Adventure Landing’s All New Haunt Nights Features the only 3D Attraction in Jacksonville

 

It is an All New Year of Fear!

V.I.P. Press Night on October 5th – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm- Includes a “sneak peek,” V.I.P tour of Apocalyptia 3D and the opportunity to be turned into one of our haunt characters- You get to be the monster!

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL – September 6, 2012 – Adventure Landing’s Haunt Nights makes a deadly return in 2012 with two all new haunts: Apocalyptia 3D and Dark Fables. Apocalyptia will be the only 3D haunted attraction in Jacksonville.

 V.I.P Press Night- The press corps can arrive at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 5, with media badges and enjoy pizza and preview scares and tour on us! A few members of the media will be made up like one of our featured monsters and scare the general public! “This year, we really wanted to raise the fear factor and become the premiere haunted attraction on the First Coast. We hired leading industry expert, Dan Faupel to create the only 3D haunt in Jacksonville. “We will use all of these amazing 3D elements to build a new laser tag attraction after Haunt Nights is over,” says owner and founder, Hank Woodburn. “We are very committed to making this year the best Haunt Nights in our history!” Adds expert Dan Faupel, “It’s really nice to see Adventure Landing invest so much in their haunts this year. With the addition of dozens of scare specialists I brought with me, we will have over 100 years of combined, professional experience. Be prepared to be scared!”

SUMMARY OF HAUNTS

This Halloween, we are raising our scare factor to intense heights. Start inside Apocalyptia, Jacksonville’s only 3D haunted attraction! See this post-apocalyptic future with mind-blowing visual effects and scares.

Haunt Nights runs from September 28 to October 31 on select dates. A complete operating schedule can be found online by visiting:

www.hauntnights.com/schedule.html




APOCALYPTIA 3D PRESENTED BY TACO BELL (Opens Friday, September 28)

The Only 3D Attraction and Haunt in Jacksonville. Awaken from a stasis sleep into a post-apocalyptic future infested with zombies, giants and mutants. Come face-to-face with epic figures like DOOM and DR. TRAUMA. You will navigate through a doomed city full of glowing radiation using your protective glasses.

 

 



 

DARK FABLES (Opens Friday, October 12)

 

You will never sleep soundly again! Bedtime stories become your worst nightmares when you step into the evil shadows of Dark Fables. Childhood fairy tales turn into gruesome realities as you encounter our twisted, wicked characters ready to send you into a Happily Never After!

 

 

COST

Tickets start at just $11.99 per person. Visit

www.hauntnights.com/tickets.html for all ticket information.

NOT-SO-SCARY ALTERNATIVES

Although Haunt Nights is not intended for ages 12 and under, Adventure Landing will also be hosting a Hallo-WEE Party on Saturday, October 27 from 10am – 2pm for children 12 and under. The not-so-scary Hallo-WEE Party will feature crafts, games, face painting and a costume contest. More information can be found on http://www.adventurelanding.com/parks/jacksonville-beach/home/specials/upcoming-events/.

Adventure Landing and NRP Holdings is headquartered in Jacksonville Beach and consists of eighteen family entertainment centers around the country. The entertainment parks offer a combination of family fun attractions including waterpark, video games, go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf courses, batting cages, birthday parties, corporate team building and group events.

 

Visit Adventure Landing’s website for more details visit:

 www.adventurelanding.com.

Why I Love Horror and Why It’s Important to Me

                                                               By Marcus Davis

  

Ever since I was a child I’ve had a fascination with the horror genre. I was introduced to my first horror film by a baby sitter when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Every time I was dropped off at her house she would pull out a selection horror movies on VHS. The first one she made me watch was Tremors. While watching the film I couldn’t help but think of what I would do if these large worms that terrorized a small town were real. I kept thinking about what I would do differently. This fascination led me to become obsessed with the Sci-Fi channel, turning it on and tuning in every chance I had. It was on the Sci-Fi channel that I discovered movies like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13^th, and John Carpenter’s The Thing. There was something about these films that stuck with me. That something was the feeling of fear.

   As I grew older I started to recognize the importance of fear. Fear is a human emotion that triggers the release of adrenaline and endorphins in the body. This feeling is important to me because it reminds me that we are human and there are things that are out of our control.  I enjoyed the way I felt while watching horror films. I was addicted to that feeling. The way the score of John Carpenter’s Halloween added to the terror that is Michael Myers. The way corpses were reanimated and brought back to life in Fulci’s Zombi2. Even how the gritty lifestyle the Sawyer family embodied in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre made me want to shower immediately. All of these elements are important because they remind us that not all movies have to have a happy ending.

   The great thing about horror films is they allow us to use our imagination more than any other genre. It’s our imagination that allows us to think outside the box and think beyond the laws of reality. It’s in our imagination that our city can be overrun by zombies or we can save the damsel in distress from the clutches of a demonic killer. It’s these ideas that separate horror from drama, comedy, and romance films where the simple love story can be altered and reused over and over again.

   Aside from watching horror films another way I get my horror fix is by attending haunted houses. Haunted houses give you a unique opportunity to live out some of your favorite horror fantasies in real life. Whether it’s walking through scenes from the films or a completely original idea you’re always guaranteed a good scare with the use of the same elements of the films. Haunted houses have harnessed the senses of sight, sound, and sometimes smell to completely engulf you in an atmosphere of pure horror. Most haunts don’t open until the fall season so I always plan accordingly to be able to attend as many as possible.

   Not too long after I met my significant other, we discovered the phenomenons that are horror conventions. I couldn’t believe these conventions were taking place and I had no idea about them. I couldn’t help but notice how close to home I felt at these events. After attending my first horror convention I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I wanted to promote any and all things related to the horror community with the hope that there are others out there like me that love horror but didn’t have a proper outlet to get the enjoyment I was looking for.

   Now that I’m older I still watch horror films and in fact collect them. I collect autographs and memorabilia of the films that stuck with me ever since I was a child. While sometimes criticized by others around me about my interests, I still continue to pursue my dreams in the genre that has given me so much in return. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone reading this that feels like they are alone because of their interests in horror, speak up and do something to preserve what you love. Whether it’s holding an event or showing someone a horror film for the first time, get out there and do it and help keep horror alive.

Skull and Bones' Convention Tips for First Time Attendees

The Basics

ü  If possible, try to attend the pre-party for the convention. Usually the pre-party will be held on a Thursday if it’s a weekend long convention. Some cons have live bands play and others show movie screenings. Either way it’s always a good opportunity to meet up with likeminded people and occasionally run into celebrities that have arrived at the con early. Be careful not to overdo yourself at the pre-party. Remember, the conventions are usually all weekend and have awesome after parties.

ü  Be prepared for cancellations; try to avoid buying tickets for a con based on one particular guest, in order to not end up disappointed if they end up cancelling.

 

Funds

ü  Try to bring as much cash as possible, in order to escape the unavoidable, and sometimes ridiculous, ATM charges. In some cases the onsite ATM’s will run out of cash before the weekend is over.

ü  Be prepared to spend around $20-$40 an autograph. Be cautious when budgeting for autographs. Some conventions don’t release larger named celebrities until close to the date of the convention. Just when you think you know all of the autographs you want, they’ll add someone you‘ve always wanted to meet. More recently, celebs like Jamie Lee Curtis have come into the convention circuit and they require a certain amount of money prior to the convention, almost like a down payment. Also, sometimes pictures with the celebrity will cost extra, though most will take a photo with you for free if you purchase an autograph.

ü  VIP tickets are more expensive but usually come with perks that make it worth every penny. Perks range from a free autograph to early convention admission to free limited edition t-shirts. Most conventions also offer VIP ticket holders the advantage of skipping to the front of the lines for autographs and Q&A panels.

ü  The vendor room is full of things for horror fans to drool over, but try to hold out until Sunday; usually vendors will lower their prices then in order to avoid having to bring merchandise back with them. If you see something you don’t quite have enough money for, try negotiating with the vendor, some are more flexible than others.

ü  Make sure you bring more than enough money for food throughout the duration of your stay at the con. Some hotels and convention centers have a small café or deli where you can purchase sandwiches or wraps. Almost all of the hotels will have a full service restaurant where you can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a higher price. If you’re lucky, your room will have a microwave or a refrigerator so ask the hotel staff when booking your room. If you do, make sure to pack food accordingly to save on costs.

ü  If you’re not flying to the convention, it’s a good idea to bring your own alcohol, as the drinks prices at conventions can be rather high.

 

 

Don’t Forget…

 

ü  Bring a backpack; this will help limit your trips between your room and the autographs/vendor rooms, which is very helpful if your room isn’t close to the convention center, especially if it rains.

ü  Make sure your camera is charged, and if possible bring extra batteries, nothing is worse than your camera dying before you were able to get a photo with your favorite celebrity.

ü  It’s a good idea to bring hand sanitizer, in order to avoid con crud. With so many people in a confined space, it’s not hard to end up getting sick.

Overall, the most important thing to remember is have fun and enjoy every minute you can, attending a convention can be one of the best investments you make as a horror fan and you will be sure to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Skull and Bones' Upcoming Events

November

 

November 24th ThanksKILLing

at

Phoenix Taproom

8PM -1AM

 

 

Now that you've had time to digest your Thanksgiving feasts, come burn off all those calories while watching some awesome local punk and metal bands. More details to come....

 

 

December

 

December 22nd 2nd Annual Black Christmas Party

at

Phoenix Taproom

9PM-2AM

 

 

Tired of all the hustle and bustle and holiday cheer? Come get your post-Halloween horror fix by seeing an art show with local horror and dark artists, along with spooky music and have a bloody good time. But watch out for Santa, he doesn't care if you've been naughty OR nice...

 

 

February

 

February 9th My Bloody Valentine Social Mixer

Mimi's Sports Bar and Grill

7PM-12AM

 

 

Single? Love horror? Then come take a chance at finding the person of your screams! There will be food, drinks, music and speed dating for the single boils and ghouls. More details to come.....

 

 

 

 



Skull and Bones Entertainment Reviews: I Spill Your Guts

I Spill Your Guts

James Balsamo yet again, has brought us an original and unique horror film. I Spill Your Guts has a less comical yet darker vibe than his previous film, Hack Job. The good news is that just leaves room for more gore. This film follows a war hero, Dennis, who receives an almost fatal injury while fighting in Germany. When he awakens in the hospital he realizes as a result of his injury he can no longer speak. Doctors predict he will not survive the night, but when he discovers he has endured the ultimate betrayal at the hands of his “best friend”, he fights to live, and seek the ultimate revenge.

Dennis returns to the streets of New York, becoming “The American Executioner”, seeking vengeance on any and every one close to the friend who betrayed him, and stole his glory. The results are deadly. One by one Dennis gets closer to his target, killing those he loves on the way. He finally comes face to face with the man who betrayed him, and his former best friend, Joe Bava. What happens next is a fight to the death.

Skull and Bones invades Days of the Dead-Indianapolis

We, at Skull and Bones Entertainment, recently had the opportunity to experience our second Days of the Dead convention. This time we went back to where it all began, Indianapolis, Indiana. We began our trip early Thursday morning to catch our flight out of Orlando to Indianapolis. We haven’t been that far from Jacksonville, Florida in a very long time so it was a big deal for us. During the flight all we could think about was meeting people we grew up admiring like Lamberto Bava, Traci Lords, Dick Miller, and Tom Savini just to name a few. We couldn’t wait to arrive in Indy and be amongst the horror crowd and our convention family. Once we arrived at the airport in Indianapolis, Adolfo was an excellent promoter by having a ride waiting to take us to the hotel.  We always arrive to Days of the Dead on Thursday to make sure we attend the infamous pre-party. If you’ve ever been to a Days of the Dead pre-party, you know what we mean. It’s the perfect way to start an awesome weekend.

Skull and Bones Invades May-Hem

Skull and Bones Entertainment was able to make a last minute trip down to Spooky Empire’s May-Hem in Orlando last weekend, thanks to our good friend Melissa Benjamin, Food and Beverage Director at Wyndham Worldwide. I (Ashley) was eager to see John Astin, Oliver Robbins, and Joey Lauren Adams just to name a few, Mark was looking forward to meeting Linda Hamilton, and Vivica Fox, and we both were very excited to finally get to meet Caroline Williams. We were also looking forward to attending May-Hem as we were not able to make it last year, and it would be our first time. We knew to expect a smaller show than in October, but other than that we weren’t sure what we’d encounter.

HORIZON MOVIES ACQUIRES ALL NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO MR. HUSH (2011) A NEW HORROR FILM FROM WRITER/DIRECTOR DAVID LEE MADISON

DIRECTOR DAVID LEE MADISON AND STARS STEPHEN GEOFFREYS, STEVE DASH AND BRAD LOREE ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.

Days of the Dead Atlanta Review

Skull and Bones Entertainment invades Days of the Dead Atlanta!

We arrived to Days of the Dead Atlanta Thursday evening and immediately went to the pre-party at Jekyll and Hyde’s. While there, we watched Goddamn Zombie as well as First Jason. There were quite a few other convention attendees, and everyone was able to drink, eat, mingle and have a great time before the REAL fun started on Friday.

Friday morning we woke up and walked around the hotel lobby, where it wasn’t unusual to see a celebrity grabbing a cup of coffee or checking in. Conventions are great for fans because it’s probably the only opportunity you get to casually occupy the same space as the people you admire from the movies you love. Once the doors opened we immediately went to the celebrity signing areas to do a walk through and talk to those celebs we’ve become acquainted with and meet those who we hadn’t before. We also wandered through the vendor room, immediately seeing things that made us say “I want that!” There was no shortage of awesome stuff in the vendor room that’s for sure!

Skull and Bones Entertainment is proud to announce.....

Will Keenan

as our newest client!

Keenan was born in Philadelphia. Keenan attended New York University while majoring in theater and studying psychology, philosophy and dance. He started his career in underground and cult movies, performing lead roles in Tromeo and Juliet and the first fully digital feature film, Love God (Good Machine now Focus Features). Some of his starring and producing credits include Politics of Love, The Ghastly Love of Johnny X, Chop, Terror Firmer, Margarita Happy Hour, The Love Machine, Hoofboy, OMC, Hisss and Trick.

In 1998 Keenan produced and programmed a 10-day arts exchange between New York City and Philadelphia named PhillyHoverground at locations throughout Philadelphia including International House and the Shubert Theater. The festival program consisted of art, theatre, dance and film screenings including the city's first public theatrical screenings of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's "Cannibal The Musical" and Harmony Korine's "Gummo".

  

Keenan was an invited participant in the 2000 Sundance Institute Film Labs and won a Best Actor award at the Brooklyn International Film Festival in 2002. Keenan worked under the company name Hoverground in New York City, and, until 2011, under the company name Nuclear Mango in Los Angeles. Keenan was invited to give a featured keynote appearance in Las Vegas for the inaugural Netroots Nation blogger convention in 2005, produced a viral video campaign for the convention and spearheaded the launch of the Netroots Nation screening series program the following year.

OMC, co-directed by Keenan, has garnered positive reviews for Keenan's acting and stunt-work, and some film web sites have called him a contemporary Buster Keaton. Keenan's trademark stunt is getting hit by a car. During a 2004 Video Software Dealer's Convention in Las Vegas at which actor/comedian Jerry Lewis was the keynote speaker, Keenan played a prank on Lewis involving the latter's book ("Dean and Me: A Love Story") which was reported in Page Six of the New York Post.

Will as Tromeo in Tromeo and Juliet

Keenan was a consulting co-producer for the Indian-American production "Hisss" (2010) and a consultant during the development of the big-budget Indian production "Ra.One" (2011). Keenan produced three songs and two videos for the "Hisss" soundtrack in an east-west collaboration, bringing together artist Dave Kushner of American super-group Velvet Revolver with Indian actress/singer/lyricist Shruti Haasan, Julian Lennon with Mallika Sherawat and Panjabi MC with Filmfare Award-winning Indian singer/performer Shweta Pandit. Official Bollywood Soundtrack Charts charted "I Got That Poison" Performed by Panjabi MC and Shweta Pandit in the Top Ten from Oct 24 through Nov, 5 2010. In 2009 Keenan created the Indo-American production company and consultancy partnership Nuclear Mango and sold his stake in the company in 2011.

In 2011, Keenan was recruited for an executive position at digital network Maker Studios, named by The Huffington Post as one of 2011's "Hot Companies To Watch" and co-starred in the German-Indian co-production "Indisch Fur Anfanger (Mission India)" with German celebrities Henning Baum and Wolke Hegenbarth. In March 2011, Keenan engineered and brokered a feature recording artist and music video deal between YMCMB for hip-hop/rap star Lil Wayne and Indian composer/singer/actor/musician Himesh Reshammiya.

For booking info contact: SkullandBonesEnt@Gmail.com

Hack Job? Yes, Hack Job!

Hack Job takes you on a wild ride and you’ll be left screaming for more!

 This anthology film contains three stories that will have you neck deep in laughs, gore and of course nudity! Featuring a wonderful cast of newcomers as well as host of cameos such as Lloyd Kaufman, GWAR’s Oderus Urungus, Lynn Lowry and Debbie Rochon, you can’t ask for a more entertaining film. You’ll even meet the director/producer of the bloody masterpiece, James Balsamo, as he appears in all three stories.

Iconic Filmmaker JOHN WATERS Makes a Special RARE Convention Appearance at DAYS OF THE DEAD III in Indianapolis This July

Legendary auteur, JOHN WATERS, brings his "THIS FILTHY WORLD" show to DAYS OF THE DEAD III in Indianapolis for a special one of a kind limited engagement and autograph signing.

                                           

It is with IMMENSE honor that we announce the schedules appearance of iconic filmmaker, JOHN WATERS, Saturday, July 7th at DAYS OF THE DEAD III in Indianapolis, IN.

John Waters will be bringing his highly acclaimed, "This Filthy World" show to DAYS OF THE DEAD for a special one night only limited engagement. Dubbed, "THIS FILTHY WORLD: Filthier and More Horrible," Waters promises to be as comedically witty and salacious as ever, bringing an act that is often reserved for large theater houses across the world into a small and intimate setting at DAYS OF THE DEAD.

Attendees of "THIS FILTHY WORLD: Filthier and More Horrible" will not only be treated to the 90 minute performance and post-show Q&A, but will also be able to come face to face with John Waters himself during a special 2 hour meet and greet prior to the show, at which time Mr. Waters will sign autographs on personal items for FREE.

Tickets for "THIS FILTHY WORLD: Filthier and More Horrible" are ON SALE NOW, for only $60 - included with the performance and autograph signing will be a special limited edition event poster designed by DAYS OF THE DEAD. All DAYS OF THE DEAD VIP Pass holders will receive preferred seating to the event, after which seating will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis.

Director Filmography

2004 - A Dirty Shame

2000 - Cecil B. Demented

1998 - Pecker

1994 - Serial Mom

1990 - Cry-Baby

1988 - Hairspray

1981 - Polyester

1977 - Desperate Living

1974 - Female Trouble

1972 - Pink Flamingos

1970 - Multiple Maniacs

           The Diane Linkletter Story

1969 - Mondo Trasho

1967 - Eat Your Makeup

1966 - Roman Candles

1964 - Hag in a Black Leather Jacket

For more info on DAYS OF THE DEAD III, happening July 6th-8th at the Wyndham Indianapolis West in Indianapolis, IN, visit the convention's official website at  
http://www.DaysoftheDead.net. 

NEW HORROR THRILLER "I SPILL YOUR GUTS" RELEASING APRIL 2012

NEW YORK, NY – Acid Bath Productions has announced the official release date of April 01, 2012 for their new Horror Thriller, "I Spill Your Guts". Directed by James Balsamo, this military horror is bound to get you excited. On a routine military mission, Dennis and Joe are quickly surrounded by enemy fire. When Joe stands into the line of fire to run, Dennis pushes him out of the way, only to take a bullet to the throat.

Following his tragic injury, Dennis wakes up in the hospital to find Joe stole the credit as the hero, and told the ultimate lie, took all the glory, and left mute Dennis with only one option. When the two return to their war-raged hometown of New York, Dennis seeks revenge on Joe – killing anyone close to him. One little lie will cost so many innocent lives in "I Spill Your Guts"

"I Spill Your Guts", which features Andrew W.K., Lloyd Kaufman, Balls Mahoney, Lynn Lowry, Frank Mullen of Suffocation, and Dave Brockie of GWAR is set for official release on April 01, 2012.





About Acid Bath Productions: Acid Bath Productions is a New York based production company specializing in Horror. The Acid Bath Team is comprised of individuals who live, eat, and breathe horror movies. Acid Bath Productions is proud to introduce "I Spill Your Guts" in April of 2012 to our expansive variety of films, including "Hack Job". For more information about "I Spill Your Guts" or Acid Bath Productions, call ABP at 718-510-3944.

Skull and Bones Entertainment is proud to announce.....

Yan Birch...

...as our newest client!

The son of a Swedish Actor-Comedian, Producer, Director and Musician; music and the arts were a natural part of Yan Birch's life, surrounding him throughout his early childhood. He learned to play the flute and trumpet at a tender age, and his passion for acting led him to the stage as a young child, appearing in several plays, including "Miss Julie", by August Strindberg.

Yan's early television career in Sweden included two successful youth programs "Barnjournalen", a popular weekly kid's show, and "Unga Tvaan", at that time Sweden's MTV equivalent. Yan also had a band and released several successful recordings which received much radio airplay.

Graduating with a BA in Mechanical Engineering and a degree in Mathematics, Yan completed his studies from the technical college Teknikum in Vaxjo, Sweden.


At this point in his life, Yan decided to have a dramatic "Life Learning Experience." He traveled the world and lived in almost every country before making the big Hollywood move to live out his dream. He took nothing with him but the determination to "Experience" people from all over the world so that he would be well prepared for Hollywood and whatever was to come his way.

With talent, experience, unending support from his family, and maybe a little genetic determination to perform, Yan swiftly obtained acting parts in music videos and commercials, working with people like

Billy Idol, David Fincher, Mark Rezyka and Mickey Rourke before landing his first American feature roles in Slumber Party Massacre III (1990), and The Runestone (1991). From these, he was flown to Italy where he landed a starring role in the feature film "Scrondo" and several other Italian television shows.

In 1991, Yan got a major part in Wes Craven's cult horror film The People Under the Stairs (1991), as "The Stairmaster." While his love for the fun of working on Horror and Science Fiction films took him on a road through the underground, his acting ability landed him the steadier roles in two popular network daytime soaps "Santa Barbara" (1984) and "The Young and the Restless" (1973). Yan capitalized on his Swedish good looks, and his menacing appearance, playing both a sensitive health club owner and a mobster, while working to better his craft in this different media.

After working on a few more Indy films like Cyber Bandits (1995) together with Grace Jones, Alexandra Paul, Martin Kemp and Adam Ant, helmed by Erik Fleming and Sucker: The Vampire (1998) (V) written and directed by Hans Rodionoff, in 1999 Yan received a phone call from Chuck Russell and was offered the role of the "Guardian Angel" in Paramount's Bless the Child (2000). Directed by Chuck Russell and starring Kim Basinger, Jimmy Smits, Christina Ricci and Rufus Sewell. Since then, Yan has appeared in several more independent films including Essence of Echoes (2002) and Ghost Rock (2004). Yan also has a recurring role on Spelling television's hit series "Charmed" (1998) on WB, as "Kane" - the head of the Warlocks.

Yan has incorporated his love of the arts with his business and deciding to expand his professional career, Yan also dove into producing. At the start of the year 1996 he produced "Mega Man" for Fox Television. He is the co-owner of the film production company Pure Entertainment together with his partner Victoria Tarazi. Yan produced and line produced the feature film documentary "Gone Soul Fishin" for MTV. He also produced and line produced the feature film Essence of Echoes (2002) (in which he also starred as the main villain). Yan continues to produce and develop a multitude of other projects with his company Pure Entertainment.

Yan has also starred in a multitude of television commercials during the years working with Directors such as Mark Pellington, David LaChapelle, Jake Scott, Ralf Schmerberg, Pierre Winther, Albert Watson, 'Regis Roinsard' , Paul Minor and Paul Hunter.

Yan played 'Kane', Head of the Warlocks, in the TV series Charmed

Yan continues to expand his professional career while soaking up life's experiences like a sponge. His range and ability as an Actor and Producer continue to grow as he applies himself, and all that he is, to his roles and projects. Embracing every challenge with his eternal positive energy, inner peace, and great style, he has certainly come a long way since his first days on the stage in Sweden.