HALLOWEEN COMES EARLY FOR ROB ZOMBIE

If you thought Rob Zombie’s Halloween was scary, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

In fact, the only thing scarier is his manager Andy Gould and an open bar.

Produced by Gould and Malek Akkad, writer/director Zombie’s sequel, Halloween II—for the Weinstein Company—opens Friday (8/28) nationally. His original “reimagining” of John Carpenter’s classic broke Labor Day weekend box office records in 2007, with a $31 million opening, before going on to gross more than $80 million.

It’s the fifth film directed by the rocker, which continues the Mike Myers story, and stars his wife Sheri Moon Zombie, Malcolm McDowell and Brad Dourif.

The Hip-O/UMe soundtrack album, Halloween II—Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, co-produced by Rob, hit stores Tuesday (8/25). The track listing includes Moody Blues’ “Knights in Whtie Satin,” featured prominently in the film, along with 10cc’s “The Things We Do for Love,” MC5’s “Kick out the Jams,” Rod Stewart’s “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” Motorhead’s “The Chase Is Better Than the Catch” and Foghat’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You.”

New psychobilly band Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures, who appear in the film, also contribute two new songs, "Transylvania Terror Train" and "Honky Tonk Halloween.” Other new tracks include John 5’s "Laurie's Theme,” Watchmen score composer Tyler Bate’s "Nurse Killa" and Nan Vernon's cover of Nazareth's 1976 hit "Love Hurts.”

The premiere Monday night (8/24) attracted an industry who’s who, including Richard Bishop, Rick Sales, Marc Pollack, John Travis and Andy Gould, as well as Ace Frehley, Filter's Richard Patrick, Mickey Dolenz, Craig Robinson and Chris Hardwick in addition to the film’s Sheri and Rob Zombie and Malcolm McDowell.

In addition, Rob's R-rated, full-length, animated feature The Haunted World of El Superbeasto will debut on Starz as a pay-per-view on Sept. 7, with a limited theatrical release by D&E Entertainment, Sept. 12 (click here for more), and a DVD release Sept. 22. Written and directed by Rob, and produced by Andy Gould, the movie was four years in the making and features the voice talents of Tom Papa, Sheri Moon Zombie, Paul Giamatti, Rosario Dawson and Brian Posehn. (For more, see www.elsuperbeasto.com).

On the music side, Rob will release his latest solo album in October, with a tour to follow.