LODI, NJ – The Misfits are an American punk rock band formed in Lodi, New Jersey, in 1977. Founded by vocalist Glenn Danzig and bassist Jerry Only, the band is known for pioneering the horror punk subgenre, which blends punk rock music with horror film themes and imagery.
The Misfits gained a cult following through their shocking onstage performances, iconic skull logo, and memorable lyrics filled with horror and science fiction references.
Today, people of all ages are often found sporting Misfits gear, even Fox News host Greg Gutfield is a fan…is something somebody on mainstream Fox news would never say.
The band released their debut single “Cough/Cool” in 1977, but it was their subsequent releases that started to solidify their reputation. With the addition of guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (Jerry Only’s younger brother) in 1980, the band adopted a more hardcore punk-oriented sound, creating a unique blend of punk, metal, and horror theatrics.
The Misfits’ first full-length album, “Walk Among Us,” was released in 1982, featuring fan-favorites like “Skulls” and “Night of the Living Dead.” However, despite their growing underground popularity, the band faced numerous internal conflicts. This led to their breakup in 1983, shortly after the release of their second album, “Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood.”
After the split, Glenn Danzig moved on to form other bands, such as Samhain and Danzig, while Jerry Only and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein formed Kryst the Conqueror.
Legal battles over the rights to the Misfits’ name and material ensued throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s. Finally, a settlement was reached that allowed Jerry Only to continue the band without Danzig.
The Misfits underwent multiple lineup changes in the years that followed, releasing new albums like “American Psycho” (1997) and “Famous Monsters” (1999) that expanded upon the band’s horror punk legacy but divided fans’ opinions. Although these iterations of the band faced criticism from purists, they found a new generation of fans and continued to tour extensively.
Toms River, New Jersey’s own Michale Graves also fronted the band, leading to the never-ending controversy of who did it better, Graves or Danzig. While Graves had a more likable personality with fans, purists will default to Danzig.
In a surprising turn of events, Glenn Danzig rejoined the Misfits for a series of reunion shows starting in 2016, bringing back the “Original Misfits” lineup with Danzig, Jerry Only, and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein. These shows have been highly successful, filling arenas and reigniting interest in the band’s classic material.
The Misfits’ influence stretches beyond the punk scene, impacting a range of genres from metal to alternative rock. They’ve inspired numerous bands and have been covered by artists as diverse as Metallica and My Chemical Romance. Despite their internal disputes and changes in musical direction, the Misfits have retained a dedicated following and their iconic status in punk rock history remains unchallenged.
