
The inimitable Paul Booth (at right) hanging with
his special guest and favorite comedian Jamie Kilstein.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)
Paul Booth is one of the modern legends of the tattoo world, his signature style being dark and sinister images in black and gray that possess a lifelike quality. Some of his gruesome tats literally scream at you from beneath the skin. He has worked on members of Slayer, Pantera, Mudvayne and Slipknot, among many others, and he has a long waiting list because his work is so sought after. Like many of us, he adores horror in all forms, as strongly evidenced in this past weekend’s three-day “grand reincarnation” of his tattoo parlor and art gallery, the Last Rites Gallery & Tattoo Theatre in NYC, part of which invokes images of subterranean catacombs for me.
I attended the gallery reopening party on Saturday night and took in the trippy art of ChetZar and Craig LaRotonda and experienced the confrontational comedy of Jamie Kilstein (who performed with an untreated concussion!), the razor blade swallowing of Cardone the Ultimate Vaudeville Magician and the sinister chanting of Attila Csihar, the current frontman for infamous black metal brigade Mayhem, who journeyed from Budapest for this event. The ominpresent shenanigans of Mini-Jesus and the sinister strollings of a funerary violinist added to the evening’s fun mash-up of surreal comedy and horror. Booth was present as well, taking in the entertainment and modestly hanging out on the sidelines. He may have inked up many rock stars, but the laid back artist prefers not to parade around like one.
Following is a photo gallery from the event. I think the images speak far better than an extended description of the party. If you get a chance, visit Last Rites. It’s a unique forum for art and ink.

The perfect ensemble for the evening,
along with some dark electro tunes.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

The lovely ladies chronicling the party
with photos and video for Last Rites.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

Janine Block (left) and Natalie Risalvato
cool off and absorb the awesome art.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

LaRotonda's demonic winged monkey. The Wicked
Witch Of The West would have loved him.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

Mini-Jesus addresses his flock. And brings
them offerings of Arch Enemy.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

Cardone (right, with Last Rites tattoo artist Stefano Alcantra) warns us that
he has some black magic tricks up his sleeve.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

Okay, that's not what he said. But he did swallow then
regurgitate five razor blades for us. How thoughtful of him!
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

Attila Csihar from Mayhem performing the Satanic chants
of his Void Ov Voices dark ambient project.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)

Anyone who thinks ambient music is all mellow did not
experience the ear-shattering volume of Attila's music.
(Photo ©2011 by Bryan Reesman.)
Just a bit of info for you. The gentleman in the picture with Cardone is Stefano Alcantra, one of Last Rites incredible tattoo artists.
awesome