Misfits

Formation and Early Years

The Misfits, an iconic American punk rock band, were formed in February 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey, by Glenn Danzig, who had previously performed in local cover bands. The band's name was inspired by Marilyn Monroe's final film, "The Misfits" (1961). Initially, Danzig recruited drummer Mr. Jim and bassist Diane DiPiazza, but after DiPiazza failed to show up, Mr. Jim was replaced by Manny Martinez. Soon after, Jerry Caiafa, who would later adopt the stage name Jerry Only, joined the group. This lineup began rehearsing and played their first show at CBGB in New York City in April 1977. They released their first single, "Cough/Cool," in August 1977, marking the beginning of their journey in the punk scene.

Breakthrough and Key Releases

The Misfits quickly became known for their unique blend of punk rock and horror film themes, leading to the release of several influential albums. With Jerry Only's brother, Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, on guitar, they released seminal albums such as "Walk Among Us" (1982) and "Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood" (1983), both of which are considered cornerstones of the hardcore punk movement. Despite numerous lineup changes, with Jerry Only being the only constant member, the band continued to evolve, releasing albums like "American Psycho" and "Famous Monsters" in the 1990s, which helped to solidify their legacy in punk and horror punk genres.

Legacy and Influence

The Misfits have left an indelible mark on the punk rock landscape, influencing a wide array of artists across genres, including Megadeth, Metallica, and Green Day. Their distinctive sound and imagery, often drawing from horror films, have made them icons in punk culture. Rolling Stone ranked their self-titled compilation album as one of the greatest punk albums of all time, and in 2021, they were recognized as the 9th greatest punk band by Consequence. Even decades after their formation, the Misfits continue to be celebrated as pioneers of horror punk, embodying the genre's essence and maintaining a dedicated fanbase.