Courtesy photo

Behind Unknown Hinson's freaky looks and backwoods schtick is a wicked good country and psychobilly guitar picker.

Vampires are hot these days, what with "True Blood" and "Twilight." But the bloodsuckers in those shows have nothing on Unknown Hinson.

His fake sideburns, disturbing canines, B-movie makeup and old-school clothes are attention-getters, for sure. And his voice-over role as the most demented squid in the history of televised cartoons -- "The Squidbillies" pater maniacus, Early Cuyler -- have brought new audiences into the fold.

But behind the freaky looks and backwoods schtick that made him a cult hero is a wicked good country and psychobilly guitar picker. His combination of talent and persona was strong enough to lead the iconoclastic Hank Williams III to tattoo Unknown's face on one of his biceps. Unknown -- who developed his character on Charlotte, N.C., public access cable -- jams with Billy Bob Thornton on the side.

Hear such songs as "I Won't Live in Sin With You," "Satan in a Thong," "Torture Town" and "Alkyholl Withdrawl." And men, just get used to the fact that your "womerns" will flock to Unknown Hinson, prepared to ply him with plenty of "party liquor."

-- Tad Dickens

Unknown Hinson

With The Danville Train

8 p.m. Saturday. Plan B, 322 Memorial Drive, Danville. $20 advance; $23 at the door. myspace.com/planblivemusic, unknownhinson.com, myspace.com/thedanvilletrain.