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Lineups of Misfits performing in 1998 (top), 2008 (middle) and 2012 (bottom)

Misfits are an American horror punk band from Lodi, New Jersey. Formed in February 1977, the group originally included vocalist and keyboardist Glenn Danzig, bassist Diane DiPiazza, who was replaced by Jerry Only, and drummer Mr. Jim, who was replaced by Manny Martinez shortly after, with guitarist Franché Coma added in the fall of that year. The band went through a number of personnel changes, including adding Only's brother Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein on guitars in 1980, before breaking up in 1983. Only and Doyle reformed the Misfits in 1995 with new vocalist Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. Doyle and Danzig rejoined the band in 2016, alongside guitarist Acey Slade and drummer Dave Lombardo.

History

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1977–1983

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The Misfits were formed in 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey, by Glenn Danzig. Danzig's first recruit to the Misfits was drummer Mr. Jim and bassist Diane DiPiazza, however, DiPiazza never showed up. Mr. Jim was replaced by Manny Martinez shortly after. The two practiced in Martínez's garage, with Danzig on electric piano and Martínez on drums. The duo soon encountered Jerry Caiafa, who was dating a neighbor of Martínez's and had just received a bass guitar for Christmas. After performing as a three-piece for a number of months, which spawned their first single "Cough/Cool", the band added guitarist Frank "Franché Coma" Licata in October.[1] By the end of the year they had also replaced Martínez with James "Mr. Jim" Catania. Misfits recorded its debut album Static Age in the first two months of 1978, but it remained unreleased until 1996.[2] "Bullet" was issued in June 1978.[3]

Coma left midway through a North American tour in October 1978, followed by Mr. Jim later in the month.[4] They were replaced in November by Bobby "Steele" Kaufhold and Joey "Image" Poole, respectively.[4] Coma was initially replaced by Rick Riley for two shows before Steele joined.[4] After the release of two singles – "Horror Business" and "Night of the Living Dead" – Image left Misfits in December 1979 following conflicts with Danzig and Only.[5] The group went on a short hiatus, before adding drummer Arthur Googy (real name Arthur McGuckin) in April 1980.[6] Later in the year, Steele was replaced by Only's 16-year-old brother Paul Caiafa (originally a roadie for the band), who adopted the moniker Doyle.[7] This lineup recorded the band's first album to be released, Walk Among Us, which was issued in March 1982.[8] Googy left shortly after its release following an argument with Danzig.[9]

Returning with former Black Flag drummer Roberto "Robo" Valverde, Misfits recorded its second album Earth AD/Wolfs Blood throughout late 1982 and early 1983.[10] Robo left in August 1983, with Brian Damage (real name Brian Keats) brought in for scheduled tour dates later in the year.[4] However, Danzig disbanded the group after a final show on October 29 which Rolling Stone writer Kory Grow described as "shambolic", during which former touring drummer Todd Swalla was forced to substitute for the drunken Damage.[11] Earth AD/Wolfs Blood was released in December 1983,[12] followed by single "Die, Die My Darling" in May 1984.[13] Following the breakup of the Misfits, Danzig formed Samhain and later Danzig, while the Caiafa brothers formed Kryst the Conqueror.[10]

1995 onwards

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After a legal case regarding ownership of the band's name, Only "secured the exclusive legal right to tour and record as the Misfits" in 1995 and reformed the band with Doyle.[14] The pair initially invited Danzig to rejoin, who declined.[9] During auditions for new bandmates, Only and Doyle recorded several demos with vocalist Eric Weiss and drummer Joel Gausten, although they were not official members of the band.[15] Later in the year, vocalist Michael "Michale Graves Emanuel and drummer David "Dr. Chud" Calabrese joined the group, with their first shows coming in October.[16] The new lineup released several recordings together, including American Psycho and Famous Monsters.[17][18] Graves briefly departed in 1998, during which time Myke Hideous filled in on several tour dates.[19]

Graves and Chud left midway through a show on October 25, 2000.[20] Several guest musicians replaced them at later dates, including former member Joey Image, vocalist Zoli Téglás and drummer Ken "Renfield" Schalk.[20] In early 2001, the group toured with a range of guests, including Eric Arce, former members Robo and Graves, former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena, and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone.[21] Both Cadena and Marky later became official members,[22] before Doyle left the band in May 2001.[23] Robo returned to replace Ramone in May 2005,[24] remaining until November 2010 when he was replaced by Arce.[25] In 2014, the band expanded to a four-piece with the addition of Only's son Jerry Caiafa II on guitar,[26] although the following June it was announced that Cadena had to cease performing due to undergoing cancer treatment.[27]

On May 12, 2016, it was announced that Danzig would be returning to the band for the first time since 1983, alongside guitarist Doyle, for a lineup dubbed "The original Misfits".[28] In August, it was announced that former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo would be joining as the fourth member of the group, with the first reunion shows taking place the following month.[29]

Members

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Current

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Image Name (real name) Years active Instruments Release contributions
Jerry Only.jpg
 Jerry Only (Jerry Caiafa)
  • 1977–1983
  • 1995–present
  • bass
  • backing vocals
  • lead vocals (2000–2016)
 all Misfits releases
Glenn Danzig at Wacken Open Air 2013 04.jpg
 Glenn Danzig (Glenn Anzalone)
  • 1977–1983
  • 2016–present
  • lead vocals
  • keyboards (early 1977)
  • drums
 all Misfits releases from "Cough/Cool" (1977) to "Die, Die My Darling" (1984)
Glenn Danzig and Paul Doyle Caiafa playing at Wacken Open Air 2013 03.jpg
 Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (Paul Caiafa)
  • 1980–1983
  • 1995–2001
  • 2016–present
  • lead guitar
Acey Slade (22676931497).jpg
 Acey Slade (Emil Schmidt) 2016–present
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
 none as of yet
Dave Lombardo 8.5.14.jpeg
 Dave Lombardo drums

Former

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Image Name (real name) Years active Instruments Release contributions
Mr. Jim (Jim Catania)
  • 1977
  • 1978 (touring 2007)
 drums
Jimi Battle 1977 guitars none
Diane DiPiazza bass
Manny Martínez 1977 (died 2023)
  • drums
  • percussion
 "Cough/Cool" (1977)
Franché Coma (Frank Licata) 1977–1978 (touring 2007)
  • guitars
  • backing vocals
  • "Bullet" (1978)
  • "Last Caress" (1980)
Bobby Steele at Tompkins Square Park 1.jpg
 Bobby Steele (Bobby Kaufhold) 1978–1980
  • guitars
  • backing vocals
Joey Image in 2014.jpg
 Joey Image (Joey Poole) 1978–1979 (touring 2000) (died 2020) drums
Arthur Googy (Arthur McGuckin) 1980–1982 all Misfits releases from 3 Hits from Hell (1981) to Evilive (1982)
Robo (Robo Valverde)
  • 1982–1983
  • 2005–2010 (touring 2001–02)
Dr. Chud (David Calabrese) 1995–2000
  • drums
  • keyboards
  • all Misfits releases from American Psycho (1997) to "Monster Mash" (1999)
  • Psycho in the Wax Museum (2006)
Marky Ramone,Michale Graves.jpg
 Michale Graves (Michael Emanuel)
  • 1995–1998
  • 1998–2000 (touring 2000–2001)
 lead vocals all Misfits releases from American Psycho (1997) to "Monster Mash" (1999), except "I Wanna Be a NY Ranger" (1998)
Misfits Dez Cadena 1.jpg
 Dez Cadena 2001–2015
  • lead guitar
  • backing vocals
 all Misfits releases from "Day the Earth Caught Fire" (2002) to "Horror Xmas" (2013), except Psycho in the Wax Museum (2006)
Marky Ramone-05.jpg
 Marky Ramone (Marky Bell) 2001–2005
  • drums
  • percussion
Misfits drummer (Aupa Lumbreiras 2013).jpg
 Chupacabra (Eric Arce) 2010–2016 (touring 2000–01) drums all Misfits releases from The Devil's Rain (2011) to Friday the 13th (2016)
Jerry Other (Jerry Caiafa II) 2014–2016 rhythm guitar
  • Vampire Girl/Zombie Girl (2015)
  • Friday the 13th (2016)
Soulfly Rockharz 2015 02.jpg
 Marc Rizzo 2015 lead guitar
  • Vampire Girl/Zombie Girl (2015)

Touring

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Image Name (real name) Years active Instruments Notes
Rick Riley 1978 guitars After the sudden departure of Franché Coma, Riley played guitar for the band at two shows in October 1978.[4]
Todd Swalla
  • 1982
  • 1983
 drums Swalla played one Misfits show in June 1982, and later substituted for Damage on October 29, 1983.[30]
Brian Damage
(Brian Keats) 		1983 His first and only performance turned out to be the band's farewell show. He played thirteen songs of the set and was then replaced for the rest of the show by Swalla.[31]
Myke Hideous
(Myke Itzazone) 		1998 lead vocals Hideous temporarily replaced Michale Graves during the summer of 1998, before the regular vocalist returned.[19]
Zoli Teglas 01.jpg
 Zoli Téglás 2000 Following the departure of Michale Graves in October 2000, Téglás temporarily fronted the band at live shows.[20]
Renfield
(Ken Schalk) 		drums After Dr. Chud left in October 2000, he was temporarily replaced by Arce, Renfield and Cross.[20][32]
Matt Cross

Timeline

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Lineups

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Period Members Releases
January – February 1977 none
March – October 1977
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals, keyboards
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Manny Martínez – drums
October – December 1977
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Franché Coma – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Manny Martínez – drums
 none
January – October 1978
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Franché Coma – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mr. Jim – drums
October 1978
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Rick Riley – guitars (temporary)
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Mr. Jim – drums
 none
November 1978 – December 1979
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Bobby Steele – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Joey Image – drums
April – October 1980
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Bobby Steele – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Arthur Googy – drums
October 1980 – April 1982
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Doyle – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Arthur Googy – drums
June 1982
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Todd Swalla – drums (temporary)
 none
July 1982 – August 1983
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Robo – drums
October 1983
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Brian Damage – drums (temporary)
 none
October 1983
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Todd Swalla – drums (temporary)
Band inactive October 1983 – October 1995
October 1995 – May 1998
  • Michale Graves – lead vocals
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Dr. Chud – drums, keyboards
May – August 1998
  • Myke Hideous – lead vocals (temporary)
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Dr. Chud – drums, keyboards
August 1998 – October 2000
  • Michale Graves – lead vocals
  • Doyle – guitars
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Dr. Chud – drums, keyboards
Band performed with guest musicians October 2000 – May 2001
May 2001 – May 2005
May 2005 – November 2010
  • Jerry Only – lead vocals, bass
  • Dez Cadena – guitars, backing vocals
  • Robo – drums
November 2010 – late 2014
  • Jerry Only – lead vocals, bass
  • Dez Cadena – guitars, backing vocals
  • Chupacabra – drums
Late 2014 – June 2015
  • Jerry Only – lead vocals, bass
  • Dez Cadena – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Jerry Other – rhythm guitar
  • Chupacabra – drums
 none
June 2015 – May 2016
  • Jerry Only – lead vocals, bass
  • Jerry Other – guitars
  • Chupacabra – drums
  • "Vampire Girl/Zombie Girl" (2015)
  • Friday the 13th (2016)
May 2016 – present
  • Glenn Danzig – lead vocals
  • Doyle – lead guitar
  • Acey Slade – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Jerry Only – bass, backing vocals
  • Dave Lombardo – drums
 none as of yet

Bibliography

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  • Greene, James Jr. (February 14, 2013), This Music Leaves Stains (The Complete Story of the Misfits), Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, ISBN 978-1-58979-892-2

References

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  1. ^ Greene 2013, p. 17
  2. ^ Raggett, Ned. "Static Age – Misfits: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  3. ^ Lipez, Zachary (November 21, 2013). "Texas is the Reason: The Death of JFK and Danzig's Shining Moment". Noisey. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d e Hall, Oliver. "Misfits – Biography". Amoeba Music. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  5. ^ Markowitz, Douglas (October 2, 2017). "Years After Touring With the Misfits, a Punk Drummer Confronts Cancer". Miami New Times. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  6. ^ Greene 2013, p. 35
  7. ^ Wise, Lauren (August 29, 2013). "Doyle: You Wouldn't Believe How Many Popular Musicians Have Regular Jobs". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  8. ^ Raggett, Ned. "Walk Among Us – Misfits: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Lindsay, Cam (May 22, 2010). "Glenn Danzig: Legacy of Brutality". Exclaim!. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  10. ^ a b Huey, Steve. "Misfits: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  11. ^ Grow, Kory (May 16, 2016). "Glenn Danzig on Misfits Shows: 'I Want You to Be Surprised'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  12. ^ Greene 2013, p. 127
  13. ^ Greene 2013, p. 123
  14. ^ Whitt, Cassie (May 7, 2014). ""It can only be described as... sour grapes:" Misfits address Danzig lawsuit (Exclusive)". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  15. ^ "Misfits: Rare 1995 Demo Recordings Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. March 31, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  16. ^ Greene 2013, p. 87
  17. ^ Rabid, Jack. "American Psycho – Misfits: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  18. ^ Huey, Steve. "Famous Monsters – Misfits: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  19. ^ a b "Misfits Get Hideous New Singer". MTV. May 29, 1998. Archived from the original on February 14, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  20. ^ a b c d Downey, Ryan J. (November 8, 2000). "Misfits Charge On After Losing Singer, Drummer". MTV. Archived from the original on June 16, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  21. ^ "Archive News Apr 25, 2001". Blabbermouth.net. April 25, 2001. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  22. ^ "The Misfits Plot 1950s Cover CD, Central American Tour". Blabbermouth.net. March 21, 2002. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  23. ^ Greene 2013, p. 107
  24. ^ "Misfits: Drummer Robo Returns To The Fold". Blabbermouth.net. May 17, 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  25. ^ "Misfits replace Robo, title new album". Punknews.org. November 24, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  26. ^ Atlasman, Annie (December 20, 2014). "The Misfits perform to several packed venues in SoCal". AXS. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  27. ^ Adams, Gregory (August 17, 2015). "Former Black Flag/Misfits Guitarist Dez Cadena Seeks Funds for Cancer Treatment". Exclaim!. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  28. ^ Grow, Kory (May 12, 2016). "Glenn Danzig, Misfits to Reunite for First Time in 33 Years". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  29. ^ Kaye, Ben (August 29, 2016). "Misfits tap former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo for Riot Fest reunion shows". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  30. ^ "Todd Swalla Biography". MisfitsCentral.com. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  31. ^ "Brian Keats Biography". MisfitsCentral.com. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  32. ^ "Misfits 95 Tour Dates". MisfitsCentral.com. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
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