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This Music Leaves Stains: The Complete Story of the Misfits
Few bands in the past three decades have proven as affecting or exciting as the Misfits, the ferocious horror punk outfit that lurked in the shadows of suburban New Jersey and released a handful of pivotal underground recordings during their brief, tumultuous time together. Led by Glenn Danzig, a singer possessed of vision and blessed with an incredible baritone, the Misfits pioneered a death rock sound that would reverberate through the various musical subgenres that sprung up in their wake.This Music Leaves Stains now presents the full story behind the Misfits and their ubiquitous, haunting skull logo, a story of unique talent, strange timing, clashing personalities, and incredible music that helped shape rock as we know it today. James Greene, Jr., maps this narrative from the band's birth at the tail end of the original punk movement through their messy dissolve at the dawn of the 1980s right on through the legal warring and inexplicable reunions that helped carry the band into the 21st century.Music junkies of any stripe will surely find themselves engrossed in this saga that finally pieces together the full story of the greatest horror punk band that ever existed, though Misfits fans will truly marvel at the thorough and detailed approach James Greene, Jr. has taken in outlining the rise, fall, resurrection, and influence of New Jersey's most frightening musical assembly.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
30 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
James Greene Jr.
4 books12 followersJames Greene, Jr. is a freelance writer who has contributed to Hard Noise, Crawdaddy!, New York Press, Orlando Weekly, Geek Monthly, and Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. He currently resides in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 27, 2015
"Beauty Damaged and Slightly Unclean..."
I'm so sad to be finished this book; it was one of those reads that was so engaging that, now that I'm finished, I'm staring at the vast array of books on my shelves unable to choose a new one.
I knew little to nothing about the Misfits going into this book. I was in diapers while they were donning ghoulish facepaint and devilocks. A few years ago though I discovered Danzig's immaculate voice and haven't been able to shake it; that man could sing the alphabet song and make it sexy.
Anyway, This Music Leaves Stains is an interesting mix of cultural history, music criticism, and meticulously compiled soap opera saga. I enjoyed the presentation of the pop culture that preceded the punk movement and inspired the band. I also like the way in which Greene meticulously explained the origin and inspiration of Danzig's songwriting. The human aspect of the piece is great; I doubt that anyone who daydreams about musical "success" truly appreciates how much grueling work or how much time (as in years, decades) goes into creating a livelihood and marketable brand for oneself. Moreover, I was struck by the turmoil that's consumed these men for so many decades. After reading through this book, one can garner a certain appreciation for it though. Unlike a writer, painter, actor, music requires its own formula of collaboration, chalk full of blurred lines. It's not hard to see how emotions would run high, especially for any artist who feels that their creation is being exploited.
On a digressive note, I always feel weird (as a reader) reading a piece of material on persons still living, especially when it's written about someone, not by them. That being said, I felt as thought the author was attempting not to slander or paint any particular person in this book in an unfavorable light. Rather he quoted from and presented info as it was offered to him. The tone of the piece felt respectful. That being said, the bit about a sloshed Randy Savage attempting to confront Doyle for wooing his wife was hilarious!
It's an engrossing book by one of the most unique bands ever created. Well worth the read!
I'm so sad to be finished this book; it was one of those reads that was so engaging that, now that I'm finished, I'm staring at the vast array of books on my shelves unable to choose a new one.
I knew little to nothing about the Misfits going into this book. I was in diapers while they were donning ghoulish facepaint and devilocks. A few years ago though I discovered Danzig's immaculate voice and haven't been able to shake it; that man could sing the alphabet song and make it sexy.
Anyway, This Music Leaves Stains is an interesting mix of cultural history, music criticism, and meticulously compiled soap opera saga. I enjoyed the presentation of the pop culture that preceded the punk movement and inspired the band. I also like the way in which Greene meticulously explained the origin and inspiration of Danzig's songwriting. The human aspect of the piece is great; I doubt that anyone who daydreams about musical "success" truly appreciates how much grueling work or how much time (as in years, decades) goes into creating a livelihood and marketable brand for oneself. Moreover, I was struck by the turmoil that's consumed these men for so many decades. After reading through this book, one can garner a certain appreciation for it though. Unlike a writer, painter, actor, music requires its own formula of collaboration, chalk full of blurred lines. It's not hard to see how emotions would run high, especially for any artist who feels that their creation is being exploited.
On a digressive note, I always feel weird (as a reader) reading a piece of material on persons still living, especially when it's written about someone, not by them. That being said, I felt as thought the author was attempting not to slander or paint any particular person in this book in an unfavorable light. Rather he quoted from and presented info as it was offered to him. The tone of the piece felt respectful. That being said, the bit about a sloshed Randy Savage attempting to confront Doyle for wooing his wife was hilarious!
It's an engrossing book by one of the most unique bands ever created. Well worth the read!
October 17, 2021
Proof that having a visual thematic consistency to your releases—Factory, 4AD, Smiths singles, etc.—will invariably lead to extreme weightlifting and co-branding with a professional wrestling organization. Hey, at least you get Dave Lombardo when you plonk down $350 for a ticket in 2021. AND Danzig. That’s, like, not even half what an original “Who Killed Marilyn?” will run you.
There’s nothing new here to add to the history of the Great Undead Italian-Americans. I love these Misfits, but I really do wish Glenn had kept the electric piano around and that he someday provides primary source on Blank/Plan 9. What can I say: I love a small business owner.
There’s nothing new here to add to the history of the Great Undead Italian-Americans. I love these Misfits, but I really do wish Glenn had kept the electric piano around and that he someday provides primary source on Blank/Plan 9. What can I say: I love a small business owner.
filmed
May 21, 2015I know I know.... Glenn Danzig and all that. But this guy's cuter ::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgSLz5...
What's yer favorite Misfits tune?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgSLz5...
What's yer favorite Misfits tune?
December 30, 2013
I just got this, I'm still reading it but giving it 5 stars now because IT'S ABOUT THE FUCKING MISFITS AND THEREFORE IT IS AWESOME. My work here is done. Also, I noticed a minor mistake in the book, I emailed the author and he replied and was very nice, thanking me for letting him know, etc.
November 20, 2013
I first heard The Misfits in 1986 when I was thirteen years old courtesy of a few cassettes made for me by older friends. I called ‘em “comp tapes,” short for compilation tapes, although apparently everybody else calls these mix tapes. Nestled among tracks by Black Flag, Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, D.O.A and so forth were three or four songs by The Misfits. I liked those songs very much but had no idea who this band was nor any clue as to their horror imagery or legacy. Being young and living in a small town, I had no idea how to go about obtaining more recordings by any of these bands.
In August of 1987, Metallica released their $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited, which featured two Misfits covers, “Last Caress” and “Green Hell.” This suddenly increased my interest in this mysterious, hallowed, amazing band called The Misfits. Also in ’87, I picked up a copy of R. I. P. magazine that featured a killer article on The Misfits and Samhain. Finally seeing pictures of this band, in addition to having heard a handful of songs I was madly in love with, cemented my utter and absolute need to hear more.
In the summer of 1988, I was fifteen years old and my buddy and I would take the bus to the mall and surrounding strip malls to buy music. Eli’s/Hastings always had the best stuff and I’ll never forget finding actual Misfits vinyl. I bought them up as fast as I could afford them, taking them home like revered relics and listening to and absorbing them in my bedroom. I also bought a copy of Samhain’s incredible November Coming Fire LP. And I was hooked. Hooked.
Needless to say, all these years later, I jumped at the chance to read a full blown biography on The Misfits. Though they didn’t always have the horror imagery down to a fine science, The Misfits were, perhaps, one of the most conceptually perfect bands to come out of the whole punk thing. They’ve been compared to KISS, which is a fairly apt comparison, but I would say The Misfits got it right in all the areas that KISS got it so, so wrong. I can’t bring myself to care about either of these bands’ later output but, with The Misfits, I can’t find one song by any of the Danzig lineups that I don’t like.
Greene has done an incredible job here, documenting the rise and fall of the band from their late 70’s genesis through their dissolution and subsequent musical endeavors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading This Music Leaves Stains, so much in fact that, once I’d finished it, I turned around and read it again. Greene’s writing is good and he did an obviously great deal of research for this book.
If this book had come along back in the late 80’s, I would have thought it was the most amazing thing in the world. However, with the advent of the “information age,” This Music Leaves Stains is not entirely satisfying. This is a short bio. Of the 180 pages, only 120 are occupied with biographical info. The remaining pages are taken up with Mark Kennedy’s excellent discography and the index. The thing is, Kennedy’s list is online; he turned it into a website. In fact, nearly all the information in this book can be found somewhere on the internet. Greene states, “The internet used to lie a lot more back in the 1990’s.” No, it didn’t. It lies now more than ever. Regardless, if you have internet access, you more or less have everything in this book.
Which is to say it should have been longer. Much longer. It’s difficult to tell who Greene interviewed for the book but one gets a sense few if any of The Misfits were included. This Music Leaves Stains could have used more quotes from band members. I would have loved to read more about the various recording sessions, what went on, how things were done. More info on the tours, what bands they played with, what cities they played in. If you consider that the last several chapters are devoted to what happened after The Misfits disbanded in 1983, there is a sense of incompleteness.
There are, however, a lot of great stories, like when The Misfits invited Sid Vicious' mom to a recoding session, shortly after her son's death, because they didn't think she should be alone. Or the arrest at the New Orleans cemetery. Or the arrest in England from whence sprang "London Dungeon." This is definitely an entertaining read.
It struck me as odd that all seven pictures in the middle section of this book were taken at the same show in Goleta, California in ’83. There are a ton of Misfits pictures out there and it would have been more interesting as a reader of there were shots of the various lineups. It’s nice to be able to see what you’re reading about and it would give a sense of the progression and changes that went on from lineup to lineup. Perhaps Greene could only get permission to use these seven pictures. Don’t get me wrong; they’re great shots. It’s just that there are a lot more visuals that could have been included.
Still, this is a very well done biography and the only one of its kind. I would highly recommend this to any Misfits fan, as well as fans of Samhain, Danzig and even those of you who are into the later Misfits.
In August of 1987, Metallica released their $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited, which featured two Misfits covers, “Last Caress” and “Green Hell.” This suddenly increased my interest in this mysterious, hallowed, amazing band called The Misfits. Also in ’87, I picked up a copy of R. I. P. magazine that featured a killer article on The Misfits and Samhain. Finally seeing pictures of this band, in addition to having heard a handful of songs I was madly in love with, cemented my utter and absolute need to hear more.
In the summer of 1988, I was fifteen years old and my buddy and I would take the bus to the mall and surrounding strip malls to buy music. Eli’s/Hastings always had the best stuff and I’ll never forget finding actual Misfits vinyl. I bought them up as fast as I could afford them, taking them home like revered relics and listening to and absorbing them in my bedroom. I also bought a copy of Samhain’s incredible November Coming Fire LP. And I was hooked. Hooked.
Needless to say, all these years later, I jumped at the chance to read a full blown biography on The Misfits. Though they didn’t always have the horror imagery down to a fine science, The Misfits were, perhaps, one of the most conceptually perfect bands to come out of the whole punk thing. They’ve been compared to KISS, which is a fairly apt comparison, but I would say The Misfits got it right in all the areas that KISS got it so, so wrong. I can’t bring myself to care about either of these bands’ later output but, with The Misfits, I can’t find one song by any of the Danzig lineups that I don’t like.
Greene has done an incredible job here, documenting the rise and fall of the band from their late 70’s genesis through their dissolution and subsequent musical endeavors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading This Music Leaves Stains, so much in fact that, once I’d finished it, I turned around and read it again. Greene’s writing is good and he did an obviously great deal of research for this book.
If this book had come along back in the late 80’s, I would have thought it was the most amazing thing in the world. However, with the advent of the “information age,” This Music Leaves Stains is not entirely satisfying. This is a short bio. Of the 180 pages, only 120 are occupied with biographical info. The remaining pages are taken up with Mark Kennedy’s excellent discography and the index. The thing is, Kennedy’s list is online; he turned it into a website. In fact, nearly all the information in this book can be found somewhere on the internet. Greene states, “The internet used to lie a lot more back in the 1990’s.” No, it didn’t. It lies now more than ever. Regardless, if you have internet access, you more or less have everything in this book.
Which is to say it should have been longer. Much longer. It’s difficult to tell who Greene interviewed for the book but one gets a sense few if any of The Misfits were included. This Music Leaves Stains could have used more quotes from band members. I would have loved to read more about the various recording sessions, what went on, how things were done. More info on the tours, what bands they played with, what cities they played in. If you consider that the last several chapters are devoted to what happened after The Misfits disbanded in 1983, there is a sense of incompleteness.
There are, however, a lot of great stories, like when The Misfits invited Sid Vicious' mom to a recoding session, shortly after her son's death, because they didn't think she should be alone. Or the arrest at the New Orleans cemetery. Or the arrest in England from whence sprang "London Dungeon." This is definitely an entertaining read.
It struck me as odd that all seven pictures in the middle section of this book were taken at the same show in Goleta, California in ’83. There are a ton of Misfits pictures out there and it would have been more interesting as a reader of there were shots of the various lineups. It’s nice to be able to see what you’re reading about and it would give a sense of the progression and changes that went on from lineup to lineup. Perhaps Greene could only get permission to use these seven pictures. Don’t get me wrong; they’re great shots. It’s just that there are a lot more visuals that could have been included.
Still, this is a very well done biography and the only one of its kind. I would highly recommend this to any Misfits fan, as well as fans of Samhain, Danzig and even those of you who are into the later Misfits.
November 4, 2019
All in all, a pretty decent "musical bio" of the infamous punk band with a fascination for the macabre, with amusing historical anecdotes and plenty of detail to captivate a Misfits fan ... my only complaint is that it's now in need of an update, given the 2016-2019 reunion performances.
January 27, 2020
3 stars for being the only written account of the misfits’ tenure as a group. I never realized how much of a mess their careers were/are and it’s too bad they couldn’t have stuck it out with their original lineup from the 70s-80s. I’d like to see an oral history released as the author of this wasn’t very objective and felt the need to insert their opinion in ways that felt like I was reading a gossipy magazine article at times (talking down on Type O Negative??). judging by the amount of legal dispute between the band members tho I won’t hold my breath. it would’ve been cool as well to hear a little about Japanese band Balzac since they’ve definitely taken a page or two from the Misfits visually/sonically.
May 21, 2024
Sadly, this book just makes me understand that these guys just were self-imploding from the start. Woof
September 25, 2016
This was, somewhat surprisingly, pretty good. The book seemed comprehensive and fair. Decently written and it held my interest.
October 11, 2013
Please check out my full review here.
July 19, 2024
I first discovered The Misfits in a record bin at my local record store in 1987. I bought a used copy of the “Die, Die, My Darling” single. It was probably among the first purchases I made as a newly employed teenager. Since then I’ve been a huge fan of the original lineup.
While obviously outdated (and rife with typos) this book still stands as a fairly reliable Misfits chronology that delves into the career of these horror punk icons (and beyond). It even includes an abridged version of the discography meticulously compiled by superfan Mark Kennedy. There’s some good information here about how the Misfits’ name, branding and music were exploited by all parties after their initial breakup.
What I found particularly interesting were the details concerning the lengthy litigation between the former members of the band, and how the rules of that resolution were bent and/or broken to further the career aspirations of all parties. There are some great stories in here about how the brothers Caiafa and Danzig each pulled some sneaky maneuvers for extra income in the years following the band’s demise. Given the monumental developments in the story of The Misfits over the past eleven years I’d really like to see an updated (and re-edited) edition of this book someday.
While obviously outdated (and rife with typos) this book still stands as a fairly reliable Misfits chronology that delves into the career of these horror punk icons (and beyond). It even includes an abridged version of the discography meticulously compiled by superfan Mark Kennedy. There’s some good information here about how the Misfits’ name, branding and music were exploited by all parties after their initial breakup.
What I found particularly interesting were the details concerning the lengthy litigation between the former members of the band, and how the rules of that resolution were bent and/or broken to further the career aspirations of all parties. There are some great stories in here about how the brothers Caiafa and Danzig each pulled some sneaky maneuvers for extra income in the years following the band’s demise. Given the monumental developments in the story of The Misfits over the past eleven years I’d really like to see an updated (and re-edited) edition of this book someday.
February 17, 2022
There are lots of spelling and grammatical mistakes that have blown past the publisher, but this isn’t very surprising or too bothersome to endure. With that being said, it’s safe to assume the author’s writing style isn’t anything to necessarily brag about either. However, the material covered in this brief history is fulfilling enough to satisfy any Misfits fan. There are times where this book seems like a story about Glenn Danzig, but it’s important to remember what Glenn contributed to The Misfits (writing, instrumentalism, theatre, gimmick, etc.). “Behind the scene” looks at the members of the band reveal tumultuous relationships and explain legal matters, as well as the introduction and demise of the reunited Misfits group with Michale Graves. Overall, if you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy this book for the most part; although reading a few Wikipedia pages and in depth searching on YouTube can provide all the same information.
March 27, 2018
Another brave effort, gathering information and dealing with all the hearsay around one of the ost influential, albeit, most mysterious bands is quite an accomplishment. Sometimes it feels the author could have given more detail to the ongoing story, but the Misfits are a difficult bunch.
And oh boy does that difficulty shine through! just like their Queens counterparts, this band bio reads more like a tragedy of clashing egos than a success story, and what's even worse, these guys didn't know when to retire. This is what happens when a gimmick goes up to eleven in the cash cow franchise departmente, with dwindling base to support it (the author concedes that up until the campy 90's stuff there was some good material, but the later stuff just doesn't hold together). That said, it is a great book that honors a great band, and no fan of the Misfits franchise should leave aside.
And oh boy does that difficulty shine through! just like their Queens counterparts, this band bio reads more like a tragedy of clashing egos than a success story, and what's even worse, these guys didn't know when to retire. This is what happens when a gimmick goes up to eleven in the cash cow franchise departmente, with dwindling base to support it (the author concedes that up until the campy 90's stuff there was some good material, but the later stuff just doesn't hold together). That said, it is a great book that honors a great band, and no fan of the Misfits franchise should leave aside.
January 16, 2019
I’d prefer to rate this 3.5 but since goodreads doesn’t offer that option yet, I’ve leaned towards a more generous 4.
A major criticism I had to begin with was the author blowing smoke up Danzig’s arse for the first third of the book. There’s no doubt the guy is (and during those halcyon days especially, was) talented, but the author paints an almost untouchable and frankly ironic, Christ-like picture of one Glenn Anazlone. And like many reviews you will see for this book it could have been so much more with included involvement from Only and/or Danzig. The fact, mentioned in the preface of the book, of certain individual(s) wanting payment for participation is almost a glaring summation of the Misfits or at least what they became.
A major criticism I had to begin with was the author blowing smoke up Danzig’s arse for the first third of the book. There’s no doubt the guy is (and during those halcyon days especially, was) talented, but the author paints an almost untouchable and frankly ironic, Christ-like picture of one Glenn Anazlone. And like many reviews you will see for this book it could have been so much more with included involvement from Only and/or Danzig. The fact, mentioned in the preface of the book, of certain individual(s) wanting payment for participation is almost a glaring summation of the Misfits or at least what they became.
February 8, 2022
A fairly poor book. The writing is peculiar: from the authors’ curious use of the word donnybrook countless times, to referring to drummers consistently as percussionists, to pointless one line quotes from icons such as Ian MacKaye, it just feels amateurish. Apparently very little in-depth research or interviewing went into this. And a strange focus on post-Misfits Misfits - ie the clowns that Danzig left behind when he moved on to Samhain and Danzig, who pitifully continued to try and milk the franchise for $$$. Not a lot of details about Danzig's post Misfits work. It's a fast easy read though!
September 4, 2017
Great for feinds
Awesome book about the band. If you are truly a fiend you will love this book but not sure if it would appeal to someone with little knowledge of the Misfits.
Spoiler Alert: Imagine if either Glenn or Jerry could have set their ego aside. After reading this book I don't like either of them but still love the music
Awesome book about the band. If you are truly a fiend you will love this book but not sure if it would appeal to someone with little knowledge of the Misfits.
Spoiler Alert: Imagine if either Glenn or Jerry could have set their ego aside. After reading this book I don't like either of them but still love the music
June 29, 2018
Two Minutes To Late Night podcast reviewed the Graves era albums recently and got me to get this book down off the shelf. Had to confirm a rumor that a certain replacement for Danzig wasn’t allowed in the band because he couldn’t bench enough. Had to confirm. Spoilers: there’s no mention of bench. 😞
February 18, 2021
A good read delving into all eras of the band and into what's come after. Cool reading some of the stories we heard of in rumours. Sucks seeing the in-fighting that happened over the years. Worth picking up for anyone that's more than a casual fan of the 'fits or Danzig.
October 7, 2023
The only thing this needs is an update (and a few misspelling corrections). But this was an excellent source for the band history. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of the band's early days and studio sessions.
March 26, 2024
Indispensable para cualquier fanático de la banda que quiera expandir un poco más sobre la historia de amor/odio que mantuvieron (y mantienen hoy día) y para los que no conocen nada y se quieren empapar en este mundo maravilloso llamado "The Misfits".
March 1, 2019
Good insights from direct contact with the people involved. Felt the author did too much speculating about everyone's motivations near the end, but it's still a worthwhile read.
March 6, 2019
Danzig's not that cool of a guy
February 14, 2020
This a great book but not for someone not entirely interested in the story of the misfits. If you’re looking for some rock n roll story this probably isn’t for you.
January 27, 2023
doesnt really tell much bout individual members...
just describes how songs sound.
i know what the songs sound like.
no real interesting info here.
just describes how songs sound.
i know what the songs sound like.
no real interesting info here.
May 22, 2023
A fun, if slight, read about one of my all time favorite bands. I do wish it would have been edited a bit more diligently. I noticed at least a half dozen typos.
April 5, 2025
I can neither confirm nor deny if everything in this book is true. (I choose to believe all of it.) But I think I can confidently say this: if you are a Misfits fan, you will love this book regardless of its veracity. A must-read for any Fiend, official membership or no.
December 24, 2013
Yes - a book about the Misfits... one of my favorite old punk bands that I dissed after Glenn Danzig left the band and I didn't follow either Danzig or the reunited Misfist without Danzig. THis book finally covers the whole story up to the present along with the numerous (almost impossinle fo follow) personnel changes, lawsuits and re-releases of the same material. It's only worth it because the Misfits music and live shows were that great! It seemed that many of the principals were not too interested in participating in this project but James Greene does a geat job in leading us through the various twists and turns of the Misfits legacy as well their post Misfits (Danzig vs. the new Misfits) careers.
Danzig, of couse, is the focal point and his role was instrumental in creating the Misfits but the book follows Jerry Only and Doyle with the Misfits who are still performing and recording. A possible Danzig/Only reunion was discussed but has not happenned. The influence of the Misfits on bands lile Metallica and Guns & Roses becomes critical to making the band popular among new generations of kids and making it poosible for all of this Misfits material to ba avalable again.
The book also contaims a creat appendix where all of the Misfits records and associated releases are discussed and described as early Misfits records are rare and valuable. It would be great to hear from Danzig and Only - or even better to see them on stage together, but until it happens - this book does a fine job of explaining why the Misfits still matter.
I did see the old Misfits a number of times as they toured through the Detroit area including shows at UM-Dearborn and the infamous last show at the Graystone. They truly were a great band to see and I am not surprised that we still listening to their music and reading books about them 30 years later.
Danzig, of couse, is the focal point and his role was instrumental in creating the Misfits but the book follows Jerry Only and Doyle with the Misfits who are still performing and recording. A possible Danzig/Only reunion was discussed but has not happenned. The influence of the Misfits on bands lile Metallica and Guns & Roses becomes critical to making the band popular among new generations of kids and making it poosible for all of this Misfits material to ba avalable again.
The book also contaims a creat appendix where all of the Misfits records and associated releases are discussed and described as early Misfits records are rare and valuable. It would be great to hear from Danzig and Only - or even better to see them on stage together, but until it happens - this book does a fine job of explaining why the Misfits still matter.
I did see the old Misfits a number of times as they toured through the Detroit area including shows at UM-Dearborn and the infamous last show at the Graystone. They truly were a great band to see and I am not surprised that we still listening to their music and reading books about them 30 years later.
February 20, 2017
decent but not amazing. plus having come out a few years ago, does not have more current events.
May 12, 2013
Fine book. I am a lifelong Misfits fan. Buy it when the price goes down. Mr. Greene is a fine writer examples given:
"The violent, nihilistic lyrics of "Last Caress" outline the bold confessions of a remorseless killer and rapist and are delivered by Danzig with such romantic melody that the crimes almost seem like triumphs."
"From this point forward, the Misfits live experience would often descend into haphazard mess, the saving grace of which was usually the sight of these strange ghoulish men pounding out their racket."
Also you will learn, inter alia,that:
Frank Zappa attended a Misfits show, (opening for Screamin Jay Hawkins at Irving Plaza),
Jerry Only had a pro wrestling ring built at his house (for practice),
Macho Man Randy Savage went to a Misfits show looking to confront Doyle for stealing his paramour (Doyle escaped out the front door,
Jerry Only tried to start a union among WCW wrestlers and was let go from WCW, and
that a crazy fan intruded onto Danzig's property and was chased away by Danzig's bodyguard. The intruder left a backpack containing, Egads!, pornographic magazines with Danzig's head pasted on the performers. This prompted Danzig to move to a new Calfornia Location in which he installed a pile of bricks in his front yard to show the world that he was "not Beck" and not "upscale".
Alright, enough with the spoilers. Fun Read.
P.S. He also mentions the recent awesomeness of "Devil's Angels". Amazing performance for a close to 60 year old man.
"The violent, nihilistic lyrics of "Last Caress" outline the bold confessions of a remorseless killer and rapist and are delivered by Danzig with such romantic melody that the crimes almost seem like triumphs."
"From this point forward, the Misfits live experience would often descend into haphazard mess, the saving grace of which was usually the sight of these strange ghoulish men pounding out their racket."
Also you will learn, inter alia,that:
Frank Zappa attended a Misfits show, (opening for Screamin Jay Hawkins at Irving Plaza),
Jerry Only had a pro wrestling ring built at his house (for practice),
Macho Man Randy Savage went to a Misfits show looking to confront Doyle for stealing his paramour (Doyle escaped out the front door,
Jerry Only tried to start a union among WCW wrestlers and was let go from WCW, and
that a crazy fan intruded onto Danzig's property and was chased away by Danzig's bodyguard. The intruder left a backpack containing, Egads!, pornographic magazines with Danzig's head pasted on the performers. This prompted Danzig to move to a new Calfornia Location in which he installed a pile of bricks in his front yard to show the world that he was "not Beck" and not "upscale".
Alright, enough with the spoilers. Fun Read.
P.S. He also mentions the recent awesomeness of "Devil's Angels". Amazing performance for a close to 60 year old man.
September 16, 2021
As a huge Misfits-Samhain-Danzig fan growing up, I was really looking forward to this book. Information and interviews were hard to come by way back when so I had high hopes that it would fill in the gaps in my knowledge of the Misfits' occasionally spotty history. And it does, covering the early days of the Misfits and their 90's return in some detail. Which makes the late 80's and 90's, the Samhain and Danzig eras, lack of coverage so glaring. Simply put, you can not talk about the Misfits without mentioning Samhain and Danzig. One could argue that all three are really the same band, a continuing evolution of Glenn Danzig's musical vision. However, this section is only about 10 pages long. More depth and detail would have been very welcome as the cursory mention of those bands pales next to the earlier discussion.
Another glaring point is the lack of input from the bands' main players. There is some mention of this in the introduction - all were approached for interviews and input but few responded. Some even requested large fees for their involvement! This is probably a big reason that the Samhain/Danzig years gets such scant coverage. It's a shame; How much better could this book have been with Danzig or Jerry Only's direct input and co-operation.
That said this is probably the best and most complete history of this legendary band. That is until Glenn or Jerry comes out with their autobiography. Check it out, fellow Fiends. You won't regret it!
Another glaring point is the lack of input from the bands' main players. There is some mention of this in the introduction - all were approached for interviews and input but few responded. Some even requested large fees for their involvement! This is probably a big reason that the Samhain/Danzig years gets such scant coverage. It's a shame; How much better could this book have been with Danzig or Jerry Only's direct input and co-operation.
That said this is probably the best and most complete history of this legendary band. That is until Glenn or Jerry comes out with their autobiography. Check it out, fellow Fiends. You won't regret it!
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