Dead Beats: "The Gonk" by Herbert Chappell

Earlier this year, George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead technically celebrated its second 40th anniversary, if you consider when the film released here in the United States back in April of 1979. This iconic horror film is essentially the epitome of a perfect zombie movie and was the most ideal sequel to 1968’s Night of the Living Dead, also helmed by Romero, one could possibly hope for.

Dawn of the Dead tells an apocalyptic tale about four survivors looking to escape the madness of a world being overrun by flesh-eating zombies and the resulting mass hysteria and crumbling social systems throughout. They take refuge inside a suburban shopping mall they have barricaded themselves in, but are they truly safe from the terrors of both the living and dead outside and of their own isolation?

While the film had its own exuberant original score by Italian progressive rock band Goblin (credited as The Goblins), which is featured heavily in its European version, it is often Romero’s choice of library stock music he selected from the De Wolfe Limited labels that often takes center stage whenever the soundtrack is discussed. One of the most recognized of the bunch is the late Herbert Chappell’s “The Gonk,” used during the end credits.

This marching theme is a rather silly listen but fans of the film will undoubtedly remember it. Honestly, Dawn of the Dead wouldn’t feel quite the same without it. It also speaks to Romero’s cleverness and sense of humor as he weaved serious stories to rollicking musical themes, seemingly poking fun at the social commentaries he succeeded in addressing as if to say humans are savages in the best and worst of times so we might have some fun while plummeting ourselves into an inescapable doom.

Chappell, who recently passed away in October, composed “The Gonk” way back in 1965. This iconic track also appeared in Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead and it continues to be the ending theme for the Robot Chicken television series. A portion of the song was also reprised by John Harrison for Day of the Dead, Romero’s 1985 follow-up film to Dawn of the Dead. All things considered, this song rightfully deserves to forever be associated with the classic zombie feature and the composer’s musical legacy will live on with it for years to come.

We love hearing from our readers, so why not share your thoughts on this latest Dead Beats spotlight or reminisce on your favorite moments from George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead in the comments below? You can also discuss it with us on social media. Dead Entertainment is your source for all the latest news and updates in the world of horror! Stay tuned and most importantly of all, stay scared!

About the Author

Jay Gervais

From small town to big city and back again, Jay was born and raised in Canada and has lived his whole life there. He’s always ready to cut down any misconceptions his American friends have of life in the great white north. He’s also no stranger to this kind of community, and has plenty of experience under his bed. He enjoys all kinds of horror entertainment, as long as it’s got the heart and soul to it. When he’s not doing something here, he can be found at his post at the night’s watch, or knee deep into his school studies.

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