That is a quite recent photo of “Grandpa” Al Jourgensen (born Alejandro Ramírez Casas) the Cuban-American singer, musician, producer, and founder of numerous bands including, Ministry, Revolting Cocks, and 1000 Homo DJs.

“Well, I live with snakes and lizards,
And other things that go bump in the night,
‘Cause to me every day is Halloween,
I have given up hiding and started to fight”

Here, both versions of “(Every Day Is) Halloween” are shared, the original 1994 track (trick) with video cartoon crafted by Blake Banks, and the new 2019 acoustic orchestrated track (treat) made with Dave Navarro. Music writer Dave Thompson described the song as “… having been “adopted as the anthem of America’s disenfranchised Gothic community.” [Alternative Rock Magazine]

“I started out in Chicago working in all these real square, establishment record store in the suburbs, and I got fired for being like a weirdo,” Al told Matter in 1983. And the Entertainer made special note of Jourgensen’s style in 1982: “He’s spotted around town, behind record counters at high noon in black nail polish which harmonizes with black five o’clock shadow and like-hued wardrobe.” [klintron.com]

“Well anytime, any place, anywhere that I go,
All the people seem to stop and stare,
They say, “Why are you dressed like it’s Halloween?
You look so absurd, you look so obscene!”“

(Gives) me the chills, I remember listening to Dark Matter Radio where Al was a guest. Dave Navarro suggested to sing “Halloween” in the studio. Al replied, “It’s been 30 years that I have performed this song.” Gladly Al accepted the challenge, it was magical! Thanks, Al and Dave, for this beautiful gift!

_{Rieke Potters, YouTube commenter}

“Well, I let their teeny minds think,
That they’re dealing with someone who is over the brink,
And I dress this way just to keep them at bay,
‘Cause Halloween is everyday, hey”

~

Ministry’s
HOME | APPLE | SPOTIFY | FACEBOOK