Misfits

Misfits are a New Jersey punk band formed in Lodi, United States, in 1977. They are closely associated with horror punk and are widely identified with the development of that style, combining punk with horror film themes and imagery.

Formation and early years

The band is founded in 1977 by vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist Glenn Danzig and drummer Manny Martínez. Jerry Only joins on bass shortly after, and over the next six years the line-up changes frequently, with Danzig and Only the main constant figures. During this period the group releases several EPs and singles. With Only’s brother Doyle on guitar, they also release Walk Among Us and Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, both of which become important records in the early 1980s hardcore punk scene.

Breakup and later line-ups

The band disbands in 1983, after which Glenn Danzig forms Samhain and then Danzig. After legal disputes with Danzig, Jerry Only and Doyle regain the rights to record and perform as the Misfits. In 1995 they form a new version of the band with singer Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. That line-up shifts the sound towards heavy metal and releases American Psycho and Famous Monsters before ending in 2000.

Jerry Only then takes over lead vocals and brings in former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone for a Misfits 25th anniversary tour. This line-up issues the covers album Project 1950 and tours for several years. In 2005, Marky Ramone is replaced by ROBO, who had previously drummed for the band from 1982 to 1983. This line-up releases the single “Land of the Dead” in 2009.

Only, Cadena and drummer Eric “Chupacabra” Arce then release The Devil’s Rain. In 2015, Cadena steps back from music after a cancer diagnosis and is replaced by Jerry Caiafa II, presented as Jerry Other. Marc Rizzo also joins that year on guitar, filling in for Cadena before Caiafa becomes the sole guitarist.

Original Misfits and legacy

In 2016, Danzig, Only and Doyle reunite for headlining shows under the name the Original Misfits, with drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Acey Slade. That version of the band continues to perform sporadically through 2024.

Across its different line-ups, the Misfits use horror film and science fiction imagery in their makeup, clothing, artwork and lyrics, drawing on B movies and television serials from the 1950s through the 1970s. Their music draws from punk rock, hardcore punk, heavy metal, 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly. They are also associated with psychobilly and are regarded as an influential punk band.

Members

Members associated with the band include Glenn Danzig, Franché Coma, Bobby Steele, Joey Image, Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, Michale Graves, Dr. Chud, Dez Cadena, Eric “Goat” Arce, Jerry Only, Marky Ramone, ROBO and Todd Swalla.