List of Misfits band members

Last updated

Misfits (Michael Graves).gif
Misfits live in San Diego 2008-11-19.jpg
Misfits 2012-11-08 01.JPG
The Misfits, Riot Fest Chiago, 9 18 2016 (30839073480).jpg
Lineups of Misfits performing in 1998, 2008, 2012 and 2016.

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.

Contents

History

1977–1983

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

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

Current

ImageName (real name)Years activeInstrumentsRelease 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

ImageName (real name)Years activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Manny Martínez1977 (died 2023)
  • drums
  • percussion
"Cough/Cool" (1977)
Jimi Battle1977guitarsnone
Diane DiPiazzabass
Mr. Jim (Jim Catania)
  • 1977
  • 1978 (touring 2007)
drums
Franché Coma (Frank Licata)1977–1978 (touring 2007)
  • guitars
  • backing vocals
  • "Bullet" (1978)
  • "Last Caress" (1980)
  • Static Age (1996)
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)1980–1982all Misfits releases from 3 Hits from Hell (1981) to Evilive (1982)
Robo (Roberto 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 vocalsall 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 and lead 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)drumsall Misfits releases from The Devil's Rain (2011) to Friday the 13th (2016)
Jerry Other (Jerry Caiafa II)2014–2016rhythm guitar
  • Vampire Girl/Zombie Girl (2015)
  • Friday the 13th (2016)
Soulfly Rockharz 2015 02.jpg
Marc Rizzo 2015lead guitar
  • Vampire Girl/Zombie Girl (2015)

Touring

ImageName (real name)Years activeInstrumentsNotes
Rick Riley1978guitarsAfter the sudden departure of Franché Coma, Riley played guitar for the band at two shows in October 1978. [4]
Todd Swalla
  • 1982
  • 1983
drumsSwalla played one Misfits show in June 1982, and later substituted for Damage on October 29, 1983. [30]
Brian Damage
(Brian Keats)
1983His 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)
1998lead vocalsHideous temporarily replaced Michale Graves during the summer of 1998, before the regular vocalist returned. [19]
Zoli Teglas 01.jpg
Zoli Téglás 2000Following the departure of Michale Graves in October 2000, Téglás temporarily fronted the band at live shows. [20]
Renfield
(Ken Schalk)
drumsAfter Dr. Chud left in October 2000, he was temporarily replaced by Arce, Renfield and Cross. [20] [32]
Matt Cross

Timeline

List of Misfits band members

Lineups

PeriodMembersReleases
January – February 1977none
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, vocals
  • Chupacabra – drums
Late 2014 – June 2015
  • Jerry Only – lead vocals, bass
  • Dez Cadena – lead guitar, 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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misfits (band)</span> American punk band

The Misfits are an American punk rock band often recognized as the pioneers of the horror punk subgenre, blending punk and other musical influences with horror film themes and imagery. The group was founded in 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey, by vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist Glenn Danzig. Over the next six years, Danzig and bassist Jerry Only were the group's main members through numerous personnel changes. During this period, they released several EPs and singles, and with Only's brother Doyle as guitarist, the albums Walk Among Us (1982) and Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood (1983), both considered touchstones of the early-1980s hardcore punk movement. The band has gone through many lineup changes over the years, with bassist Jerry Only being the only constant member in the group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dez Cadena</span> American punk rock singer and guitarist

Dez Cadena is an American punk rock singer and guitarist. He was the third vocalist and later rhythm guitarist for hardcore punk band Black Flag from 1980 to 1983. Cadena played guitar with Misfits from 2001 to 2015, initially joining the band alongside Doyle, Jerry Only, and Robo for their 25th Anniversary Tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robo (musician)</span> American drummer

Julio Roberto Valverde Valencia, better known by his stage name Robo, is a Colombian-American drummer. He came to prominence in the early 1980s with punk band Black Flag, and more recently has been a member of Misfits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danzig (band)</span> American heavy metal band

Danzig is an American heavy metal band led by former Samhain and Misfits singer Glenn Danzig. Formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey, the group early on became a unique voice in the rock scene, playing a bluesy, doom-laden metal with Glenn Danzig crooning in the style of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. After a major hit with a live version of its 1988 song "Mother", the band experimented with industrial music but later returned to heavy metal. As of 2023, Danzig has released 12 studio albums, two EPs, one live album, and one compilation album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenn Danzig</span> American rock musician (born 1955)

Glenn Allen Anzalone, better known by his stage name Glenn Danzig, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is the founder of the rock bands Misfits, Samhain, and Danzig. He owns the Evilive record label as well as Verotik, an adult-oriented comic book publishing company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cough/Cool</span> 1977 single by the Misfits

"Cough/Cool" is the first single released by the horror punk band the Misfits. It was released in August 1977 on singer Glenn Danzig's label Blank Records. 500 copies were produced on black 7" vinyl. Both songs from the single were re-recorded and re-released in various versions over the following twenty years.

<i>Beware</i> (EP) 1980 EP by the Misfits

Beware is the fifth release by the American punk rock band Misfits. First issued in January 1980, this EP combined the Misfits' previously released singles "Bullet" and "Horror Business", and was originally intended as a recording that the Misfits could bring with them on their tour of the United Kingdom with the British punk rock group the Damned in late 1979. Along with songs from "Bullet" and "Horror Business", Beware also includes the track "Last Caress", which had never been released previously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Only</span> American bassist

Gerald Caiafa Jr., better known by his stage name Jerry Only, is an American musician, best known as the bassist for the Misfits and later the vocalist as well. He is the only member to appear in every Misfits lineup except the original.

<i>Collection II</i> 1995 compilation album by Misfits

Collection II, also known as Misfits II, a compilation album of songs by the American punk rock band Misfits. Released on November 14, 1995, it serves as a companion album to the band's previous compilation, Collection I. Both compilations collect all the early singles and the entire Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood album, and are meant to complement Walk Among Us and Legacy of Brutality with little overlap. All the early singles are supposed to be represented, although alternative versions of some songs are used instead of the original releases.

<i>American Psycho</i> (album) 1997 studio album by Misfits

American Psycho is the fourth studio album by the American punk rock band Misfits. Released on May 13, 1997, it was the first to be recorded and released without the band's founder and former leader Glenn Danzig. Bassist Jerry Only, after years of litigation, reached a settlement with Danzig and was granted the rights to use the band's name and image to record and perform. The album also marked the addition of singer Michale Graves and Dr. Chud on drums.

<i>Cuts from the Crypt</i> 2001 compilation album by Misfits

Cuts From the Crypt is a collection of demos, formerly unreleased tracks and cover songs by the American horror punk band Misfits. All the album's tracks were recorded by the band in the years following their reformation without original singer Glenn Danzig. The enhanced version also contains the music video for the song "Scream!".

<i>Misfits</i> (Misfits album) 1986 compilation album by Misfits

Misfits is a 1986 compilation album by the American punk rock band Misfits. Officially titled Misfits, but also known as Collection, Collection 1, or Collection I, the album features twenty songs by the band. The tracks include some of the group's early singles, as well as songs from their 1982 album Walk Among Us, their 1983 album Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, and the 1985 compilation album Legacy of Brutality, which was curated exclusively by vocalist Glenn Danzig after the band had dissolved in 1983.

<i>Evillive II</i> 1998 live album by the Misfits

Evilive II is a 1998 live album by the American punk rock band Misfits. Featuring the "resurrected" Misfits lineup of vocalist Michale Graves, bassist Jerry Only, guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, and drummer Dr. Chud, the album was recorded between October 1997 and March 1998 at a number of concerts in the United States. The album was released on CD by Caroline Records on August 14, 1998, and was made exclusively available through the official Misfits' fan club, known as "the Fiend Club", and was also sold on tour. The CD has since gone out-of-print.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein</span> American guitarist

Paul Caiafa, known professionally as Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, is an American guitarist best known for his material with the horror punk band the Misfits and his own band eponymously named Doyle.

David Calabrese, known professionally as Dr. Chud, is an American horror punk drummer best known for his work with the Misfits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gorgeous Frankenstein</span> American horror punk/metal band

Gorgeous Frankenstein was an American horror punk/heavy metal band formed in 2005 in New Jersey by Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein and his former wife and ex-professional wrestler Stephanie Bellars. The band's name is a combination of both Doyle and Bellars' stage names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misfits discography</span>

The discography of Misfits, a horror punk band formed in Lodi, New Jersey, in 1977, consists of seven studio albums, three live albums, four compilation albums, four EPs, nineteen singles, one video album, five music videos, one box set, one demo, and one cancelled album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doyle (band)</span> American horror punk band

Doyle is an American horror punk band formed in 2012 by Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein and Cancerslug frontman Alex Story. Doyle has released two studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argyle Goolsby</span> American singer and bassist (born 1979)

Argyle Goolsby is an American musician, best known for being the lead vocalist, bassist and co-founder of horror punk band Blitzkid (1997–2012).

References

  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. 1 2 3 4 5 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. 1 2 Lindsay, Cam (May 22, 2010). "Glenn Danzig: Legacy of Brutality". Exclaim! . Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  10. 1 2 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. 1 2 "Misfits Get Hideous New Singer". MTV. May 29, 1998. Archived from the original on February 14, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 4 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.