Tag Archives: Blackthorn 51

Legendary New York Metal and Hardcore Booker Kevin Scondotto Has Died

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Terrible news to share as legendary New York Metal and Hardcore Booker Kevin Scondotto has died. No cause of death has been revealed at this time. The news was broken by his family on social media, and countless tributes sprung up around the web. Best known for founding and booking the iconic Castle Heights in Queens, New York, and later other clubs like Blacktorn 51, Kevin gave a start to countless famous bands from the area and out of town. He was tough, but always fair and genuinely loved heavy music, and his other love wrestling. When others would scam bands, Kevin tried to make sure everyone who deserved respect and a fair shake always got it. He was also responsible for booking many diy fests and charity events in NYC. Ghost Cult’s two co-owners Omar and Keefy met there and shared a bill there on many occasions too. RIP Kevin and we share our sympathies with his family, friends, and fans he made along the way. Continue reading →


New York Rock and Metal Club Blackthorn 51 Closes its Doors Due to the Pandemic

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In a move echoed by countless small clubs all around the work catering to rock and metal, Blackthorn 51 has closed its doors at it’s former Queens location permanently. The management of the club cited the closures over the COVID-19 pandemic, and no ability to become profitable at anything less than 100% capacity. They have not ruled out returning to a new location in several years if conditions in the word reverse to their previous levels for shows. Ghost Cult covered many shows and held several interviews at the venue over the years including Doyle of The Misfits and Narcotic Wasteland. Blackthorn 51 represented the history of two legendary old-school clubs: The Blackthorn and Castle Heights.  Continue reading →


Dallas Toler-Wade Of Narcotic Wasteland Talks Touring, New Music, And Metal Gods

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Narcotic Wasteland released their second album in 2017, and it is a death metal gem. Their frontman is none other than Dallas Toler-Wade, late of the band Nile where he put his distinctive musical, and lyrical stamp on the band. Now that he is directing his full attention to Narcotic Wasteland, the band has hit the road in support of Delirium Tremens (Megaforce) for their first headline tour of the US. The band stopped off at Blackthorn 51 in Queens, New York where Ghost Cult caught up with the band and Dallas chatted about many topics. Interview by Keefy with video and live photos by Omar Cordy/OJC Photography.  Continue reading →