I sadly report that iconic horror tastemaker Chas Balun has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Chas was renowned for his magazine DEEP RED, which tread bloodier ground than it's high profile counterpart FANGORIA.
A looming figure in the underground gore scene, Balun not only was a
film critic of note, but also one hell of an artist. Many a creature
features kid have worn his designs, which were printed up by horror
t-shirt company Rotten Cotten. Balun was a staple of the convention circuit, and is as familiar to fans as any actor or director. Always good for a conversation on the finer points of all things fear film related, and just one hell of a nice guy, he will be sorely missed. The scene is the worse for his loss.
From turning an entire generation onto Fulci via his columns and correspondence, to dumping a beer on the head one particularly obnoxious and over important film journalist, Chas was for lack of a better term, the shit.
Our sincere condolences to family and friends.
Take a moment to remember Chas, or to initiate yourself into his warped psyche by watching the trailer for the film that could have been, CHUNKBLOWER, which he wrote and was directed by the infamous Jim Van Bebber. You'll find it embedded below.
Just like Chas.
From turning an entire generation onto Fulci via his columns and correspondence, to dumping a beer on the head one particularly obnoxious and over important film journalist, Chas was for lack of a better term, the shit.
Our sincere condolences to family and friends.
Take a moment to remember Chas, or to initiate yourself into his warped psyche by watching the trailer for the film that could have been, CHUNKBLOWER, which he wrote and was directed by the infamous Jim Van Bebber. You'll find it embedded below.
Just like Chas.
this sucks
Deep Red was a really big influence. Chas. Balun was always supportive of indie filmmakers, obscure gems, and maligned auteurs like Sam Peckinpah, and Ken Russell.
ahh fuck that just ruined my new year. R.I.P. Long live the new flesh brother
Twitch, thank you for noting the passing of this horror legend. Deep Red and the Gore Score introduced me (and a lot of my generation) to Argento, Fulci and so much more. He was the Forry Ackerman of my gore-obsessed generation, at a time when it wasn't all so accessible as it is now. RIP Mr. Balun, and thanks for everything.