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Misfits (band)

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The Misfits
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1977 in Lodi, New Jersey, United States
FounderGlenn Danzig
Headquarters
Lodi
,
United States
ProductsPunk rock music, horror punk music

The Misfits are a seminal American punk rock group, widely credited with originating the horror punk genre by fusing punk music with themes drawn from horror films. Established in 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey by vocalist and primary songwriter Glenn Danzig, the band soon welcomed bassist Jerry Only, who, along with Danzig, remained a foundational member despite numerous personnel changes. With Only’s brother, guitarist Doyle, joining the lineup, they produced landmark albums such as Walk Among Us (1982) and Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood (1983), which were influential in shaping early-1980s hardcore punk. Over the years, Only has been the sole enduring member.

After disbanding in 1983, Danzig went on to form Samhain and later his eponymous band Danzig. Following the breakup, various reissues and previously unreleased tracks expanded their discography. Their sound has left a lasting impact on genres including punk, heavy metal, and alternative rock, influencing artists like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Marilyn Manson, Green Day, and My Chemical Romance. Following legal battles, Only and Doyle reclaimed ownership of the Misfits name and revived the band in 1995 with vocalist Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. This iteration embraced a heavier metal style, releasing American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999) before disbanding again in 2000.

Subsequently, Only took over lead vocals and enlisted former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena along with ex-Ramones drummer Marky Ramone for a 25th anniversary tour. This formation produced a covers album titled Project 1950 (2003) and embarked on extensive tours. In 2005, Marky was succeeded by former Misfits and Black Flag drummer Robo. The band released the single "Land of the Dead" in 2009. The lineup consisting of Only, Cadena, and drummer Eric "Chupacabra" Arce delivered The Devil's Rain in 2011. In 2015, Cadena withdrew due to cancer, leading to Only’s son Jerry Caiafa III (Jerry Other) stepping in as guitarist. That same year, Soulfly’s Marc Rizzo briefly joined before Caiafa became the sole guitarist.

In September 2016, original members Danzig, Only, and Doyle reunited as the Original Misfits for two headline performances at Riot Fest, accompanied by drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Acey Slade. This Original Misfits lineup continues to perform sporadically.

1977–1978: Formation and Static Age

The Misfits originated in 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey, founded by Glenn Danzig, who had previously played in local cover bands. The band’s name was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s last film, The Misfits (1961). Initially, Danzig recruited drummer Mr. Jim and bassist Diane DiPiazza; however, DiPiazza never officially joined. Mr. Jim was soon replaced by Manny Martinez. During this period, rehearsals featured Danzig on electric piano while Martinez handled drums until they encountered bassist Jerry Caiafa, who became a stable member alongside Danzig until the group’s breakup in 1983.

After rehearsing for three months without a guitarist, the band made their debut at New York City’s famed venue CBGB in April 1977, followed by additional local performances. In May of that year, they recorded their debut single Cough/Cool, which was released through their own label, Blank Records, in August. Due to a misspelling of Caiafa’s surname on the record sleeve, he adopted the stage name "Jerry Only."

In August 1977, guitarist Frank Licata, performing as Franché Coma, joined the band—allowing Danzig to concentrate solely on vocals and steering their sound more firmly toward punk rock. Martinez was replaced once again by Mr. Jim due to concerns about reliability. When Mercury Records expressed interest in using the name Blank Records for a subsidiary label, they offered Danzig thirty hours of studio time in exchange for rights to that name. Utilizing this opportunity, the Misfits recorded seventeen tracks in January 1978 intended for an album titled Static Age; although fourteen songs were mixed at that time, no label released the album initially. Four of these tracks were issued as the Bullet single under their own label Plan 9 Records—named after the cult sci-fi horror film Plan 9 from Outer Space. The complete Static Age album did not see release until 1996, while other songs surfaced on compilations throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

1978–1981: Early Singles and Touring Period

After completing the Static Age recordings, the Misfits evolved both their songwriting approach and visual presentation, with Danzig increasingly inspired by B-grade horror and science fiction cinema. He adorned his apparel with skeletal designs, while Only created the iconic "devilock" hairstyle, which Doyle later adopted. This combination of image and sound became foundational to the nascent horror punk genre.

The group ramped up live appearances to promote the Bullet single. In October 1978, Coma exited due to his aversion to touring; Rick Riley temporarily stepped in. Mr. Jim also left following the tour, dissatisfied with the band's horror-centric themes. By December 1978, drummer Joey Image and guitarist Bobby Steele had joined, establishing a lineup that further embraced the horror motif. Their June 1979 release of the Horror Business single featured a skeletal figure inspired by The Crimson Ghost, which evolved into their lasting emblem and mascot.

Danzig managed the "Fiend Club" fan organization in a DIY fashion from his mother's basement in Lodi, overseeing merchandise creation, mail distribution, booking shows, and corresponding with fans.

In June 1979, the Misfits served as an opening act for The Damned in New York. Plans for a UK tour alongside The Damned collapsed when the latter did not formally include them. The Misfits performed only two shows before departing; Image subsequently quit and returned to America. The remaining members stayed in London where Only connected with Sid Vicious' mother, and Danzig and Steele were arrested following an altercation with skinheads—an incident that inspired "London Dungeon." (Bobby Steele later contested this narrative.)

Upon returning to the United States, they released the Beware EP in January 1980, then paused activity for four months before recruiting drummer Arthur Googy. During this interval, Only’s younger brother Doyle began learning guitar with encouragement from Danzig and Only. In August 1980, the band recorded twelve tracks intended for an album under their Plan 9 label. Doyle replaced Steele after Steele missed a session; Steele went on to form The Undead, while Doyle made his debut at their annual Halloween show at Irving Plaza.

April 1981 saw the release of three songs from the August sessions as 3 Hits From Hell. Recording continued toward a full-length album titled Walk Among Us, initially planned for release via Plan 9 but later reworked under Slash Records after an offer was accepted. In October 1981, they issued two additional tracks as the Halloween single. On November 20, they recorded a live performance in San Francisco at Broadway.

That evening, Black Flag performed downstairs at Mabuhay Gardens; their singer Henry Rollins, a fan of the Misfits, joined them onstage for "We Are 138". The two bands crossed paths again on Christmas in Lodi when Black Flag opened for the Necros and Misfits.

1982–1983: Releases and Band Breakup

Walk Among Us was released in March 1982 through Ruby and Slash Records. It represented the first fully realized Misfits album officially released and was the sole full-length issued during the band's initial active period. A nationwide tour followed, marked by increasingly intense performances. Tensions developed between Danzig and drummer Googy, culminating in Googy's dismissal after an argument that postponed their subsequent EP. They invited friend Eerie Von to join as drummer but he was unavailable due to other commitments. Henry Rollins recommended former Black Flag drummer Robo, who joined in July 1982. Meanwhile, Doyle and Only began working full-time at their father's machine shop to finance instruments, tours, and recordings; Danzig managed Fiend Club operations and composed new material.

In September 1982, the Misfits embarked on a national tour with Necros as openers. Instrumental tracks for their next EP were recorded during this tour. The band was arrested in New Orleans on grave-robbing allegations while searching for voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau's grave but posted bail and avoided court appearances to continue touring. Subsequently, they released seven songs from a 1981 San Francisco concert as the limited-edition Evilive EP exclusively for Fiend Club members.

By mid-1983, Danzig grew disenchanted and began composing material for a new project. In June he informed Henry Rollins of his intention to leave. The Misfits completed their EP in July; Danzig contributed two songs meant for his forthcoming band, culminating in the full album Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, which displayed stronger hardcore punk and heavy metal elements. The band dissolved two months prior to its release. Following internal disputes, Robo departed in August, prompting Danzig to start auditioning musicians for his next endeavor.

On October 29, 1983, during their annual Halloween show in Detroit alongside Necros, drummer Brian Damage was too intoxicated to perform; Todd Swalla of Necros substituted on drums. Danzig declared this would be their final performance. Subsequently, the group disbanded and members pursued separate paths.

1984–1995: New Endeavors and Legal Disputes

Following the dissolution of the Misfits, Glenn Danzig established Samhain, transitioning from their punk roots to a more experimental form of heavy metal characterized by a darker atmosphere. Several tracks originally by the Misfits were reinterpreted for Samhain's releases, such as "Horror Business" retitled as "Horror Biz" and "All Hell Breaks Loose" shortened to "All Hell." In 1986, after securing a deal with a major record company, Danzig revamped the lineup by replacing most of the rhythm section and renamed the group Danzig. He remains at the helm of Danzig, which has produced ten albums exploring genres from blues rock-infused heavy metal to industrial rock, alongside two solo records.

Concurrently, Jerry Only and Doyle relocated to Vernon, New Jersey, where they worked full-time in their father's machine parts manufacturing business. After marrying and deepening his Christian faith, Jerry Only formed the brief-lived Christian heavy metal band Kryst the Conqueror with Doyle in 1987.

Although initially confined to underground circles, the Misfits' influence expanded significantly after their breakup, fueled by Danzig’s rising prominence and recognition from established rock acts. Notably, Metallica covered "Last Caress" and "Green Hell" on The $5.98 E.P. - Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987), while Guns N' Roses recorded "Attitude" on "The Spaghetti Incident?" (1993). Between 1985 and 1987, several compilations and reissues of Misfits material were issued, including Legacy of Brutality (1985), which featured overdubbed instruments by Danzig himself to circumvent royalty payments to former members. This was followed by Misfits in 1986 and an expanded re-release of Evilive in 1987.

Jerry Only initiated legal proceedings concerning royalties from these releases, asserting that he and Doyle contributed approximately 25–30% of the music despite all songwriting credits being attributed solely to Danzig. Danzig contended that he was the sole author of all songs. Eventually, Only shifted his legal efforts toward obtaining ownership rights to the Misfits name and their signature "Crimson Ghost" emblem.

In 1995, an out-of-court agreement granted Only and Doyle permission to perform under the Misfits name and share merchandising rights with Danzig. That same year saw the release of Collection II, a third compilation album featuring Misfits tracks.

1995–2000: Revival and Lineup Changes

Jerry Only and Doyle revived the Misfits by bringing in drummer David Calabrese, who had previously collaborated with them in Kryst the Conqueror. Glenn Danzig declined an invitation to rejoin as lead vocalist, as did Dave Vanian from The Damned. The band conducted open auditions, ultimately selecting nineteen-year-old Michael Emanuel, who adopted the stage name Michale Graves. Doyle assumed the moniker Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein. This ensemble appeared in the 1995 film Animal Room.

In 1996, the Misfits coffin box set was released, compiling nearly all material from the Danzig era spanning 1977–1983 (excluding Walk Among Us). It featured the complete fourteen-track Static Age album on CD for the first time. The Static Age album was also issued separately in 1997 with all seventeen songs from the 1978 recording sessions, making early Misfits work broadly accessible.

Tribute compilations followed: Violent World: A Tribute to the Misfits (1997), showcasing punk and hardcore bands, and Hell on Earth: A Tribute to the Misfits (2000), featuring death metal, hard rock, and gothic performers.

The reformed Misfits released their first album with Graves as vocalist, titled American Psycho, in 1997. This release was supported by music videos for "American Psycho" and "Dig Up Her Bones". The band toured extensively across Europe and North America and made appearances as characters in World Championship Wrestling, performing alongside wrestler Ian "Vampiro" Hodgkinson. Graves took a temporary leave in 1998; Myke Itzazone from Empire Hideous served as a touring substitute. Upon Graves’ return, they signed with Roadrunner Records and released Famous Monsters in October 1999, accompanied by a video for "Scream!". The group also appeared in films such as Big Money Hustlas (2000) while continuing their tours amid escalating internal tensions.

On October 25, 2000, during a performance at Orlando's House of Blues, Graves and Chud abruptly exited mid-show. They subsequently formed Graves, which eventually disbanded; Graves pursued solo endeavors while Chud launched Dr. Chud's X-Ward. Doyle entered an indefinite hiatus due to personal challenges and health issues including tendonitis.

2001–2008: 25th Anniversary and Star-Studded Lineup

With Jerry Only as the last original member, he assumed the roles of lead vocalist and bassist, bringing in Dez Cadena, formerly a guitarist for Black Flag. This addition led to Doyle's departure from the band. Marky Ramone, who had drummed for the Ramones, joined for a 25th anniversary tour that spanned nearly three years intermittently. During parts of this tour, Robo, previously a drummer for Black Flag and the Misfits, filled in for Ramone. In 2001, Only issued Cuts from the Crypt, a compilation album featuring demos and rare tracks recorded between 1995 and 2001 with Graves and Chud, fulfilling contractual commitments to Roadrunner Records—a label with which Only had grown increasingly dissatisfied.

Caroline Records intended to release 12 Hits from Hell in 2001, comprising recordings from the Misfits' August 1980 sessions. However, production was halted by Only and Glenn Danzig due to concerns related to mixing, mastering, artwork, and packaging.

Only and John Cafiero collaborated to establish Misfits Records, debuting with a split single that paired the Misfits with Japanese horror punk band Balzac. The Only/Cadena/Ramone ensemble produced the cover album Project 1950 in 2003, featuring renditions of classic rock and roll hits from the 1950s and 1960s, including guest contributions from Ronnie Spector, Jimmy Destri, Ed Manion, and Cafiero. The band continued touring sporadically until Ramone's departure in 2005, after which Robo returned as drummer. A planned European tour was disrupted due to Robo’s visa complications in the UK, resulting in cancellations; however, a rescheduled UK tour took place in September.

Meanwhile, Doyle reunited with Glenn Danzig in December 2004, performing guitar during brief sets of early Misfits material within Danzig's concerts—their first joint performance in over two decades. Danzig described these appearances as "the closest thing to a Misfits reunion anyone is ever going to see." These performances extended through Danzig's 2005 Blackest of the Black tour and his 2006 Australian dates. Although Danzig initially announced his retirement from touring afterward, he later revealed plans for a Danzig 20th anniversary tour in 2008. In 2007, he produced Doyle’s project Gorgeous Frankenstein. Doyle noted that discussions about a Misfits reunion with Danzig had been ongoing since 2002 but were impeded by Jerry Only and his management.

2009–2015: 30th Anniversary Celebrations and New Releases

During 2009 and 2010, the Misfits embarked on a global tour commemorating their 30th anniversary. On October 27, 2009, they released "Land of the Dead", marking their first new studio recording in six years and featuring Only, Cadena, and Robo together.<ref>Robo was dismissed in 2010 due to passport difficulties affecting touring.<ref> Subsequently, Eric "Chupacabra" Arce from Murphy's Law, who had previously toured with the group, replaced him. This lineup—Only on vocals and bass, Cadena on guitar, and Arce on drums—released The Devil's Rain on October 4, 2011.<ref> The album’s title references the 1975 film starring William Shatner.<ref> In late 2011, former vocalist Danzig and guitarist Doyle performed Misfits tracks during Danzig’s Legacy tour, including a sold-out Chicago show.

In 2013, the band issued their third live album titled Dead Alive!, alongside a 12" single featuring a new recording of "Descending Angel" coupled with a cover of "Science Fiction/Double Feature". Concurrently, Danzig and Doyle continued performing Misfits songs during Danzig’s 25th anniversary tour.<ref> That same October saw Rowman & Littlefield publish This Music Leaves Stains by James Greene—a comprehensive unofficial biography covering all iterations of the band as well as related projects like Samhain and Danzig. Toward the end of 2015, the Misfits released the single "Vampire Girl"/"Zombie Girl".

2016–present: The Original Misfits Reunite

In May 2016, Danzig, Only, and Doyle revealed plans for their first joint performance in over three decades under the banner of The Original Misfits. Only shared with Rolling Stone that the reunion emerged from legal negotiations that evolved from adversarial disputes into cooperative efforts. Court records indicate discussions about reuniting began as early as 2014. In June of that year, the Misfits issued the Friday the 13th EP, which featured Only’s compositions alongside his son Jerry Other on guitar and Chupacabra handling drums. By September, the lineup—comprising Danzig, Only, Doyle, guitarist Acey Slade, and drummer Dave Lombardo—served as headliners for two reunion shows at Riot Fest held in Chicago and Denver.

After their initial reunion appearance, Only conveyed to Rolling Stone his hopes to continue collaborating and producing new material, emphasizing each member’s growth and a collective aspiration to craft a defining album. He stressed that the reunion was a natural progression rather than a forced arrangement and committed to developing fresh songs.

In December 2017, the reunited ensemble performed at venues including the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and The Forum in Inglewood. Additional concerts took place at the Prudential Center in Newark during 2018 and the Allstate Arena near Chicago in 2019. By June 2019, Danzig indicated that the reunion was approaching its conclusion, stating, "We're not gonna do many more." This statement followed reports confirming at least ten reunion performances planned for the band’s 40th anniversary celebration. Despite this, The Original Misfits stepped in for Megadeth at Psycho Las Vegas in August 2019 due to Dave Mustaine's illness and secured bookings at prominent venues such as Madison Square Garden and Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia).

In May 2021, it was announced that The Original Misfits would co-headline Riot Fest alongside My Chemical Romance and Nine Inch Nails. Later, in August 2022, they arranged a second headlining appearance that year at Dallas’s Dos Equis Pavilion on October 29, featuring special guests Alice Cooper and FEAR.

Former Misfits drummer Manny Martinez died on December 16, 2023, at age 69.

In November 2024, The Original Misfits were confirmed as performers at Coachella, scheduled for April 12 and April 19 of 2025, prominently displayed on the official tour poster using their original logo font.

Musical style

Throughout their various lineups, the Misfits have consistently drawn inspiration from themes prevalent in horror films and science fiction films. Their visual presentation—including makeup, attire, artwork, and lyrics—reflects influences from B movies and television serials spanning the 1950s through the 1970s. Musically, they are credited as pioneers within genres such as horror punk, psychobilly, and punk metal, fusing elements of punk rock, heavy metal, and mid-20th-century styles like rock and roll and rockabilly. According to Rolling Stone, they epitomize "the archetypal horror-punk band of the late 1970s and early '80s," maintaining an iconic status within punk culture. They have also been categorized under the umbrella of pop-punk.

The early Misfits are associated with the early 1980s hardcore punk scene; however, author Steven Blush notes their distinctive approach involved a "hyper-yet-melodic assault" rooted in rock influences from the ’50s and ’60s. Jon de Rosa of Pitchfork Media points out their darker punk-metal fusion contrasted with New York’s more straightforward punk sound, resonating particularly with suburban audiences. Andy Weller of the Necros recalls how they transitioned from conventional punk to a faster hardcore style within months. By the time of Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, their music had intensified in speed and aggression while retaining melodic aspects.

During the 1990s iteration led by Jerry Only and Doyle, horror punk motifs persisted but were accompanied by a heavier metal orientation marked by rapid drumming and distorted guitar tones. Stephen Erlewine of AllMusic characterized this period as "a kitschy goth-punk outfit that relies more on metal than hardcore," while Rolling Stone observed an amalgamation of traditional punk with metal and thrash influences. Greg Prato noted that by the release of Cuts from the Crypt in 2001, their sound had largely shifted toward heavy metal with diminished punk elements.

Devilock

The devilock hairstyle was developed by the Misfits during the late 1970s. It is characterized by closely cropped sides and back, with a lengthy front section styled forward. Jerry Only linked its origin to a "tidal wave" look popular in 1970s skateboarding circles, whereas Glenn Danzig mentioned that Eddie Munster's hairdo served as a source of inspiration. Comparable styles had existed previously, including the elephant trunk from the 1950s and the quiff displayed on the Surfari’s 1964 album cover as well as by the guitarist of the Tornadoes.

Members

Current lineup

  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals (1977–1983, 2016–present), keyboards, guitars, drums (1977–1983)
  • Jerry Only – bass guitar, backing vocals (1977–1983, 1995–present), lead vocals (2001–2016)
  • Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein – lead guitar (1980–1983, 1995–2001, 2016–present)
  • Dave Lombardo – drums (2016–present)
  • Acey Slade – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2016–present)

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

The Misfits have made appearances either as characters or cameos in the following films:

See also

References

Bibliography

External links

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