Halloween Punk and Metal Show returns for third year
Rebecca Evans
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Music lovers will get a jolt this Halloween season as a third annual Halloween show brings punk and metal bands from St. Joseph and Kansas City, Missouri, to the Good Times Event Center.
Organized by solo artist Tim Leland, the event has become a Halloween tradition for the region’s heavy music fans. Full Metal Z, known for their zombie-themed performances, will return, joined by GrimmStalkeR and Beneath the Skin.
Leland said the difference between seeing a local concert versus a larger concert is incredible.
“A local show, you go to a dive bar and pay five bucks for a beer and get in for five or ten dollars and you’re seeing not just one person, but probably four bands at a time for a minor fraction of the price.”
Courtesy of Tim Leland
The all-ages show will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at the Good Times Event Center, 3414 S. 22nd St. Doors open at 8 p.m., with music starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Josh Bowles with Beneath the Skin said, “It’s all just rock and roll. It all started way back with Chuck Barry, you know, people like that. It’s all the same stuff just a different flavor.”
A costume contest with prizes will also be part of the evening’s festivities.
Mike Riley with Beneath the Skin said, “I would say just give it a chance. People often get intimidated or turned off by the more aggressive stuff but listen to what they’re talking about.”
Leland, who has lived and performed in St. Joseph for nine years, will take the stage with the Tim Leland Band, joined by bassist Juniper and drummer Corbin.
The lineup features Kansas City favorites Beneath the Skin, with Josh Bowles and Mike Riley, as well as GrimmstalkeR, with Brandon “The Grimm One” Holly and guitarist Keegan “Goosifer” Goosey, who have both played in St. Joseph several times in the past.
Member of GrimmstalkR said, “If you wanna understand it, I truly feel like you should come out to a show and experience it first hand. That’s the best way to experience it, looks can be deceiving.”
Full Metal Z is a Kansas City “zombie metal” band with KC Corpse and Dayvid of the Dead. The band formed about 10 years ago, inspired by Dayvid’s time performing at Worlds of Fun’s Zombie High haunted house.
“You know it looks scary, it’s metal, it’s zombies,” said KC Corpse, “But there’s also a lot of serious content as well. Its a creative outlet not only for myself but our whole band.”
They released their debut album, “Made Me a Zombie,” in 2019 and are now working on their next record, set for release in 2026.
Dayvid of the Dead said, “It’s a lot of fun to put on the theatrics and the show and you know get everyone involved. We’re here for you to have fun.”
The band’s elaborate horror looks are created by special effects artist Brian Wells of Wicked Wounds Effects.
With venues closing across the region, events like this help keep the local heavy music community alive.