It’s my favorite time of year - I’m back at Hellsgate Haunted House in Lockport to see what’s new at the haunt and meet up with creator/owner John LaFlamboy. Joining me for the trip this year are two of my favorite people: John and Maria of the synthy, edgy, glorious gothpop duo clubdrugs.

 

Get tickets at hellsgate.com - Thursday-Sundays through the 19th,  then Wednesday through Sunday starting on the 22nd. It’s a must-visit every year, and you wouldn’t be wrong to visit more than once per season.

 

John and Maria were the perfect first-time HellsGate visitors, and became instant, lifetime fans. They observed and appreciated nuances that only superfans would recognize, and it was fun to hear them share their thoughts and questions with John LaFlamboy.

 

John LaFlamboy shared what’s new for HellsGate this year (the biggest and best example is the mausoleum - OMG). He also talked about the business of running a haunt; specifically the good that can come from failing.

 

John from clubdrugs picked up on the subcultural, community vibe that HellsGate creates, much to John LaFlamboy’s appreciation. And it’s true: When you’re at HellsGate, there’s a special, unique-to-that-world, feeling of belonging from start to finish.

 

My annual CCC visit to HellsGate is something I look forward to each year, and I always appreciate John LaFlamboy’s insights and creativity. Having my super-creative friends in clubdrugs join in the fun for this episode made for an absolutely exceptional evening and podcast experience. 

 

Speaking of clubdrugs: They dropped a major band announcement toward the end of the show. Not to spoil it, but… they just signed a record deal and new music is imminent!

 

Want more behind the scenes HellsGate fun? Check out daysofthelivingdead.com!

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: 

 

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Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

 

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.  

 

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. 

 

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list). 

 

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. 

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email [email protected] to get a quote!

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