The Misfits

The Misfits is a pioneering American horror-punk band whose fusion of primitive rock with classic horror-movie themes and provocative visuals has earned them a sturdy cult following. ∙ Formed by singer Glenn Danzig in 1977, they introduced their penchant for shock imagery with 1978’s EP Bullet, which graphically referenced John F. Kennedy’s assassination. ∙ Annual Halloween concerts and singles released on October 31—including 1979’s “Night of the Living Dead” and 1981’s “Halloween”—established their long association with the spooky holiday. ∙ Walk Among Us, their 1982 debut album, showcased their affinity for gruesome sensation in such songs as the sci-fi-fueled “Astro Zombies” and the severed-head love letter “Skulls.” ∙ Metallica covered The Misfits’ “Last Caress” and “Green Hell” on a 1987 EP, and Guns N’ Roses recorded the band’s “Attitude” on their 1993 album, The Spaghetti Incident?. ∙ In 1996, the group finally released their planned 1978 debut album, Static Age—included with their other early catalog in the 105-track collection The Misfits Box Set. ∙ Project 1950, their 2003 album of vintage rock ’n’ roll covers, featured such guest musicians as girl-group star Ronnie Spector and Blondie keyboardist Jimmy Destri.