Late Housecore Horror Film Festival Founder, True Crime Author and MetalSucks Contributor Corey Mitchell: Family Fundraiser Launched
When Housecore Horror Film Festival creator, critically acclaimed and nationally published true crime author, MetalSucks contributor Corey Mitchell tragically passed away last week, he left behind a substantial number of fans, friends, and, most tragically, family — specifically, his wife, Audra, and two young daughters.
Because we get one another’s backs in the metal community, a fundraising page for Corey’s family has now been launched. You can, and should, contribute here. Even if it’s just a few bucks… every penny counts.
And if for some reason you still need convincing that Corey was an amazing dude: below read a truly staggering number of tributes from across the world of metal and horror films. To say he made an impact on our community would be vastly understating things… we still can’t believe he’s gone.
“This is devastating on so many levels, I can’t and won’t go into how tremendous a loss Corey’s untimely death truly is. I was introduced to Corey first and foremost as a best-selling crime author, and shortly after that meeting I agreed to have him as my co-writer of an unfinished novel I’d been working on. It was his idea to create a horror and film festival that would became The Housecore Horror Festival. He had a vision, and no one worked harder than him to see the event through. But forget festivals. Forget books. We lost a great friend. From all of us here at Housecore Records, we extend our utmost condolences to his wife, Audra, and his two beautiful young daughters… We lost a brother. We lost a great man with a passion for everything that we love. He will be unfathomably missed… RIP Corey. His legacy will never be forgotten, nor will his friendship.” — Partner/Housecore Records head, Philip H. Anselmo
“A member of our extended family has recently left us. Corey Mitchell was co-founder of the Housecore Horror Festival along with Philip H. Anselmo. Corey suffered a fatal heart attack after the conclusion of the multi-day metal and horror festival’s second annual offering. GWAR played Housecore Horror both years, including headlining the event on Saturday, October 25th. Corey, Phil and Kate [Richardson] have always treated us with care and class. Our thoughts go out to Corey’s family and friends. — GWAR
“It’s really strange, confusing and hard to even write this. I met Corey Mitchell when he was staying with Philip H. Anselmo for a few days to talk about organizing Phil’s biography. Corey was a published author of true crime novels and a total extreme horror movie/music fan. He called me out of the blue a little while later and asked me to be on some panels at SXSW and other things just because he respected me and was a fan of EYEHATEGOD. He was the gears and ignition of Housecore Horror Film Fest; he put his heart and soul into the festival 1000% and made things happen the way they were supposed to. He was a friend and an amazing person to work with. I will truly miss the man.” — Mike IX Williams, EYEHATEGOD
“I write with heavy hand today in remembrance of a great man, Corey Mitchell. I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to his family and closest friends. Corey Mitchell and Phil Anselmo gave ANCIENT VVISDOM a tremendous opportunity, to be a part of the first Housecore Horror Film Festival. I will forever be grateful for that. As everyone who knew him knows, he loved what he did and that made him happy. That’s one of the most important things in life I think.” – Nathan Opposition, ANCIENT VVISDOM
“Corey Mitchell was one step ahead of you, and did the work of ten people while making it look easy.
Corey Mitchell loved to crack his elbow joints and was the undisputed air guitar champion of the world.
What’s that banging sound? That’s Corey Mitchell typing. With the same three fingers.
Corey Mitchell used to catch crabs when he was a kid using only a wooden rod and bacon strips.
Corey Mitchell’s Boston accent impression sounded more like a scene from Goodfellas, and included way too much shoulder shrugging and eyebrow lifting.
Corey Mitchell was a cookie and ice cream fiend, and liked to pick all the chocolate candies out of the trail mix bowl.
Corey Mitchell fucking loved Aphex Twin and eight-hour Spotify playlists.
Corey Mitchell made the goofiest faces and did the silliest walks. If you placed a sound machine anywhere within his reach, it would be pressed. Repeatedly.
Corey Mitchell almost burned my house down while ‘helping’ to cook fettuccine, and wrote his notes on plain white paper – no lines, no notebooks.
He was in awe of his fireball daughters and worshipped his mother. His gentle heart housed a deep, fierce love for his family, friends and his festival.
Corey Richard Mitchell was the king of the falcons and had the most beautiful wingspan. I can’t imagine this world without such a special person in it, but will spend the rest of my life feeling grateful for the time I had with him.” — Susie Winfield “Film Wrangler” for Housecore Horror Film Festival
“When CHILD BITE played the first HHFF, we were so blown away by the lineup it was hard to imagine year #2 even coming close. Somehow they pulled it off with yet another incredible selection of bands. I got to see some of my all time favorites (Napalm Death, Gwar, Samhain) as well as rad new underground acts (Acid Witch, King Parrot, Author & Punisher). Our live set there was a blast on the new outdoor stage, and we had fun screening our latest music video in one of the movie tents as well. Everything at HHFF is curated and operated incredibly well for being such a new, DIY event. The passing of Corey Mitchell was absolutely shocking; we were en route to New Orleans for another show when I received word from Kate. Corey was so enthusiastic & supportive throughout the fest, not just to me but literally every person he came in contact with. We worked on the HHFF magazine ads together leading up to the fest, and as far as being a ‘client’ he was the best; Positive and on top of his stuff. I’m pissed off that I won’t be able to work with him again. Our hearts go out to his wife and two daughters.” – Shawn Knight, CHILD BITE
“I don’t know where to begin, from the volunteers to the fans and the bands, I was floored honored and very thankful to had been a part of such a successful event and it all was due to the efforts of one particular beautiful man we all loved and knew as a true sweetheart with a drive like no other: Corey Mitchell. My heart deeply hurts for his children and remaining family. I’m sure the same goes for all who knew Corey. Every time I ever saw Corey he met me with a genuine sweet smile that I adored and made sure that all was well. He went out of his way to make it happen for ya without a blink. Every time Corey and I would see each other I was in the artist lounge and he would crack up and say, ‘every time I see you Marzi, you got a plate of BBQ in your hand,’ and he was right HA. We would laugh and be on our way. Of all festivals I have ever played or attended I can’t say I’ve felt more love all around then the HHFF this year. It was a beautiful learning experience and I want to thank all that were there from the bottom of my heart and say that Corey I love you and you will be forever in all our hearts man. You are a legend. RIP.” — Marzi Montazeri, PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS
“The second we got to the hotel we were greeted by the guys in Portal, big Phil Anselmo himself, our Eyehategod and Author & Punisher friends and invited back to a ‘Barbecue.’ Of course that didn’t sound very up my alley as I don’t eat meat. I’m a bitter, crotchety bastard when fresh off a flight of any length, but a chance to hang out with the hommies as opposed to sitting in a hotel was a chance I took… and boy am I glad I did. Lo and behold we ended up at Corey Mitchell’s place and he couldn’t have been more gracious. While we all hung outside drinking and getting to know each other, Corey diligently conducted business related to the incredible backend that goes on with a fest of this magnitude. While we all partied, he was busy making sure the next few days would happen flawlessly, which they did. Right off the bat I knew this guy was the hard working brains behind the operation and what a powerful mind that must have been. Here’s a best-selling true crime author showing me, one of those guys who gets to the bottom of a page in a book and has no idea what the hell he just read, where the bathroom is in his beautiful and hard earned abode. He was jovial and in good spirits while working on something that would have had me being a bogged down nervous wreck on the verge of a panic attack. He did it all with a smile. He was a very standup guy and without him, the mountains of fun that many, many, MANY horror fans and metalheads had those three days would not have happened. It ended in tragedy and that’s something I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around. We were just there with him. People of earth… grab your loved ones and tell them how you feel. It may be the last time you do. That’s just how life is. Rest in peace, Corey Mitchell.” — Travis Ryan, CATTLE DECAPITATION
“Corey’s passing is a real tragedy. No one worked harder than him on the Housecore Horror Film Festival. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” – John Jarvis, FULGORA
“The man would bend-over-backwards to do something for you if he was your friend. But then he would turn around and thank you for letting him do it. That was just his nature and how I will always remember Corey. His smile could light-up the biggest concert hall… because you could just sense how much he really enjoyed his life and being who he was. I feel blessed just to have known the guy and I truthfully loved him. RIP Corey… I will think of you often!” — Bruce Corbitt, RIGOR MORTIS/WARBEAST/WIZARDS OF GORE
“I met Corey via Phil and Kate when the idea was presented that myself and [Eyehategod’s] Mike IX do our radio/podcast show live from Horrorfest. From the start, Corey loved the idea and instantly sent me messages with ideas as to what we could do and how he could help us. We exchanged ideas and from there and waited for Horrorfest to happen. From the moment I walked in and met Corey, he was nothing but friendly with me. He told me anything we need please let him know. And even after having some issues with asshole volunteers he immediately came to me and asked if he could do something for us. I told him he had enough on his plate and please do not worry but he insisted that he help in any way he could. I watched him all weekend. All over the place always making sure things were being done correctly. Working. Working his dream and his obvious pure love for what he was doing. I smiled because dammit, that was a man who knew what he wanted. Sunday night I had a chance to finally sit down a bit with him and talk. We hit it off and shared some stories. The fact that he took the time to catch up was awesome. Something I did not expect. But you know, that was obviously who he was. A damn good person. Much love to all.” — Perry P., Thee Garbage Men/KILL IT AGAIN
“Our friend Corey Mitchell passed away this morning. Corey was a huge supporter of BLOODY HAMMERS and one of the warmest, kindest people I’ve ever met. Corey was Phil Anselmo’s partner in the Housecore Horror Film Festival, accomplished author, father/husband and so much more. Corey reached out to us in early 2013 and personally asked us to play the first Housecore Horror Film Fest and of course we accepted. When I got to the show in Austin last year I finally met him and extended my hand to meet him… he said, ‘No way man… only Housecore hugs here,” and gave me a big hug. Before our gig he got on stage and did a personal introduction for us… his passing is just devastating news. I’ve played many shows but I can definitely say that Housecore was the warmest gig I’ve ever done. Corey and the staff treated us like family and still do to this day. Corey, Shelly, Justin, Phil, Tammy and the whole staff… just amazing people.” — Anders Manga, BLOODY HAMMERS
“Extremely saddened by the passing of true crime author and Housecore Horror Fest co-founder, Corey Mitchell. He was a kind, friendly man and a great supporter and contributor to the underground arts. Corey was instrumental in getting REPULSION on the inaugural Housecore Horror Film Fest and he treated us like family. Truly unforgettable. My heart goes out to his friends and loved ones. Rest in peace, friend. — Scott Carlson, REPULSION
“It was a pleasure meeting Corey Mitchell and I didn’t get to spend as much time with him as I would like to have because he was super busy putting on one of the most interesting shows I have ever been to. Everyone who went were really in to it. My thoughts are with his family and friends” — Edwin Neal, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – The Hitchhiker
“I have been at a complete loss for words over the sudden passing of Corey Mitchell. This quote attributed to Charles Bukowski is the only thing playing through my head: ‘Find what you love and let it kill you. Let it drain from you your all. Let it cling onto your back and weigh you down into eventual nothingness. Let it kill you, and let it devour your remains. For all things will kill you, both slowly and fastly, but it’s much better to be killed by a lover.’ Corey loved the festival he created, he loved metal and horror, and he loved Phil Anselmo like a brother. He loved his family; he talked of his wife and two daughters often. It was often hard to pass Corey without being roped in for a hug. I spoke to him several times yesterday morning, and he was in good spirits, and very pleased with the success of our second Housecore Horror Film Festival. I can’t believe that just an hour or so later, he was gone. My most sincere condolences go out to his family, his Housecore family, and everyone who knew him.” — Shelly Dread, Executive Assistant at Housecore Horror Film Festival
“It never mattered what I was calling him about — films, Housecore, just to chat — we would always spend the first ten minutes talking about his girls and his family life, and how much that all meant to him. I remember last year, in the middle of the badge pickup rush on the first night of the festival, we just went for a half hour walk together, just so he could tell me about his family. Even in the middle of all that madness, they were what was first on his mind.” — Richard Whittaker, Staff Writer – The Austin Chronicle
