hollywood forever cemetery..
Paul, Picasso Trova and I enjoyed the ceremony which was beautifully performed inside the church . Jeffery valance was there Gloria O an LA favorite photographer Gary Leonard was snapping the pics. I saw some people having a wonderful punk rock birthday luncheon on Vampira’s grave . We said hello to Tomata du Plenty who has a handmade art piece that his ashes are lounging in there and I’m sure he would be happy to know that he was having an art show downtown at Mark Mothersbaugh from Devo’s Mut Muz Gallery.
Well curated, we did the tomato dip, plenty art gallery opening a couple years ago at art share which is a very large space and filled it with hundreds of pieces of his work. It’s always a reunion when we get together..
Tomatoes are plenty was the lead singer of a band called the screamers in the early 80s talented to be the first punk rock band in LA. He also made a movie called population one which is a European style flick which you can see on YouTube. He was an artist, a writer, and an all-around great guy. It’s always nice to celebrate his contributions to our community as an artist and the singer.
I went to knucklehead and saw the new wild Kings of midnight with Gitaine Demone formally of Christian death and Paul Rossler formally of the Screamers creating great movie soundtrack music for the future.
Knucklehead is a cute little golf club on Santa Monica Blvd. near Vine across the street from three of clubs where HTTH was performing. They have a metal scene going on over there. I really like that food truck that’s right there.
Check it out and also check out Tequila TV in West Hollywood Publix access cable on Thursday nights at 7:30 produced by Paul and I . My TV show is a travelogue of Los Angeles underground culture, and the Hollywood landmarks that intrigues the world.
I started tequila TV on public access in 1985 so wish me a happy anniversary. Why don’t you?
Special Nikstock 40th anniversary Hollywood addition. Friday June 20th and Saturday June 21st. Nick Fuoco, Mick Scott, Mojo El Diablo, and Chill Factor’s Birthday Bash at:
1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California
Doors open Friday June 20th 4pm..Doors open Sat June 21st 2pm. Advance Tickets $25 covers entry both days Or $20 at the door Fri..$20 at the door Saturday this is definitely one event you don’t want to miss. If you’re a band, sponsor, or vendor, now its your time to submit for this event. Thank you and we will see all of you at NIKSTOCK HOLLYWOOD 2025 for more info Nick 8182129136 Nikstock.com
We’s here w/ Jim Moore and his band of the same name MOORE and here’s what he’s gots to say…WUZZUP?
M: Glad to be back in the rock scene! Restarted the band with a new crew of amazing musicians! Michael, Shane and Pete are a joy to play with! Also we modified the name to Moore-AD cause it’s easier to find us on the internet. Moore-AD.com
Excited to be back in Hollywood?
M: Absolutely. We have not played in Hollywood in years and I’m so happy to be back in my favorite city.
Excited for Nikstock?
Absolutely! Nick usually does this in upstate NY so this is gonna be fun to have it in SoCal
M: Whatcha been up to (we haven’t seen ya since the rock city news days)?
M: I had retired from music while my daughter was growing up, but it’s impossible to stay away from music for long
You know Ruben wrote a book?
M: I did not! That’s got to be an amazing read. I need to pick that up for sure!
What’s the Denver scene like?
The Denver scene is always vibrant. So many great bands and great people.
Any other shows you got planned?
M: We played a slew of shows in the winter and will be adding more late summer/fall. And shows fall in our lap all the time so stay tuned.
Who the Hell is Mrs Valdez?
M: I have no idea lol
Any new recordings?
M:we are in writing mode and will be recording and releasing two at a time…single style.
Any last words for your fans?
M: So extremely excited to be back and look forward to playing for you all again!
TL: Hello my friend! Has it been a year already? Time sure does fly and I am still hanging tight and staying busy as hell.
Are you excited for Nikstock?
TL: Absolutely! We always enjoy coming to Nickstock. This will be the first one that is not in upstate NY, and it will be much easier to get all the players out. You know. More direct flights, and lower fares going in and out of the bigger cities. It will be the same line up as last year for Coloradicals, and these guys are chomping at the bit already. Breaking the Law will have the full compliment of shredding guitars, and we will be running our backing videos to create a memorable interactive Judas Priest experience.
Any other gigs happening outside of Nikstock (both bands)?
TL: Right now, we have a handful of local private events that are planned in Northern Colorado, but nothing outside that is written in stone. We are looking to book both bands around the Denver area as well as Hollywood, but need to iron out some conflicts with drummers being available. It always seems to come down to that. Drummer drama. I wish there was a cure for it.
What are your thoughts on the LA Music Scene?
TL: The whole thing is a hoot, straight up. Like one big Halloween party where everyone is showing off their latest garb. Although I like spending a lot of time in the mountain wilderness, it can get pretty dull from that perspective. I like the lively atmosphere and welcoming friendly faces, as well as the social, cultural, and musical diversity, that you tend not to see elsewhere.
Do you have merch?
TL: Yes. Not a whole lot of variety, but we will have plenty of T-shirts, tank tops, and stickers for those who are interested.
How was NAMM?
TL: NAMM…Dammn.. always a blast…what I can remember of it. Ha. Sure, I like to go to the convention and check out all the gear, but the best part is the nightlife activities, and getting to see everyone that I only see once a year. That Hilton scene is like a clone of Hollywood in Anaheim. We did not play this year, but we are hoping to change that, and be locked and loaded for next January, perhaps a Club Vodka event like we have done in years past.
What does the future hold?
TL: I am a music man for life, and will still be doing this twenty years from now. Projects come and go, and right now I am focused on four currently. There is Breaking the Law tribute to classic Priest, and Coloradicals, who will be at Nickstock. I am also involved in a project headed by my guitar player, Toni Aleman, called Fasthammer. This is a lot of guitar rich music like Van Halen, Deep Purple, and Ozzy, that I have the privilege of singing. Savage Bloodlines is an original project that is heavier and more Megadeth like. There is a whole album of this material on Spotify, and I created it collaborating with my buddy Marty Marlow, in CO Springs.
Any last words for your fans?
TL: Only that we all really look forward to seeing everyone out there next month, and to be patient as we address our lineup deficits and booking needs. I am not going anywhere.
Let’s unpack energy. Life happens. No matter what we wish for is exactly what we create .
What we ignore the universe takes as a green flag as what we accept things the Gods keep it comin as immoral kisumu granted to us. Remain vigilant when sifting those the past. Dont let it reclaim your energy. For the devil is beautifully placed in our love for addictions and the wreak less abandonment.
Careful what we ignore for it doesn’t go away. Outa site outta mind is nothing more than a severance’s diversionary filtered by procrastinations process fueled by emotional distress displayed as disquiet stress unknowingly creating pent up energy with no where to go. Silence isn’t golden, it’s a curse that awaits its next chapter where a new being finds and turns into lessons regardless of consequence.
With every box from a few years ago in this mist of despairs disappoint in displacement of lack of knowledge not knowing why.
Everything I packed was filled with teardrop after teardrop of loss smack your in the face with yet another act of betrayal by the powers that be. Nothing stops time for you. We cannot get a hall pass to move alongside the trama weather it eating at your weakness dancing with our demons in the battlefield that is your soul.
Now I would experience Astro plan floating through the night under the Fullmoon for fools profiteering in the dissolution that nothing is forever except hell. Heaven forbid we don’t balance the two, as we teeter for the marriage of the two are who we are. A vessel, perhaps but in my opinion we are not shaped by either experience or knowledge existence. It is simply the cause and effect of our own outward projections. I wish I knew better but the evidence suggests otherwise. It erases the pain temporarily but never leaves until we transition from ol beloved behavior into an empty shell awaiting new conductions. Here I was only thinking about the good memories saved to literally get back to it to make us betterment and happier endlessly is not the case.
The dark night of the soul hovers like a wallflower reflecting the evolution of self. It’s not something you can skip or go around. It is a necessary part of your life. It will stay with your body as matter. Ruthless no holds bar reparations repeating the pattern until one finally u packs the energy with new found strength to learn accountability for our own destiny in this world. It will only be free from fear when we are. And when we are finally unchained to submissional status outweighed by other persecution based upon the mentality of one’s pertinent beliefs.
A new interpretation looks unsuited but brings new outcome. The universe will keep giving repeated results untouchable until we rise up to a leveling of power. Freedom is always been there but it’s enslaved by contrast of the total collapse of boundary. Expect the unexpected and catastrophic consequences of momentum’s acceleration lust on the physical yearned from the mental.
There is no right or wrong. Visions realistically require releasing to the void. We are dark matter infused with light energy when we unconditionally un confine enmeshed galaxies with in it is that moment we choose finally a new aspect of thinking. It is only then we can move on. Nobody celebrates you. It’s false propaganda of profit . People only want to see you do better if it’s not better than themselves.
Each generation is a different breed of blame instead of objective truth not shame. Finally, when everything is answered and makes sense the universe will bitch slap you a whole new set of rules that we resist to follow breaching them as benightedness. a whole new challenge arises either a philosophical understanding our theory’s logic.
Some of my favorite storage boxes were filled with cards and some good cherished memories. But not all of them. I opened an unknown new portal inflaming viciously for certain boxes were apparently bounded by my casted enchantments spiritualized thoughts unconsciously sealed inside.
A dark shadow flew out like a bat outa hell. Living rent free in my sanuaury. No Negotiations. Safetys not an option but a merely unhinged ignorance. Chasing demons that reality can not see with the naked eyes. But energy’s water element exists in electromagnetic radiation in this dark inanity’s. Approximately for a week my world seemed like this. It was not fun. I was unprepared but proceeded as my home felt more comfortable fuming familiarity as a airport of entity’s.
Eventually after reliving the heliospheric experience. I put certain items back into the box and removed them from my home. Some energy still linger not everyone in the aka aftermath do I wish to not connect. I noticed someone must have taken the items leaving the empty box. So the demon found a new home. I’ll never forget all the witchcraft that was thrown my way. As the queen of rebuking terror . I returned to sender in succession.
Thats why I m named in the outermost circle as ConnyKarma requires days wasted with our own limited information. Dont try me. I can literally touch certain items and be there metaphorically just like it was yesterday. Things that made sense then will not make sense anymore. That my friend is growth.
Do the wrong thing if it feels real. For it’s tis just a moment after all. Forcing the right thing is not living its merely existence. Flow float rise above depths tide.
SS: Thank ya kindly fer invitin’ us back, Mojo! Yer a sight fer sore eye sockets, and we’re always thrilled to be back in print with ya. We’ve really been impressed with all ya done with this here magazine and yer YouTube channel is somethin’ else!
WHEN’S THE NEXT VIDEO GONNA PREMIERE?
SS: New episodes of Screaming Soup! are always ‘round the corner, but we got plenty to sate Scream Freaks’ appetites ‘tween episodes. We post regular updates on what we’re up to at ScreamingSoup.com, promote our favorite vintage commercials, weekly Howlin’ Hotties, and top comic picks ‘cross all our social medias, and even post daily bite-size reviews on TikTok. There ain’t a day we ain’t active one way or ‘nother!
ANY NEW PROJECTS TO ANNOUNCE?
SS: More than ya can shake a shaman stick at! While helpin’ the Crossland’s newest vampire king round up a new posse o’ monsters on our show, we’re workin’ on creatin’ a buncha new merch based on our show. Fangs crossed fer sooner than later, Scream Freaks will be able to get their claws on Screaming Soup! figures, colorin’ books, posters, which way books, and even replicas o’ my heat slingin’ sidearm fer the cosplayers. It’s alotta work, but ya just gotta conquer ‘em mountains one yeti at a time, am I right?
ARE YOU DOING ANY CONVENTIONS?
SS: As a matter o’ fact, Screaming Soup! has been enlisted as the official horror host of the first ever Retro Horror Con in Greenville, SC September 5-7 2025 which is gonna be an awesome mix o’ horror collectibles ‘long with horror hall o’ famers from several hit franchises like Jeepers Creepers, Night of the Living Dead, Child’s Play, and more. After that, we’re returnin’ as the regular host of the south’s biggest toy convention extravaganza Retro Toy Con (also in Greenville, SC) November 21-23 where we’ll be helpin’ fans celebrate an excitin’ cast reunion of the original Thundercats voice actors. Both are cons nobody should miss, and Scream Freaks should feel free to come jump scare us at our Screaming Soup! table fer fan club kits and posters of their favorite animated horror host!
ANY NEW MOVIES TO RECOMMEND?
SS: Nothin’s earned my coveted 5/5 ratin’ in 2025 so far, but I would recommend movie buffs and horror fans alike check out Sinners and Companion which are solid 4/5 flicks. Sinners does such an amazin’ job suckin’ me into this 1930s period drama with a couple o’ brothers just wantin’ to open a juke joint ‘fore a hive mind o’ bloodsuckers descend on the party fer their star guitarist who possesses the power to tap into the spiritual pipeline o’ generations past and future. The filmmakers cleverly weave alotta commentary on the struggles o’ the time into the story without beatin’ viewers over the head from minority struggles to economic hardships and throw a dash o’ gangster violence in with a touch of World War I leftovers that entrance to a point o’ disbelievin’ I sat through a 138 minute movie! Companion has its own unique commentary on relationships ‘tween humans and AI as a fella continuously bungles a murder with his weaponized sex bot Iris becomin’ more sentient and fightin’ ‘gainst its deactivation. Another clever story with thoughtful layers, but I really just enjoy it as a killer robot movie with a sincere streak o’ dark humor that further proves Sophie Thatcher’s star power as the newest scream queen on the scene.
ANY POINTERS TO HORROR MOVIE DIVAS?
SS: No matter what – – – give it YER ALL! Whether you’re actin’ on a flick with a microbudget, the silliest plot imaginable, or bottom of the barrel special effects — be the undeniable gem in the rough that makes horror fans take notice. Commit to yer roles with unwaverin’ conviction and horror history will write itself with yer name on everybody’s lips.
WHATCHA DOING FOR HALLOWEEN?
SS: Same ol’ same ol’. It’ll be a toss up ‘tween bobbin’ fer grenades or razor blade apples, pumpkin carvin’ with chainsaws, Halloween Hottie contests, slip and slimeball prankin’, and our local punk band Toxic Spew bringin’ the house down!
WHEN’S MOJO GONNA BE IN AN EPISODE?
SS: We’re plannin’ on ya visitin’ us here at the Howl-Inn Grub & Spirits where you can help us audition deaf tone disfigurements beltin’ their guts out in hopes to be the vampire king’s new Phantom of the Opera for his posse of monsters. It’s sure to be a drunken good time yer readers can check out later this year with the premiere of our 56th episode featurin’ a double feature review of Phantom of the Mall and Phantom of the Paradise!
ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?
SS: If ya love retro video games, Saturday mornin’ cartoons, indie comics, and especially horror (with a soft spot fer horror hosts), then ya gotta give our show a watch! Join us fer animated misadventures in the Wild Weird West where me and my ghoulish amigos go toe to toe with some of the craziest monsters this side o’ the grave while reviewin’ yer favorite scary flicks from yesteryear and today. Ya won’t regret it, and it’s all free on our YouTube channel and ScreamingSoup.com, home of the web’s #1 animated horror host show! See ya later, Scream Freaks!
