Tag Archives: Castle Heights

Legendary New York Metal and Hardcore Booker Kevin Scondotto Has Died

Posted on by

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 →


CONCERT REVIEW: Immolation – Demolition Hammer – Black Anvil – Mortician – Funeral Leech Live at Irving Plaza 

Posted on by

This is the most New York show I’ve been to in a long while. It felt like one big local show. That’s what happens when all five bands come from here. That being said, this show started earlier, doors at the renovated Irving Plaza were at 6 pm. or 1800 for non-Americans. Every few steps you ran into someone you knew. I saw a lot of faces that this was their first show since you know what. It’s rare to see in metal shows nowadays but this show had a host! Bassist extraordinaire, Dan Lilker from Nuclear Assault and Brutal Truth fame. MCed the whole night.

Continue reading →


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

Posted on by

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 →