Ron Haydock's life was a remarkable odyssey that unfolded over the course of 37 extraordinary years, during which he managed to achieve a truly impressive array of accomplishments that left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Born on April 17, 1940, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, Haydock was an ardent aficionado of comic books, monster magazines, and creature feature films from a remarkably young age.
As a teenager, Haydock's passion for these genres inspired him to take the initiative and begin publishing his own fan magazines, "Ape" and "Skybird", which not only showcased his creativity but also demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit.
In addition to his own publications, Haydock also honed his writing skills by contributing to other fan magazines, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and dedicated enthusiast within the comic book and monster magazine communities.
Haydock's existence underwent a profound transformation when he had the opportunity to watch the iconic film "The Girl Can't Help It," an experience that would forever ignite a deep and abiding fascination with the inimitable rockabilly performer Gene Vincent. As the years went by, this serendipitous encounter would continue to have a profound impact on his life, serving as a catalyst for his future endeavors and artistic pursuits.
In 1958, Haydock took the bold step of forming his own musical ensemble, which he would come to call the Boppers. This fledgling group would go on to release a series of singles on the esteemed Cha Cha label in 1959, each one a testament to their growing musical prowess and dedication to their craft.
As the Boppers' popularity began to grow, they were invited to appear on the popular local television program "Chicago Bandstand," a esteemed platform that would allow them to showcase their talents to a wider audience. This marked a significant milestone in the band's career, serving as a springboard for their future success and cementing their status as one of the most exciting and innovative musical acts of their time.
Gene Vincent, rockabilly singer, Haydock, the Boppers, Cha Cha label, Chicago Bandstand, local TV variety show.
It was the year 1960 when Haydock made the momentous decision to relocate to the sun-kissed state of California, where his remarkable career was about to take a dramatic turn. He secured a prestigious position as an editor for the esteemed "Graveyard Examiner" column within the pages of Forrest J. Ackerman's iconic and influential horror magazine, "Famous Monsters of Filmland". This esteemed publication, renowned for its captivating coverage of the world of horror cinema, provided Haydock with a platform to hone his skills and cultivate his passion for the genre.
However, Haydock's creative ambitions were far from satisfied, and he soon set his sights on launching his own horror magazine, "Fantastic Monsters of the Films". This bold endeavor allowed him to showcase his unique perspective and share his enthusiasm for the world of horror with a wider audience. Moreover, Haydock's innovative spirit extended beyond the printed page, as he also hosted a local radio show, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of horror entertainment.
Biography: Forrest J. Ackerman
Noted author Haydock, known for his literary prowess, branched out into the realm of adult fiction, penning novels such as "The Flesh Peddlers" and "Scarlet Virgin" under the pseudonym Don Sheppard, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
His foray into the world of film began in 1962, when he made his cinematic debut as Officer Tracy, a heroic state trooper, in Ray Dennis Steckler's critically acclaimed "The Thrill Killers," a milestone moment in his burgeoning career as a thespian.
The late, great Tommy Haydock's most abiding and widespread cult appeal can be directly attributed to his captivating performance as Lonnie Ford, a charismatic rock star who moonlights as the extraordinary superhero Rat Pfink in the outrageously zany and unconventional spoof "Rat Pfink a Boo Boo" directed by the visionary Samuel M. Steckler. This cinematic masterpiece, characterized by its unbridled sense of playfulness and sheer audacity, has become a beloved cult classic, with its soundtrack boasting an impressive array of Haydock's original songs, including the iconic "You Is a Rat Fink," the high-energy "Runnin' Wild," the poignant "I Stand Alone," and the infectious "Go Go Party."
In the tumultuous year of 1966, a profound sense of despair and sorrow beset the life of Haydock, plunging him into the depths of a debilitating depression. This dark period, marked by profound emotional turmoil, ultimately led to his departure from the sun-kissed state of California and his subsequent return to the bustling metropolis of Chicago in the year 1967.
During this trying time, Haydock found solace in the creative process, pouring his emotions into nearly a dozen intimate and introspective acoustic demos. Additionally, he made significant contributions to various projects, including his involvement in the research and development of the book "The Great Radio Heroes," a labor of love undertaken in collaboration with his dear friend and fellow artist, Jim Harmon.
In the year 1971, Haydock made a notable appearance in the horror film "Blood Shack," directed by the renowned filmmaker, John Steckler. This marked the beginning of Haydock's foray into the world of cinema, which would see him venture into various roles in the years to come.
Two years later, in 1973, Haydock took on the dual roles of associate editor and key contributing writer for the esteemed magazine "Monsters of the Movies." This publication, dedicated to the world of horror and science fiction, served as a platform for Haydock to share his passion and expertise with a wider audience.
Following his stint with "Monsters of the Movies," Haydock went on to edit a select few one-shot magazines for E-Go Publications. These publications, though limited in scope, further showcased Haydock's editorial prowess and his ability to curate engaging content for his readers.
Tragically, the life of Haydock was abruptly terminated on August 13, 1977, when he met a senseless and devastating demise, struck and fatally injured by an eighteen-wheeler as he was walking along an exit ramp on the iconic Route 66. At the tender age of 37, his life was tragically cut short, and his funeral took place on the same fateful day that the world mourned the passing of the legendary Elvis Presley.
