Formation Date: February 1977
Founding Members: Glenn Danzig, Diane DiPiazza, Jerry Only, Mr. Jim
First Album: Static Age (recorded in 1978, released in 1996)
Notable Lineup Change: Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein joined on guitars in 1980
Reformation: Reformed in 1995 with Jerry Only, Doyle, Michale Graves, Dr. Chud; Glenn Danzig and Doyle rejoined in 2016
First Single: “Cough/Cool”
Suppose you’ve been curious about horror punk’s roots or found yourself captivated by the haunting skull logo that’s become synonymous with punk culture. In that case, you’ve probably brushed up against the Misfits at some point. These guys are the grim reapers of the punk world, blending horror movie aesthetics with hard-hitting punk rock to create something unique and unforgettable.
The Misfits: A Band Born from the Shadows
Formed in Lodi, New Jersey, back in February 1977, the Misfits were the brainchild of Glenn Danzig. He wasn’t just thinking about another punk band; he had a vision. Taking inspiration from Marilyn Monroe’s final film The Misfits, Danzig and his crew wanted to embody the rebellious spirit of outcasts and the eerie charm of horror flicks. And thus, horror punk was born—where fast, aggressive tunes meet the chilling themes of B-movie horror.
Band Members: Who’s Who in the Misfits
One thing you should know about the Misfits is that their lineup has been more fluid than a ghost in a haunted house. Here’s a breakdown of the folks who’ve been part of this wild ride:
Current Members:
- Jerry Only (Jerry Caiafa): Bassist, vocalist, founding member, and the only guy stuck around through every twist and turn.
- Glenn Danzig (Glenn Anzalone): The original vocalist and keyboardist. He’s the mastermind behind many of the band’s classic songs. Danzig left in 1983 but made a triumphant return in 2016.
- Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (Paul Caiafa): Jerry Only’s younger brother who joined the band in 1980. He’s known for his monstrous guitar riffs and equally monstrous stage presence.
- Acey Slade (Emil Schmidt): He joined the band as a rhythm guitarist in 2016 and added a modern edge to its sound.
- Dave Lombardo: This legendary drummer (yes, the same guy from Slayer) joined the Misfits in 2016, bringing an extra dose of ferocity.
Former Members:
- Manny Martínez: The first drummer, part of the original lineup in 1977.
- Franché Coma (Frank Licata): Original guitarist with the band from 1977-1978.
- Mr. Jim (Jim Catania): He took over on drums from 1977-1978.
- Bobby Steele (Bobby Kaufhold): Guitarist from 1978-1980, before Doyle came in.
- Joey Image (Joey Poole): He kept the beat from 1978-1979.
- Arthur Googy (Arthur McGuckin): Drummer during a critical period from 1980-1982.
- Michale Graves (Michael Emanuel): Stepped in as a vocalist during the Reformation era (1995-2000).
- Dr. Chud (David Calabrese): Drummer from 1995-2000.
- Dez Cadena: Guitarist and vocalist, holding it down from 2001-2015.
- Marky Ramone (Marky Bell): Yes, that Marky Ramone, who played drums from 2001-2005.
- Eric Arce (Chupacabra): Drummer from 2010-2016.
Misfits T-Shirts
SimplyStick brings the dark, iconic imagery of the Misfits straight to your wardrobe with these must-have t-shirts. Perfect for die-hard fans, these tees capture the rebellious spirit and haunting art that defines the band. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Glenn Danzig or just discovering the eerie allure of horror punk, these shirts are a stylish way to show your Misfits loyalty.
The Misfits Discography: The Sound of Horror
Now, let’s dive into the Misfits’ music. They have an impressive catalogue showcasing their evolution from raw punk to something more metallic and refined. Here’s a quick rundown of their key releases:
Studio Albums
- Walk Among Us (1982): Their first official album, a cornerstone of horror punk.
- Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood (1983): A shift towards a more hardcore sound, darker and faster.
- Static Age (1996): Originally recorded in 1978, this album finally saw the light of day nearly two decades later and became a fan favourite.
- American Psycho (1997): The first album after the band’s reformation, introducing a new generation to their horror-punk style.
- Famous Monsters (1999): Full of horror-themed tracks that are just as catchy as creepy.
- Project 1950 (2003): A rock ‘n’ roll covers album paying homage to the 1950s.
- The Devil’s Rain (2011): The band’s latest studio album, with a mix of old-school horror punk and modern rock.
EPs and Singles
- Cough/Cool (1977): Their very first single, a rare gem for collectors.
- Bullet (1978): Infamous for its controversial cover and edgy lyrics.
- Horror Business (1979): The EP that truly defined their horror-punk aesthetic.
- Night of the Living Dead (1979): A nod to the classic zombie movie and a must-hear for fans.
- 3 Hits from Hell (1981): Short but sweet, with three powerful tracks.
- Evilive (1982): A live EP that captures the raw energy of the Misfits’ stage presence.
Most Popular Songs: The Hits (and Misses) That Shaped Punk
The Misfits have cranked out a lot of songs over the years, but some have risen above the rest to become punk anthems:
“Last Caress” (1980)
“Where Eagles Dare” (1979)
“Die, Die My Darling” (1984)
“Halloween” (1981)
“Hybrid Moments” (1978)
“Astro Zombies” (1982)
“Skulls” (1982)
“We Are 138” (1978)
“Bullet” (1978)
“Attitude” (1978)
The Band’s Legacy: More than Just a Skull
Even though the Misfits never hit the mainstream jackpot, their influence is undeniable. Bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Green Day have all tipped their hats to the Misfits, acknowledging their role in shaping punk and metal. That said, the Misfits’ success isn’t measured by awards (because, honestly, how punk rock is that?) but by the legion of fans who’ve embraced their ghoulish charm and role in creating an entire subgenre.
The Skull Behind the Band: Name and Logo Inspiration
Speaking of that ghoulish charm, the Misfits’ name and logo are just as iconic as their music. Their name, taken from Marilyn Monroe’s last film, The Misfits, perfectly encapsulates their status as outsiders and rebels. As for the logo, the “Fiend Skull” was lifted from the 1946 serial The Crimson Ghost and has since become a symbol of defiance in punk culture. You’ve probably seen it on everything from t-shirts to tattoos, a testament to the band’s lasting impact.
Controversies and Challenges: A Band That Refused to Die
No story about the Misfits would be complete without a mention of the drama. The band’s history is rife with disputes, especially after Glenn Danzig left in 1983. Lawsuits over the rights to the band’s name and music led to years of uncertainty, but they finally reformed in 1995. And while the lineup has changed more times than you can count, the Misfits have stayed true to their roots—unapologetically punk, unabashedly horror.
The Misfits are more than just a band—they’re a movement. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering them, there’s no denying their impact on punk rock, horror culture, and rebellious spirits everywhere.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Misfits_band_members
https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/misfits
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misfits_(band)
