RIP Joe Meadows

[pocketmego]

As some of you know, I used to write articles for the e-zine
Horror-Wood. Joe Meadows who ran the magazine was a BIG supporter of
Creepy Cheapies.

One day I stopped hearing from Joe and the site remained un-updated for
quite a few months before shutting down.

I just found out he passed away late last year...

<<<<<<This column was written for the September edition of Horror-Wood,
the long running electronic zine operated by my friend, Joe "Renfield"
Meadows. When I submitted it to Joe and failed to receive any feedback
from him (my monthly "attaboy" email), I knew something was wrong. My
anxiety escalated when the September Horror-Wood failed to appear
online. I knew Joe had been suffering with serious health issues. My
worst fears were confirmed some days later, when I learned that Joe had
passed away.

*Above: Joe Meadows on stage at Monster Bash. *

Loyal readers of Horror-Wood will miss Joe's irreverent yet loving
e-zine. Those of us who knew him personally will miss"Renfield" himself.
Joe often traveled from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio, where he and I
gathered to watch movies in my friend, Dave Harnack's 16 mm home movie
theater. I'll never forget Joe's first visit to Dave's. Given hundreds
of great movies to choose from, did he select CASABLANCA? KING KONG?
Nope. He selected a double feature of EQUINOX and BLUEBEARD'S TEN
HONEYMOONS! That was Joe. He and I also roomed together at Monster Bash
a couple of times. His knowledge of offbeat cult movies was
encyclopedic, and he had a marvelous sense of humor. Life was always
better when Joe was around.

The Digital Dungeon, my DVD review column, had been a regular feature at
Horror-Wood for several years. Following Joe's death, Ron Adams offered
me the opportunity to continue my monthly column here at his Creepy
Classics site. This seemed like a perfect fit, since many Horror-Wood
readers are also regular Creepy Classics customers. Besides, Ron also
knew Joe well and shares my sadness at his passing. So, thanks to Rondo,
The Dungeon will go on, with its usual slate of classic horror and
science fiction DVD reviews, plus as scuttlebutt about upcoming new
releases. The annual, ever-popular Renfield Awards, named for Joe and
honoring the best classic genre DVDs of the year, will continue as well.

And one more thing will remain: Our memories of and affection for Joe
Meadows. This one's for you, Renfield.>>>>>

It hurts me very much to learn of this. Joe was a great person and LOVED
obscure cult movies. He was a fan's fan, who worked really hard to make
something that was similar to the great monster mags he grew up reading.

I'll miss him a lot.

-Ray