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Misery Obscura: The Photography Of Eerie Von
From the deepest depths of punk rock's 1970s primordial wastelands, through the stygian goth swamps of the 1980s, and on into the bloodstained arenas of 1990s heavy metal, Eerie Von witnessed it all. Beginning as the unofficial photographer for punk legends The Misfits and later taking charge of the bass guitar as a founding member of underground pioneers Samhain and metal gods Danzig, the evil eye of Eerie Von's camera captured the dark heart of rock's most vital and bleeding-edge period, a time when rock and roll was not only dangerous, but downright menacing. Eerie Von's lens has documented everything from The Misfits' humble beginnings in Lodi, New Jersey, to the heights of Danzig's stadium-rock glory alongside metal superstars Metallica. As well as an essential visual document of music history, Eerie's road stories of triumph and damnation bring to life an era the likes of which will never again be seen.
- GenresMusicPhotography
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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59 people want to read
About the author
Eerie Von
2 books3 followersEerie Von, born Eric Stellman, is an American musician best known as the original bassist for the metal band Danzig.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 13, 2018
Subtitled "The Photography of Eerie Von" this is really more a compendium of photos of Eerie Von chronologically documenting Misfits, Samhain, the first Danzig albums, etc. That is photos by Eerie and of Eerie with plent of text telling those story of his journey through conceptual horror rock.
May 29, 2018
Definately interesting, especially the photo stuff. The writing not so much, as I noticed myself skipping a lot of it. I'm still about half way through with the reading, just pics I've leafed through several times.
April 5, 2025
Impossible for me to be objective about anything Misfits (yes, I know this book covers more than them). I'd take a whole photography book of the Caiafa brothers eating Mama Caiafa's spaghetti and meatballs.
And Eerie Von's writing is no slouch. His first-hand account of seeing Korn for the first time, just before their meteoric rise in the world of nu-metal, and his description of them as having "Latino gang vibes" has stuck with me ever since I read this book years ago. Funny, and not inaccurate.
And Eerie Von's writing is no slouch. His first-hand account of seeing Korn for the first time, just before their meteoric rise in the world of nu-metal, and his description of them as having "Latino gang vibes" has stuck with me ever since I read this book years ago. Funny, and not inaccurate.
May 24, 2018
What I would have given for this book when I was a teenage goth kid in the 80's!!!!
In the early 1980's, a young Eric (aka Eerie Von) Stellman found himself drafted as a photographer by his friend Doyle's older brother's band, the seminal horror-punk band the Misfits. Little did he know that he would also embarking on his own career as a musician in the NY/New Jersey punk scene. Misery Obscura tracks the career of Eerie, from the DIY days of the Misfits and his own band, Rosemary's Babies, through Glenn Danzig's goth-metal hybrid Samhain up to the big time with the bluesy alternative metal of Danzig. Part photography book, part biography, Von does an excellent job of documenting his musical past. Many of the photos appearing in this book I have seen in fanzines and in the sleeves of vinyl records over the years. It was amazing to see them again, blown up in all their black-and-white glory. There are numerous live shots of all the bands as well as behind the scenes - goofing around with the guys in Metallica, Eerie and Glenn visiting Graceland etc.
This is a photo book, not a biography per se, so those looking for more insight into the inscrutible Glenn Danzig will only find little bits here. It is more of a biographical sketch on the day to day life of an early punk band, when record labels were run from parent's basements, and their eventual rise to success. Eerie is careful not to dish any dirt on the band members comings and goings. Instead he offers his own simple recounting of events, probably creating the best and most personal history of these legendary bands.
If you enjoyed this, I'd also recommend "This Music Leaves Stains: the Complete Story of the Misfits" by James Greene Jr, which is a more traditional music biography on both eras of the Misfits(but not so much on Samhain and Danzig.)
In the early 1980's, a young Eric (aka Eerie Von) Stellman found himself drafted as a photographer by his friend Doyle's older brother's band, the seminal horror-punk band the Misfits. Little did he know that he would also embarking on his own career as a musician in the NY/New Jersey punk scene. Misery Obscura tracks the career of Eerie, from the DIY days of the Misfits and his own band, Rosemary's Babies, through Glenn Danzig's goth-metal hybrid Samhain up to the big time with the bluesy alternative metal of Danzig. Part photography book, part biography, Von does an excellent job of documenting his musical past. Many of the photos appearing in this book I have seen in fanzines and in the sleeves of vinyl records over the years. It was amazing to see them again, blown up in all their black-and-white glory. There are numerous live shots of all the bands as well as behind the scenes - goofing around with the guys in Metallica, Eerie and Glenn visiting Graceland etc.
This is a photo book, not a biography per se, so those looking for more insight into the inscrutible Glenn Danzig will only find little bits here. It is more of a biographical sketch on the day to day life of an early punk band, when record labels were run from parent's basements, and their eventual rise to success. Eerie is careful not to dish any dirt on the band members comings and goings. Instead he offers his own simple recounting of events, probably creating the best and most personal history of these legendary bands.
If you enjoyed this, I'd also recommend "This Music Leaves Stains: the Complete Story of the Misfits" by James Greene Jr, which is a more traditional music biography on both eras of the Misfits(but not so much on Samhain and Danzig.)
January 10, 2021
I wasn't there so I am wet behind the ears, I started listening to Danzig around 13(I'm 28 now)and Metallica when they Mattered,then The Misfits(1977-1983 only,I tried but couldn't stomach Newer Misfits Stuff)Samhain.
I have the Boxsets,Some Vinyl,all the albums,etcera. Finally a Book comes out on the subject and Now I have it.
While I can't relive the Memories due to the fact I was a baby at the time,You feel as though your there through Eerie's Photography and words,Lots of Excellent never before seen pictures in black and white and Color,If Your a 'Fits/Samhain/Danzig/GD Fan You should check it out.This Is the only Punk That Matters!(Except The Ramones) Horror Stuff! Not of that Political Social Message Or Mainstream stuff.
I have the Boxsets,Some Vinyl,all the albums,etcera. Finally a Book comes out on the subject and Now I have it.
While I can't relive the Memories due to the fact I was a baby at the time,You feel as though your there through Eerie's Photography and words,Lots of Excellent never before seen pictures in black and white and Color,If Your a 'Fits/Samhain/Danzig/GD Fan You should check it out.This Is the only Punk That Matters!(Except The Ramones) Horror Stuff! Not of that Political Social Message Or Mainstream stuff.
December 22, 2013
Everything A Danzig Fan Could Hope For
This book is beautiful and well worth the price. It's just so much fun to see this documentation of Eerie and Glenn growing up together and doing what they love, watching as they evolve from high school kids just doing their thing to the legends they are today. The pictures are amazing. Eerie Von's writing is insightful and fun. It's all completely free of pretense. The only flaw, and it's a minor one, is Lyle Preslar's intro. Man, that guy is a dick.
This book is beautiful and well worth the price. It's just so much fun to see this documentation of Eerie and Glenn growing up together and doing what they love, watching as they evolve from high school kids just doing their thing to the legends they are today. The pictures are amazing. Eerie Von's writing is insightful and fun. It's all completely free of pretense. The only flaw, and it's a minor one, is Lyle Preslar's intro. Man, that guy is a dick.
November 12, 2010
Lots of awesome photographs, some of them previously unseen. Also a few interesting inside stories that unfortunately leaves one wanting more. Not a bad read, just short.
January 17, 2012
Great photos i just wished it went into a lil more detail into the reasons of breakups and members leaving.
April 4, 2012
Awesome pics and a fascinating albeit short read.
August 19, 2012
This captures a real moment in time. They don't make Metal like this anymore. Eerie Von took tons of photos from his days in the Misfits, Samhain and Danzig. Very well put together, document.
January 22, 2015
I love this book! Beautiful photos and journey through Glenn Danzig's 3 bands.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews