Guitarist Mike Scaccia, who passed away in the early hours on December 23, 2012.
Photo courtesy of Omar Mena Photography
Rigor Mortis' final show at the Rail Club in Fort Worth on December 22.
Photo courtesy of Susan Roden Photography
Dallas musician Mike Scaccia, who achieved national acclaim as guitarist for metal-rock bands such as Ministry, the Skatenigs and Rigor Mortis, died on Saturday during a performance at the Rail Club in Fort Worth. He was 47.
Fans saw Scaccia collapse in a seizure while onstage during a Rigor Mortis show, from what was reported by some friends to be a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital but did not recover.
Susan Roden, a friend, saw him in the green room right before the band went onstage. "He was in great spirits. I know that," she said.
One witness posted on Facebook that Scaccia fell in the middle of a solo.
His daughter Sarah posted a poignant message on his Facebook page at 3 am Dallas time, saying, "I love you so much dad. I love you so much."
The band formed in 1983 in Arlington as a three-piece with Scaccia on guitar, Casey Orr on bass and Harden Harrison on drums; singer Bruce Corbitt joined the band in 1986. Their self-titled debut was released by Capitol Records record in 1988, followed by 1989's Freaks and 1991's Rigor Mortis vs. The Earth.
Scaccia rose to national prominence in 1989 when he joined industrial metal band Ministry on their "The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste" tour. He played on Ministry's platinum-selling album Psalm 69 and the '95 release Filth Pig, and he joined Ministry on the 1992 tour of Lollapalooza.
Scaccia also played with other industrial metal bands such as Revolting Cocks and Lard, and on solo releases by Ministry founder Al Jourgensen. In March 2012, the two recorded a new Ministry album called Relapse.
Despite his fame, he remained generous and down-to-earth, said drummer Andre Avelar, who played with Scaccia in a band called League of Blind Women.
"He was a shining example of what you would like to hope that fame brings, in that he remained true to his roots and was kind even to those he knew only moderately," Avelar said. "He had his demons over the years, including some drug use [Scaccia and Jourgensen were arrested in 1995 for possession of heroin], but no one ever had a bad word to say about Mike Scaccia."
In August 2012, the original Rigor Mortis lineup reunited and had been working on a new album, Slaves to the Grave.
One post on his Facebook page spoke for a lot of local fans.
"You will be greatly missed by the metal world and especially those of us who grew up within the DFW local metal scene (80s-90s). We have lost another legend from our metal family waaay too soon and you will always be remembered as one of the greats!"
Corbitt bid goodbye, calling Scaccia "the greatest guitar player I ever knew."
In Scaccia's last update, he said, "These next 2 shows is what I worked my whole life for... Look out Mother Fuckers...hahha"
Chris Kelly, singer for League of Blind Women, said that he and Scaccia had talked about the similarly untimely death of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, guitarist for Arlington metal band Pantera, who was shot and killed while onstage in a club in Ohio in December 2004.
"He once said, 'If I go out ripping on stage, what's a better way to go?'" Kelly said. "And he did."
Scaccia was survived by his wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia, their two children Gianna and Ryder, and older daughters Sarah Scaccia and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins.
UPDATE: According to the Star-Telegram, police responded to a call from the club at 11:45 pm, and Sciacca was pronounced dead at 12:26 am in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.
The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco will be shining bright on December 1.
Dallas homes and neighborhoods sparkle and shine through the holidays, with dazzling coordinated displays, choreographed shows, and Christmas lights so merry and bright that Santa can see them from the North Pole.
Below is a roundup of the best neighborhoods and homes for a holiday-light pilgrimage in 2024. Many of them are plugging in Thanksgiving weekend; check back often, as the list will grow and grow as the season goes on.
For a longer list of marvelous Christmas lights around Dallas - including drive-thru attractions, immersive experiences, commercial displays and more, head to this story.
Neighborhoods and subdivisions with special displays
Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30 The Deerfield subdivision of northwest Plano hosts a magical winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.
Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 14-26 The Interlochen neighborhood in northwest Arlington annually presents Interlochen Lights, more than 200 homes decked out in lights and holiday-themed displays. The event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music in the car. The route map is here. This year, the lights will be on from 6-11 pm December 14-26; free to drive through. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.
Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, December 1-31 The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.
Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 14-15 Residents of this Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn the Craftsman-style homes. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 14-15 only.
Homes with over-the-top lights
Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, November 23-December 23 A Celina family has turned their massive property into a holiday amusement park, complete with over 1 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and much more. Tickets start at $26.99 for adults; $20.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow theFacebook page for updates on special photo ops and more. Here's a preview:
Burkman Holiday Home, Frisco, starts December 1 An alumni of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, the Burkmans’ home is one of the most famous Christmas-light attractions in the area. It features nearly 115,000 lights, animatronic figures, special “character” photo nights, and more. They also collect new/unwrapped toys for the The LiyanaStrong Foundation and charitable donations for a scholarship fund. Open nightly beginning December 1, but closed the first two Mondays in December and for inclement weather. Check the Facebook page for updates.
The Movie House, Allen, November 28-January 1 This Allen family home turns into a theater, showing highlights from favorite holiday classics like Christmas Vacation, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Love Actually, Die Hard and more - all set to music and over 10,000 lights. Guests can also snap a pic in front of a 6-foot star that makes everyone part of the action. The 15-minute show starts on the quarter hour every night from 6-11 pm and runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.. 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. Preview it here:
Tell Family Lights, Keller, November 28-December 31 The family in this home near Keller Central High School is bigger and better than ever, they say. The choreographed light show features 60 songs, and visitors can now download an app on their phones to listen to the show (or tune in to FM radio in the car). Then vote on a favorite song. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) The show runs is on 6-10 pm daily starting Thanksgiving night. Find it at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.
'The Gift of Light' display at Joules-Cornetti home, McKinney, November 28-January 1 This wonderland in McKinney has a little bit of everything: dazzling lights, inflatables, wireframe items, yard art, an entire section devoted to nativities, plus Santas and reindeer, polar bears and penguins, Disney characters, and new for this year - a Buc-cee's inflatable mascot. The "gift" is that they raise money for the American Heart Association, and the story behind their effort is very personal. The lights go on 5-11 pm Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Find it at 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney.
‘Stay in the Light’ display at Hughes Home, Rockwall, December 1-25 Homeowners Brenda and David Hughes have strung more than 100,000 lights outside their home in a festive display. They call it "Stay in the Light" in memory of their son, Nathaniel, who suffered from depression and passed away in 2019 at the age of 29. The couple is accepting donations for Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County plus blankets, socks, and toys to a local children’s hospital. The lights are on nightly, 6-10 pm. 1655 Plummer Dr., Rockwall, in The Shores neighborhood.
Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, November 28-January 1 The Gonzalez family's past choreographed light shows have gone viral for their Selena and Texas Rangers World Series themes. The 2024 presentation will consist of three new shows: Deadpool Wolverine, Bluey, and Wicked. They're also bringing back last year's hit Mario show. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-midnight. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for show schedule and updates.
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The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco will be shining bright on December 1.
Neighborhoods with pretty lights
The Park Cities The stately homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas dress up with beautiful light displays; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Don’t miss Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights, and be sure to drive down SMU’s Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back. The annual SMU Celebration of Lights takes place Sunday, December 2.
Kessler Park Historic Kessler Park features twinkling holiday lights on grand old homes and majestic trees against a backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The holiday decorations are coordinated on various traffic islands in the neighborhood each year. From downtown Dallas, go west on Interstate 30. Take the Sylvan exit, turn south on Sylvan, drive about a half a mile, and turn west on Colorado.
Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff A Dallas tradition more than 30 years strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of its homes participate in an impressive display. Located along three streets just south of the old Oak Cliff Country Club (Elderoaks Lane, Elderleaf Drive, and Elderoaks Place), the neighborhood scenes celebrate Christmas with homemade decorations that span medieval times to present day. Don't miss the streaming show of Christmas carols. There's no fee to watch, and lights go on at dusk each night.
Know of another spectacular lights display in DFW? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Please include a website or link to social media page with your recommendation.
Guitarist Mike Scaccia, who passed away in the early hours on December 23, 2012.Photo courtesy of Omar Mena Photography
Rigor Mortis' final show at the Rail Club in Fort Worth on December 22.Photo courtesy of Susan Roden Photography
