Convention Connection: Paul Booth, Mayhem, and the Wild Side of Tattoo Conventions
About 20 years ago, magician Adam Cardone was hired to perform at the opening of Paul Booth’s new Last Rites tattoo shop in Midtown Manhattan. While getting ready backstage, he asked the man next to him what he was performing. The answer was a “drone show.” The man was Attila Csihar, lead singer of the black metal band Mayhem. That night, the party featured a pond with a waterfall of blood.
Adam has performed at tattoo conventions for more than 20 years. Today, he’s the MC of the Tattoo Society World Expo in New York. Chico Cortez caught up with Adam at the expo for Convention Connection to talk about the entertainment side of tattoo conventions.
Key Takeaways
Who: Adam Cardone is a magician and MC who has performed at tattoo conventions for more than 20 years.
His wildest gig: Performing at Paul Booth’s Last Rites opening alongside Mayhem’s Attila Csihar, at a party with a waterfall of blood.
More than tattoos: Adam says sideshows and burlesque have always been part of tattoo convention culture.
His home base: He’s performed at the Slipper Room on the Lower East Side since 2002 and also works the Coney Island sideshow.
For aspiring Tattoo Artists: Conventions show you the culture. A structured tattoo apprenticeship builds the career.
What are tattoo conventions and why do they matter?
Tattoo conventions are multi-day events where Tattoo Artists tattoo clients live, show their work, and connect with the wider tattoo community.
They’re also entertainment. At the Tattoo Society World Expo in New York, Adam MCs the show and performs magic during the burlesque portion. He’s MCing for Tony, the show’s promoter, whom he calls a good guy.
Adam says sideshows, burlesque, and live entertainment have long been part of the tattoo convention world. The burlesque performers at the expo are world-class. Some are top performers at the Slipper Room on the Lower East Side, where Adam has worked since 2002.
Who is Paul Booth and why does he define the wild side of tattooing?
Paul Booth is one of tattooing’s best-known names, famous for dark, macabre black and gray work. His tattoo shop, Last Rites, became legendary in New York.
Adam’s story offers a glimpse of that world. Last Rites started on the Lower East Side, then moved to Midtown. About 20 years ago, Paul Booth hired Adam as the “magic guy” for the new location’s opening.
Adam was excited. He knew Booth’s work and saw him as one of the kings of the scene. Adam often does “mingle gigs,” walking around and performing card tricks, so he was getting ready for exactly that kind of night.
Then he looked around the party space. The tattoo shop had a pond with a waterfall of blood. Adam called it beautiful.
Takeaway: Tattoo culture has always made room for bold, unforgettable experiences, and Paul Booth’s world is a prime example.
What is the "Mayhem" spirit of tattoo conventions?
In Adam’s story, Mayhem is literal. It’s the name of the Norwegian black metal band whose lead singer, Attila Csihar, shared a dressing area with Adam that night.
Adam asked the man next to him what he was doing for the event. The answer was a drone show. Adam didn’t know what that meant, so the man demonstrated, singing in a low drone voice. When Adam asked his name, he said “Attila,” the lead singer of Mayhem.
As Adam points out, magicians usually share the bill with jugglers or comedians. This time, he was working a party with the lead singer of Mayhem.
That mix of art, music, and spectacle is part of what makes tattoo culture so unique.
Why should aspiring Tattoo Artists attend conventions?
Conventions show you the full culture of tattooing: the art, the people, and the energy.
See the work up close: Watch Tattoo Artists work live and study their technique.
Meet the community: Conventions bring together Tattoo Artists, collectors, performers, and promoters like Tony.
Feel the culture: From burlesque to magic, you’ll see why tattooing has always been more than ink.
Get inspired: Seeing professionals at work can show you whether this career is right for you.
Tattooing is also a deeply human craft. Read why Tattoo Artists are still essential.
How do you prepare for your first tattoo convention?
Step 1: Learn the names. Know who the headliners are, like Paul Booth, and the styles that interest you.
Step 2: Bring your work. Carry a sketchbook to show Tattoo Artists you’re serious.
Step 3: Respect the booths. Don’t touch a Tattoo Artist’s station, and ask before filming.
Step 4: Enjoy the whole show. Catch the entertainment, too. Adam performs during the burlesque portion at the Tattoo Society World Expo.
Step 5: Follow up. Connect online with the Tattoo Artists and performers you meet. Adam posts his public shows on Instagram.
Before your first show, read about the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid. Build your online presence with these platforms to help Tattoo Artists build their brand.
Pro Tip: Watch how professionals handle hygiene at their booths. Every Tattoo Artist must follow the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.
How do conventions connect to a real tattoo career?
Conventions can spark the dream, but real training builds the career.
Adam’s career shows how far performance and connection can take you. He was born in Pennsylvania and moved to New York City more than 30 years ago. He lived on the Upper West Side, then in Brooklyn, and settled in Rockaway, Queens. Rockaway Playland was already gone by the time he arrived, but he’s learned a lot about it.
Most of his work is private. He also performs in the Coney Island sideshow, at the Slipper Room, and at all kinds of conventions, including alcohol conventions. Anywhere they need someone to walk around or put on a show, he gets hired. He books speaking gigs, too.
What does the Ink Different Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship offer?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship that takes beginners to job-ready Tattoo Artists.
Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years. No prior art experience is required.
Hands-on mentorship: You learn in person from experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Beginner-friendly: You’ll learn drawing, machine handling, and hygiene from the ground up.
Licensing support: Guidance through your state’s requirements.
A guaranteed job offer: You’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is available at 60+ tattoo studios nationwide.
You’ll also join Ink Different’s “Good Humans” culture, a supportive community that has your back. Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
What is the Master Mentorship program?
Once you’ve built your foundation, Ink Different’s Master Mentorship connects you with Master Mentors, including Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, Jordi Pla, Marcel Oliveira, and Kara Gutierrez.
Paul Booth built his legacy on a distinct style. Master Mentorship helps Tattoo Artists develop a signature style of their own.
Ink Different also offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist?
Adam Cardone’s stories show just how wild and wonderful tattoo culture can be, from Paul Booth’s waterfall of blood to sharing a dressing room with Mayhem’s lead singer. If that world calls to you, the path into it starts with real training.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply now to Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. Prefer a softer start? Fill out our quick questionnaire to see if it’s right for you.
To catch Adam’s public shows, follow him on Instagram at @cardonemagic. Follow Chico at @m4l_chico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adam Cardone?
Adam Cardone is a magician and the MC of the Tattoo Society World Expo in New York. He’s performed at tattoo conventions for more than 20 years.
What happened at Paul Booth’s Last Rites opening?
Adam was hired as the magician. He shared a dressing area with Attila Csihar, Mayhem’s lead singer, and the party featured a pond with a waterfall of blood.
Why are there burlesque and sideshows at tattoo conventions?
Adam says sideshows, burlesque, and live entertainment have long been part of tattoo convention culture.
Do I need experience to attend a tattoo convention?
No. Anyone can attend. Bringing a sketchbook and respecting Tattoo Artists’ booths makes the visit more valuable.
How long does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship take?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
Do I need prior art experience?
No. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is built for beginners.
