RIP Father Vincent
Photos courtesy of Lukas Zpira @ 2005
My first Vampyre Childe, my first Fangsmith apprentice,
Gotham Halo lost one of its co-founders
Sabretooth Clan lost a father
We all lost a frater
We all lost a Nightside Family member
When I first met Vincent on the steps of Andromeda Body Piercing on Saint Marks Place in 1995, he had big goofy glasses, a mullet like batch of frizzy hair, jean shorts, one silver front tooth and New Rock Boots.
We had in his heart the makings of one of the most talented Fangsmiths I ever knew. The over the years I watched him evolve into the Vampyre you all know today.
We had our many disagreements, but always agreed we were Family.
We will all mourn him in different ways, each on our own terms.
Let us all share a moment of silence.
All the people who care about him are apart of a Legacy.
It all came together in hole-in-the-wall fangshop a Halloween shop where we set forth the foundations of the Vampyre Culture worldwide.
May the Current be with you.
The BEST Torture Museum I have visited is right in Hollywood!
Over the years I have visited torture museums in Paris, Mexico, Amsterdam, etc and it usually co-insides with me going on the local ghost and vampire tour. When I was invited to visit and blog about the new Medieval Torture Museum right on Hollywood Blvd, just down the street from Bar Sinister and the El Capitan Theatre. Honestly I was like “oh no another cheesy torture museum!!”
Well I was pleasantly surprised (YES FOR A TORTURE MUSEUM), huge (over 6000 sq ft), it was well lit, the recreations of the items were fantastic and you could touch them, the descriptions of the torture devices were fairly accurate. The human mannequins were the most realistic and looked like they were in truly in pain. The music was uplifting and you could even touch almost everything. Look for the ropes and pull them!
Highly recommended for a family outing. Get 25% discount when you book your tickets on their website! They also have locations in Saint Augustine FL and Chicago.
LA Medieval Torture Museum at 6757 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, closes at Midnight, tell them Father Sebastiaan sent you for a special surprise!
The Paranormal Cirque is Amazing & Fun!
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of attending with my wife Lynne the Paranormal Cirque, traveling show in Hesperia California and wow was it a show! Think of a bizarre magic show meets a haunted house meets a rock concert all in one under a black and red (BABYLON VIBES HERE) big top. Sadly I wasn’t allowed to take pictures but I highly recommend ring side seats. I honestly haven’t been this happy and thrilled at the same time. On a scale of 1 to 10 (Cirque du Soleil) this was a 7.5 to 8 which is praise.Don’t worry no animals at all were used in this show just very talented human performers risking their lives for your thrill filled entertainment.
For more info please visit https://paranormalcirque.com and their IG at https://www.instagram.com/paranormalcirque/. please note this show is for mature audiences only, I wouldnt bring my 12 year old!
Théâtre des Vampires Parisian
From the book Mysteries of Paris Story #76 – Théâtre des Vampires Parisian
No other story or imagery relates to vampires in Paris as the Théâtre des Vampires found in Anne Rice’s novels “The Vampire Chronicles.” Located at Boulevard du Temple, this theatre was founded by legendary French vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, and taken over by new patriarch Armand. The theatre itself is fictional yet some say the inspiration comes from the Théâtre Grande Guingol.
However, Anne claims she did not know of this until after writing her novels. Within the fictional théâtre, vampires use their “dark gifts” and often kill and drink the blood of victims in front of an audience. Because the audience thinks this is an illusory stage trick, they leave delighted and entertained, not realizing what they have truly seen.
The theatre is first introduced in the book “Interview with the Vampire” where Louis and Claudia encounter the troupe and attend a performance. Anne later expanded the story in her second book “The Vampire Lestat”, in which Lestat is employed as an actor at the theatre during his mortal years. Once he is transformed into a vampire, he purchases the theatre. He discovers a few vampires living together as a coven in the catacombs below Cemetery of the Innocents (which in reality has no catacombs beneath it) and brings them into the theatre to protect them from their leader Armand.
You can see this theatre alive in the 1994 film “Interview with the Vampire,” based on Anne’s novel, starring Tom Cruise as Lestat and Brat Pitt as Louis. After escaping New Orleans and traveling around Europe to find others like themselves Louis and Claudia encounter the coven and witness a performance. Armand falls in love with Louis and destroys Claudia, which prompts a heartbroken Louis to set fire to the theatre and destroy the coven. Today there is a vampire-metal band called Théâtre des Vampires from Rome Italy, whose namesake is taken from the theatre. But is it possible that this grisly, fictional theater has a real-life counterpart?
Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol was founded in the mid 1890’s and held performances until the late 1960’s. The Grand-Guignol was famous for its ‘naturalistic’ horror plays, using characters and situations as one might find in real life, rather than ghosts, monsters and damsels. These plays were of a violent, horrific nature, and employed such gory special effects that many theatergoers suspected the acts might be real. It was not uncommon for an audience member to vomit in response to the violent acts. Conversely, some audience members became so sexually aroused that the theater began making boxes available to rent for lusty encounters during the performance. Whether the link between these two theaters is coincidental or purposeful, one thing is certain; people are fascinated by the macabre and the horrific.
Endless Night Productions and the Sabretooth Clan held the theatre in the catacombs of Paris in 2013 several times. Perhaps it will come to life once again in a grander format.
The Skull of the Marigny Vampire a papier-mâché design by Ricardo Pustanio
The Skull of the Marigny Vampire a papier-mâché design by Ricardo Pustanio, photo by The Jules Richard. This skull is now part of the private collection of Sebastiaan van Houten ©2022 Ricardo Pustanio’
Many may have heard the story of the terrible exploits of the Faubourg Marigny Vampire. For over 75 years he stalked the dark streets preying on the blood of the living. Always during a dormant time it is said he laid in his hidden wall vault tomb in St Roch Cemetery.
Rumors still heard often of his dispatching might just be exaggerated claims. Many old folks in the neighborhood believe he is just lying still and will rise again. A supposed skull of the vampire was displayed at one time in the early 1930’s on a wrought iron fence post in the middle of the neutral ground in front of the St. Roch Cemetery Number 1. Though before them many residents accepted seeing it as the proof they needed to know the evil was vanquished. Still others believed it was not the notorious vampires skull, but that of one of his fledglings.
©2022 Ricardo
10 Things YOU can DO to improve the Vampire Culture
Our collective mission for the VC (Vampire Culture) of the Sabretooth Clan we call the “Great Work.” This is the foundation why I wrote the Black Veils. The Great Work is to inspire, challenge and set and example through the Sabretooth Clan and Endless Night events. Each individual should strive for personal nobility, everyone should strive to be their own King or Queen. I have seen the Vampire Mythos has evolved and we are entering a new and potentially amazing “vampiric age” beyond anything of the past (yes even the 1990s) and I am EXTREMELY excited. It is our opportunity so lets not mess it up.
So below is a list of 10 things which I suggest individuals do to take action to improve Vampire Culture beyond just partying and spending all day online playing politics. I forewarn this Great Work will take focus, hard work, creativity, action and effort. With so much talk on the concept of coming together as a Vampire Community. I believe we must start with culture. Culture is an important part of evolution of the unification of any community. People talk about the concept of community, but they don’t know where to truly start. There is a desire to get along in harmony and the Vampire is an evolved being, we are the forerunners of many trends and the keepers of lost traditions and ideas. Focus your energy on the beauty and majesty of the vampire archetype.
Here we go:
- Music – Listen to classics, educate yourself on lyrics or support a band talking about Vampire Culture. Music vibrates and moves the very building blocks of the universe.
- Dance – Be it ballroom, the waltz, ballet, gothic / industrial, asian geisha dances, etc. are a powerful energetic and creative focuses. Take a dance class or give one.
- Martial Arts – Can bring forth discipline and focus, provide training for self defense and explore a philosophy of chivalry and honor.
- Education – The BDSM and Pagan communities have workshops, courses, classes, etc. on a a variety of subjects of interest. Do courses, presentations, classes on Yoga, reiki, Vampire Mythology, Ancient cultures, dance, etc.
- Write – A book, poem, song or article on a subject to inspire, educate and challenge the modern VC.
- Gastronomy – Eat and drink together, cook, host a dinner party. Food and cooking together at the same table is a powerful cultural tool of unifying the VC. When in another halo explore the local cuisine.
- Visit / Travel / Explore – YES BE A TOURIST. Get to know the local monuments, food, history, culture, historical and sites of interest. Do it with other local vampires. Show hospitality to other Vampires.
- Communion – Do energy communions together, hold hands, breath and meditate, cleanse, centre and ground.
- Talk – Communication is key, don’t focus on differences, focus on common things of interest like music, food, humour, your favorite TV show or films, etc.
- Craft – make beautiful and symbolic things, create be it a new corset, fashion, make a beautiful costume for the next vampire event, craft piece of wood, make a sculpture or a make beautiful painting. Crafting its good for the soul, Current and brings postitive focused energy.
So let US begin…
The origins of the Vampyre term Black Swan
In 1997 I coined a term called Black Swan for my partner Lucianna at the time. She wanted to participate in the vampire world but didn’t identify as a full Vampire. So I came up with the term which was original “My Swan” out of respect for her instead of calling her a ghoul or familiar. So here is the Black Veil as presented in the book Black Veils: Master Vampyre Edition 888.
Black Swans
Within the Veils, “Black Swans” are non-Vampire individuals who are intimately knowledgeable about the Black Veils and are friendly allies to their vampire friends. They are often involved in the Vampire subculture and associated with a Vampire, and can be friends, donors, dayside family members, lovers, or even potential Vampires yet to be awakened. The term Black Swan was coined at the New York City (Gotham Halo) Vampire nightclub Long Black Veil in 1997, for those who would bring their friends, parents, siblings, and lovers to the club.
One misconception within the Vampire World is that all Black Swans are donors. This is certainly very common, but it is not always the case. Many are even lifestyle Vampires who wear fangs, dress up, and know a great deal about the Vampire culture, philosophy, and traditions.. Often Black Swans are practicing the dayside elements of the Vampire lifestyle known as “lifestylers.”
In contrast to Black Swans are “White Swans’ who are against the Vampire lifestyle to varying degrees ranging from very hostile to just annoying. These individuals can range from a girlfriend, friend, sibling or parent who strongly mocks or dislikes the Vampire lifestyle. They often will say things like, ìWhy are you wearing fangs?î or ìYou are really only living in a fantasy world, so stop it.î
Black Swans are to be treasured by Vampires and are strong allies. Treat them well and with respect, they are not pets but individuals with open minds and often resonate strongly with the Current and Vampire World. Even though the term originated at Long Black Veil it has become used by the Vampire Community throughout the world.
Legendary LE BAR BAT NYC
Before MOTHER / Long Black Veil, during Limelight and at the edge of Columbus Circle existed the legendary venue LA BAR BAT was located at 311 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019. The Vampire Community gathered here before the birth of Gotham Halo. Here Anne Rice hosted book signings, Tony Sokol’s La Comedie du Sanguine performed, and USA UP ALL NIGHT did specials there. Closed in the late 1990s this venue was a masterpiece of gotham architecture.
BLACK VEILS – The Modern Vampire Mythos
A excerpt from BLACK VEILS MASTER VAMPYRE EDITION
The Modern Vampire Mythos is defined in Black Veils as the collective impact of all of the legends, film, literature, fantasy and mythology related to the vampire from all time periods. From ancient times almost every culture has included some sort of vampiric mythological figure in their superstitions and lore, ranging from the Lilitu demons of ancient Sumerian and Jewish myths, the Incubi / Succubi of Medieval folklore, the faerie like Baobhan Sith of the Scottish Highlands, the Strigoi of Romania, the bloodthirsty Gods of Central and South America and the ghoulish predators of Asia and Africa.
These past legends have collectively given rise to our own modern vampire mythos. One can say that this modern mythos began with the Romantic Movement literary work of author John William Polidori; the short story “The Vampyre” published on April 1st, 1819, featuring the suave British nobleman vampire character Lord Ruthvan. This more modern view of the vampire was expanded upon in Victorian literature works such as the lurid serialized penny dreadful Varney the Vampire (1845-7) and the gothic horror of Carmilla (1871). Then all radically changed with the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in 1897, and from there the Modern Vampire Mythos exploded into mainstream culture in a very refined manner.
The Vampire Mythos was truly defined and evolved in 20th century though thousands of incarnations in film, television, literature, role-playing games (RPGs), video games, merchandise and even spawned an entire Vampyre lifestyle subculture. The biggest influences of the past 100 years on the Vampire Mythos, aside from Dracula (in films from 1931, 1958, 1979 and 1992), include Barnabas Collins from the gothic daytime drama Dark Shadows (1966-71), Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles novels (Interview with the Vampire published in 1975) and the tabletop role-playing game Vampire: The Masquerade (released in 1991). All of these interpretations have influenced and illustrated what a modern Vampyre can be; that is regal, aristocratic, angelic anti-hero, who is immortal, powerful and highly social yet extremely independent. The Vampyre is a powerful being that many of us wish to become. We can see them reflected in our own primal desires and a as monster that we can relate to, and many times sympathize with.
This is the modern 21st century Modern Vampire Mythos and its spirit is the Vampyre Current.
5 Enticing takeaways from the Interview with the Vampire Comicon panel
At Comic-Con 2022 I attended the Interview with the Vampire panel for Vampyre Magazine. It featured the cast, writers, and producers. This new spin embraces Anne Rice’s source material. We got treated to a few-minute clip and the official season on the trailer. Here are the 5 most enticing things I took away.
- The Chemistry between Lestat (Sam Reid) and Louis (Jacob Anderson), is what makes the show. As these are Byronic characters with a homoerotic romance.
- Storyville District (1895-1917) is an intriguing setting to experience New Orleans that has not been explored like this before on the screen since 1970s.
- Lestat is a genius sociopath giving me rockstar Hannibal vibes.
- Lestat speaks French reflecting his past which adds depth to his character.
- Louis keeps his most important notable characteristic: his conflicted faith.
I am grateful for this experience and look forward to seeing and experiencing more from this new show!
Eternally,
Father Sebastiaan
PS – maybe someday I will be finally able to make fangs for the Vampire Lestat! lol
Father Sebastiaan 
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