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The Misfits

live in Sayreville (2006)
The Misfits

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: JohnGentile
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on November 7th 2006

Pre-concert expectations influence the enjoyment of a concert almost as much as the concert itself. If you go to a punk reunion show expecting the band to be as fiery and as youthful as they were in 1982, you’re going to be disappointed. But, if you go to one of these reunion shows just to see a good show, you’ll have a good time. This was especially true with the Misfits' show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey on Halloween night.

Of course, these "Misfits” aren’t actually “the Misfits;” Glenn Danzig, the driving force behind the original lineup isn’t in the band. In fact, he left the band 23 years ago. Today, the Misfits are composed of original Misfits bassist Jerry Only, who now also handles vocals, guitarist Dez Cadena (ex-Black Flag, DC3) and drummer ROBO (ex-Black Flag) who appeared on the Misfits’ 1983 album, Earth A.D.. Really, we could argue that the band is more Black Flag than Misfits, but we are going to accept that this lineup is the Misfits and move on.

Opening with what else but “Halloween,” the Misfits wasted no time into tearing into their set list. Each song came in rapid succession with practically no chatter between each song. While album versions of Misfits’ songs are an equal mix of machismo and melody, the live versions were minute-thirty blasts of ghoulish howls, growls, and scowls. Four years ago, when Only took up the vocalist position after Michale Graves left the band, his singing style consisted of yelling the lyrics like a pre-game huddle. However, in the past four years it seems that he has become more accustomed to the microphone and now conveys a depth of voice and carries the tone of the songs admirably, while keeping the chainsaw edge to the songs ever present. The interplay between soulful crooning and feral growling that is necessary to so many Misfits songs crawled up from Only’s lungs when it really counted.

In compliment to this interplay of black and white noise, Dez Cadena displayed just what made the guitars and early vocals in Black Flag so unique: hardcore punk performed like jazz. With his deft use of discordance highlighted with scratchy vocals, the former Black Flag member kept the spirit of the songs intact while adding a few Dez-isms here and there. The baroque touches and subtle changes that Cadena created put the teeth back in the mouths of the songs which had been missing for about 10 years.

In contrast to the charging bass and epileptic guitar, the drums were powerful but steadily handled by ROBO. Preferring a minimalist approach, ROBO kept the drumming lean and steady except at key points where he embellished upon the songs with a flourish of cymbals, snares and bass drum. This style worked exceptionably well with the Misfits’ already sparse songs, giving the drums more punch than if they rumbled non-stop.

Since the band is composed of members from various bands, the Misfits chose to select from a wide base of songs. Although the material weighed heavy on classic Misfits-era lineup, a few new Misfits songs were tossed into the mix for good measure. Dez and ROBO saluted their background by playing four Black Flag songs ("Jealous Again," "Six Pack," "Thirsty and Miserable," "Rise Above") with enough ferocity to make the Starland Ballroom circa 2006 feel like a closet size punk club circa 1981. Unfortunately, no Misfits: Project 1950 songs were played, which would have added another flavor to the recipe.

Of course, the ritual barb aimed at Glenn Danzig rose its ugly head, too. Jerry Only stated that the Misfits were shooting for another 20 years of playing and then dedicated the last song to people who “announce fake retirements” before launching into “Die, Die My Darling.” Glenn Danzig, who recently stated that he may retire from touring in the near future, is bound to retaliate on his upcoming West Coast tour.

Songs played at double speed, members from multiple bands, and a little mud slinging all go together to make a new, interesting invention rather than a grotesque reproduction. If you go to the Misfits expecting that Elvis / Jim Morrison croon and comic book-style posing, you’ll be disappointed. But, if you go to the Misfits expecting to see some great musicians play some great songs by some great bands, you’ll have one heck of a Ghouls Night Out.

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eyeslikebombs (November 13, 2006)

"If you recognize the power of Satatn, then you must also recognize an equal and opposite force, god. "

No, not really.

Anonymous (November 9, 2006)

How many bands do you know that aren't older and older everytime you see them?

strangenotes (November 9, 2006)

...but you keep seeing them. Obviously, you're not getting it.

noway (November 9, 2006)

Older and older every time i see them...give it up already....Dangig was the reason why the fits were so good almost 30 years ago....Jerry needs to quit ruining Danzig's songs...."We Are 138"

strangenotes (November 9, 2006)

"Long Way Back from Hell" followed by "Snakes of Christ" is the most outrageous and intense opening to an album, ever. I don't think the lyrics even make a lick of sense, Christian or not.

BrandonSideleau (November 9, 2006)

To the guy two below....Danzig openly stated that he believes in neither god nor satan and only uses satanic imagary to piss off Chrisitans.

Ike_Ness (November 9, 2006)

Pretty good review. If these guys keep on touring for another 20 years as Jerry suggested, he will have to grow a fuckin' long pony-tail and use that as a devil lock, seeing as how the old fuck is already almost bald. These guys are a fun misfits cover band at best... Danzig>The "fake"misfits any day of the week.

feeeding5000 (November 8, 2006)

I'm surprised I didn't already comment on this... Jerry Only really needs to realize that "The Misfits" was a one-time-only thing. It's done. He needs to go home. Personally, I'll be looking forward to when this Danzig-less shell of a band gives me the chance to say, "I'm gonna go get a sandwich". Also, anyone (Danzig) who believes in Satan, or whatever, always seems to ignore one thing; If you recognize the power of Satatn, then you must also recognize an equal and opposite force, god. Why bother with angry deities, when you can just hate yourself?

Anonymous (November 8, 2006)

"Wow the addicts and uk subs played too? Damn! Thats an entire evening of washed-up geriatric bullshit."

It's the Graying of America!

Seriously, so many old bands are out there touring these days.

Keith19 (November 8, 2006)

""blasts of ghoulish howls, growls, and scowls."

You are the worst writer ever. What's a scowl sound like? Probably better than the trash currently known as "The Misfits." Congratulations, you've been had. Jerry Only now has more money to donate to his church. Yes, he love Jesus. Yes, most of his fans are too dumb to realize that this is a scam.

Score is for both the review and this sad joke of a band."

And, the Misfits are really evil and believe in all these monsters they sing about in their songs. True story. Go ahead, research it. They are all based on real things. Honest.

Anonymous (November 8, 2006)

"blasts of ghoulish howls, growls, and scowls."

You are the worst writer ever. What's a scowl sound like? Probably better than the trash currently known as "The Misfits." Congratulations, you've been had. Jerry Only now has more money to donate to his church. Yes, he love Jesus. Yes, most of his fans are too dumb to realize that this is a scam.

Score is for both the review and this sad joke of a band.

BrandonSideleau (November 8, 2006)

A bunch of old guys trying to play music they didn't write. I feel the worst for Dez.....he seems like a cool guy, what the hell is he doing being a part of so many shams lately. I guess he must really need the money. On 6/6/06 Danzig proved that he just needed some time off and gave a terrific performance at the Henry Fonda Theatre. I'd take Danzig anyday over this shite.

profoundhatredSH (November 7, 2006)

i was supposed to go to this show, but my buddy broke his arm at the gwar show the week or so before. got boned out of that one!

Anonymous (November 7, 2006)

Wow the addicts and uk subs played too? Damn! Thats an entire evening of washed-up geriatric bullshit.

mattp330 (November 7, 2006)

i saw them three years ago with marky playing the drums, and the reviewer is totally right, its not an amazing show, but its fun

rkl (November 7, 2006)

when i saw the fake misfits with graves on halloween, they naturally closed with "halloween."

Anonymous (November 7, 2006)

I agree, what about uk subs and the adicts! if I had gone to that show i would have left before the "misfits"

sickboi (November 7, 2006)

Do they still do the "intro" where each band member is introduced as they walk on stage? I've only seen them once, Hellfest, and it was horrible.

Torgo (November 7, 2006)

Way to not mention The Adicts or UK Subs.

Anonymous (November 7, 2006)

Wouldn't you agree that Jerry Only is the driving force? Seeing as how he reformed the band back after the break up and is still releasing albums with numerous lineup changes I would say he's the one keeping this shit around.

Anonymous (November 7, 2006)

misfits then and now eat shit. its all about samhain. thats it!

sprainedsoul (November 7, 2006)

Great review ... but the "Misfits" are one horse that has been flogged enough.

Oh, and the guy from North Side Kings got a much better "dig" at Danzig than Jerry Only ever would. I may have minimal respect for Danzig, but at least he's put out New music since the Misfits, instead of retreading the Same catalog for the past 20 years. Jerry wants to keep the Misfits going for another 20 years? Yeah, he should be real good at playing "Horror Business" by then.

SlackMFr (November 7, 2006)

stop encouraging these guys, they suck now.

Damo (November 7, 2006)

i've really got into the new Street Dogs album - some great songs on there. Not all tho

Anonymous (November 7, 2006)

dude... it is NO fun seeing this band live. It's like watching your friend's band cover misfit songs. AND they play black flag songs. It's so weird.

Danzig with Doyle shreds harder.

Anonymous (November 7, 2006)

danzig quit????

SloaneDaley (November 7, 2006)

I would have seen these guys when they came if the tickets weren't like 50 bones. Good review though.

MrStylson (November 7, 2006)

good to hear that it's at least still an entertaining show.

SuperRad (November 7, 2006)

Great review. I'd still like to catch these guys. Sounds like a fun show.

Phantom_Maggot (November 7, 2006)

"Of course, these 'Misfits' aren’t actually 'the Misfits;' Glenn Danzig, the driving force behind the original lineup isn’t in the band. In fact, he left the band 23 years ago."

Get out of town! Otherwise, good review!