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Within the darkly theatrical, adrenaline fueled world of punk rock and horror punk, few names resonate with the iconic power of the Misfits. Hailing from Lodi, New Jersey, this legendary band has crafted a unique sonic and visual identity, seamlessly blending catchy, 50s-inspired rock and roll melodies with macabre, B-movie horror themes and aggressive punk rock energy. Their enduring influence on countless bands across punk, hardcore, and heavy metal genres is undeniable, making them true pioneers.
The Misfits’ story began in 1977, when enigmatic vocalist Glenn Danzig formed the band. The name itself was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s final film, The Misfits, a fascinating historical detail for any music enthusiast. Danzig, alongside bassist Jerry Caiafa (who famously adopted the stage name Jerry Only after his surname was misspelled on an early release), became the core of the band’s initial incarnation. They swiftly developed their signature aesthetic: skeletal patterns on clothing, the iconic “devilock” hairstyle (a long, pointed fringe that became a symbol for fans), and a fascination with horror imagery and science fiction.
An interesting anecdote from their history involves the song ‘London Dungeon’, which was penned by Glenn Danzig while he and early guitarist Bobby Steele were incarcerated in London after a fight. This firsthand experience of a “horror business” became one of their most haunting tracks. The iconic “Fiend Skull” logo, a crudely painted image from their early days, has transcended its origins to become a globally recognised symbol of counter-culture and punk rock style.
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The original Misfits disbanded in 1983, with Glenn Danzig pursuing other projects like Samhain and his eponymous band, Danzig. However, the band’s influence continued to grow, fueled by covers from mainstream acts like Metallica (‘Die, Die My Darling’ on Garage Inc.) and Guns N’ Roses (‘Attitude’ on The Spaghetti Incident?). These covers introduced the Misfits to a new generation of metal fans, significantly expanding their cult following, known as the “Fiend Club.”
After a decade-long legal battle, Jerry Only regained the rights to the Misfits name in 1995. He reformed the band with his brother Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein on guitar and new vocalist Michale Graves, releasing albums like American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999) that showcased a more polished yet still distinctly Misfits sound.
In a move that thrilled punk rock fans worldwide, the “Original Misfits” featuring Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein reunited for select live performances starting in 2016. These reunion shows, often featuring Dave Lombardo (formerly of Slayer) on drums, have been massive events, selling out arenas and headlining major music festivals like Coachella. Their performance at Coachella 2025, delivering a blistering 20-song set including classics like ‘Astro Zombies’ and ‘Skulls’, was a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy and raw energy.