The World Says Goodbye to Reggie Bannister
Tributes came in from PHANTASM fans around the world celebrating the life of Reggie Bannister.
PHANTASM legend Reggie Bannister passed away Sunday, August 9, at his cabin in Crestline, California. He was 80.
The tributes started immediately and haven't slowed down.
PHANTASM creator Don Coscarelli and his wife Gigi Bannister both wrote beautiful tributes.
From the horror family, some of the genre's very own said it best. Including Doug Jones, Barbara Crampton & Bill Moseley.
Doug Jones pays tribute to Reggie Bannister and Phantasm..
Horror legend Barbara Crampton sends love to Reggie Bannister…
Ryan Waste of Richmond thrash legends Municipal Waste posted a memorial set to the Myrow/Seagrave Phantasm main title .. after all the band has been carrying a piece of Reggie around for twenty years. Cue up "Guilty of Being Tight" from 2005's Hazardous Mutation and the first voice you hear is Reggie!
The loudest theme across Instagram and Facebook wasn't grief. It was that everybody had a great Reggie Bannister story:
Reggie Bannister was a PHAN favorite!
"I met him once outside a screening for Bubba. He talked to me like he knew me and made time for me. I don't get teary eyed for many famous people, but this one I will."
"I was so honored to meet him and his wife over 20 years ago. He literally was the same person you saw on the screen… laid back, cool and down to earth."
"Reggie took a chance on me as a young guitar maker — he was my first 'Celebrity Artist' when I made him the RB1000 Signature model based on his specs. We started out as fans, and ended up as friends. We'll miss ya, Reg."
"I remember at a horror con in Burbank when a fight almost broke out between two guys, and Reggie stepped right in, calmed them both down, and mellowed out the whole spot. He was the real deal."
"Most boys' heroes growing up are Superman, Spider-Man and similar. Mine were, are and always will be Reggie Bannister and Bruce Campbell."
"The only bald, middle-aged, ex ice cream vendor that could kick undead ass.”
Reggie Bannister, Don Coscarelli, and Angus Scrimm with the fans…
Troy Knowles wrote a beautiful thought: "His legacy isn't just the films, though those are immortal. It's the feeling he gave people: that horror could have heart, that heroes could be scruffy and soulful, and that courage sometimes looks like a man in a flannel shirt saying, 'Alright, let's do this.'"
Gigi Bannister has said the family will hold private services, followed by a public celebration for Reggie's fans and fellow musicians. We'll post details when we have them.
