Misfits Original Members: The Legends Of Punk Rock

Introduction

Misfits, the American punk rock band, has been a cult favorite since its formation in 1977. With its aggressive music, horror-themed image, and iconic skull logo, Misfits quickly gained a loyal following. But what made Misfits truly unique was its original members, who created the band’s signature sound and style. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Misfits original members and their impact on punk rock.

The Early Days

Glenn Danzig, the lead vocalist and songwriter, founded Misfits in Lodi, New Jersey, in 1977. He was joined by bassist Jerry Only and drummer Manny Martinez. The trio recorded their first single, “Cough/Cool,” in 1977, which showcased their mix of punk, horror, and pop influences. However, Martinez left the band soon after, and was replaced by Joey Image, who became the band’s longest-serving drummer.

The Classic Lineup

In 1980, Misfits’ classic lineup was formed, consisting of Danzig, Only, Image, and guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein. This lineup created some of Misfits’ most iconic songs, such as “Bullet,” “Horror Business,” and “Last Caress.” They also developed the band’s signature look, featuring leather jackets, devilocks, and skull makeup.

The Split

Despite their success, tensions between Danzig and the other members led to the band’s breakup in 1983. Danzig went on to form Samhain and later, the eponymous Danzig. Only continued Misfits with various lineup changes, but it wasn’t until the reunion shows in the 1990s that the classic lineup reunited on stage.

The Legacy

Misfits’ influence on punk rock and popular culture cannot be overstated. Their horror-themed lyrics and imagery inspired countless bands in the horror punk and goth genres. Their skull logo has become an iconic symbol, appearing on everything from T-shirts to tattoos. And their music continues to resonate with new generations of fans.

The Solo Careers

After Misfits’ breakup, the original members pursued their own projects. Danzig continued to make music with Samhain and Danzig, as well as collaborating with other artists such as Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. Only continued Misfits with various lineups, and also formed his own band, Kryst the Conqueror. Image played with various bands, including The Undead and The Misfits featuring Marky Ramone.

The Reunion Shows

In the 1990s, Misfits’ popularity experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to the band’s appearance in the film “The Crow.” This led to a series of reunion shows, featuring the classic lineup of Danzig, Only, Image, and Doyle. The shows were a huge success, with fans eager to see the original members perform together again.

The Future

Despite the success of the reunion shows, the original members have not recorded any new music together. However, in 2016, Danzig and Only hinted at the possibility of new Misfits material. Whether or not this comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the fact that the original members are still making headlines after all these years is a testament to their impact on punk rock.

The Impact

The Misfits original members created a unique sound and style that continues to influence punk rock and popular culture. Their horror-themed lyrics and imagery paved the way for bands like AFI, The Cramps, and Rob Zombie. Their iconic skull logo has become a symbol of rebellion and outsider culture. And their music, with its mix of punk, pop, and horror influences, continues to resonate with fans around the world.

The Enduring Legacy

Even though the Misfits original members have not played together in years, their legacy lives on. Their music and image continue to inspire new generations of fans, who are drawn to the band’s rebellious spirit and outsider ethos. And as long as there are misfits in the world, the Misfits original members will remain legends of punk rock.

The Bottom Line

Misfits, with their horror-themed image and aggressive music, have become a cult favorite in the punk rock world. But what made Misfits truly unique was its original members, who created the band’s signature sound and style. From Glenn Danzig’s iconic vocals to Jerry Only’s thunderous bass, the Misfits original members left an indelible mark on punk rock and popular culture. And even though they haven’t played together in years, their legacy continues to inspire misfits around the world.