The Scariest Band in Texas
If you are into “spooky stuff” (and who isn’t this time of year?), then you’ve probably heard, or seen, the most famous cryptid expert in Texas. If you aren’t sure who that is, keep reading.
Cryptids are animals that cryptozoologists believe may exist somewhere in the wild but are not believed to exist by mainstream science. Lyle Blackburn not only believes in them; he has based his career on their existence.
Lyle has his irons in many fires. Besides being a leading cryptid expert, he is also an actor, musician, producer, guest speaker and an author of several books. For now, let’s talk about the “musician” line on his resume.
Growing up in Fort Worth, Lyle was exposed to his parent’s favorite classic country music. But by the time he reached his preteen rebellious period, he was into groups like The Misfits and KISS.
As he formed his new band in 1999, he mashed up those genre’s and created a brand new one: Gothabilly. Think “Riders in The Sky” by Johnny Cash, with heavy metal guitar shredding.
“I’ve always been into spooky stuff, so I wanted to do something unique that stood out and played into our Texas roots’” Lyle said about the naming of Ghoultown. “We have no set genre. People want to classify us, but we have a fan base made up of rebels from all tastes.”
While he sings lead and plays guitar in the group, Lyle started off as a drummer and bassist, first with Solitude Aeturnus, then The Killcreeps. “When we were auditioning singers for Ghoultown, the guys told me I was better than the ones coming to try out,” he explained.
Ghoultown has quite an impressive discography that includes Curse of Eldorado – 2020; Ghost of the Southern Son – 2017; Life After Sundown (vinyl edition) – 2016; Bury Them Deep / Boots of Hell (expanded edition) – 2014; The Unforgotten: Rare & Un-Released (digital) – 2012; Mistress of the Dark – 2009; Skeleton Cowboys (vinyl single) – 2008; Life After Sundown – 2008; Bury Them Deep – 2006; Live from Texas! – 2004; Tales from the Dead West (European version) – 2002; Give ‘Em More Rope – 2002; Tales from the Dead West – 2000; and Boots of Hell – 1999.
For the title track from the 2009 album, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira filmed a video with the band that has over three million views on YouTube. Another video for “Drink with the Living Dead” racked up nearly 14 million views on YouTube alone.
Members, other than Lyle, are Jake Dayton on lead guitar, Lizard Lazario on acoustic guitar, Grimm on trumpet, Santi on bass, Logan Black on drums, and Ash on backing vocals. The band appears on soundtracks for the following movies: “Hallow’s End” – 2003, “Suburban Nightmare” – 2004, “Return of the Jackalope” – 2006, and “Butcher Boys” – 2012.
Based in the DFW area, they have toured all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. According to Lyle, they are sticking to the larger festivals and concert events, rather than touring like they used to. They have a show at Amplified Live in Dallas, booked for January 7, 2023, and they are working on material for a new album.
Oh – If you’re looking for something spooky to watch this Halloween, Lyle has created several documentaries, including: “The Mothman of Point Pleasant,” “Boggy Creek Monster” and “Monsters and Mysteries in America.” His television appearances include “The Unexplained” on the History Channel and “Strange Evidence” on the SyFy Channel.
And if you just can’t get enough of the spookiest man in Texas, his acting credits include: “Spear Talk,” “Beyond the Trail,” “Everything is OK: A Dallas, TX Punk Documentary,” “The Mothman Legacy,” “Momo: The Missouri Monster,” “Terror in the Skies,” “The Bray Road Beast,” “The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs,” “The Brian Blue Show,” “The Legend of Boggy Creek,” “This is Halloween,” “Finding Bigfoot,” and an episode of “Shipping Wars.”
Lyle’s most recent book is Texas Bigfoot. All of his books are available on Amazon and his website: LyleBlackburn.com. To listen or purchase the bands’ music, go to Ghoultown.com.
