Photo: Press/WENN
The recent reunion of iconic punk legends Misfits took many rock fans by surprise, but now it emerges that the move was inspired by the recent deaths of Prince and David Bowie.
Last week, it was announced that the original line-up of Misfits would be coming back together to perform together for the first time in 30 years - with singer/songwriter Glenn Danzig, original bassist Jerry Only and guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein sharing a stage for the first time in three decades to headline Riot Fest & Rodeo in Denver and Chicago later this year.
Rumours of reuniting had been shot down many times over the years, but now Danzig has admitted that he and the band were spurred into action after the recent passing of so many rock icons.
"It's been a shock to see so many musicians dying this year," he said. "A lot of them weren't really that old," he told Rolling Stone. "David Bowie's death came out of the blue, as did Prince's. And I've said it before with [Type O Negative singer] Peter Steele and Dio: If you're a music fan, you think these artists will be here forever, but you should enjoy them while they're here, because you never know what will happen. You've got to enjoy it and let it happen before everybody dies."
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Speaking of their reasons for reuniting, he continued: "I don't think people should question [the reunion] too much," Danzig added. "It may have never happened, but it is going to happen for at least two shows. We'll see how it goes. It may lead to some other work, but who knows how it's going to turn out? I mean, I don't think it's going to be a disaster; I think it's going to be incredible."
Danzig added: "I just want you to be surprised. I think it's better that way, especially in this whole Internet age. I hate that shit."
Jerry only continued: "From the day we started this band, I think we were so far ahead of the game that people couldn't comprehend what we were doing. It's like the artist who died and a hundred years later everybody says how wonderful it is. We're having a second life now."
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Renowned for their chaotic live shows and blending the world of horror, goth and punk, Misfits went go on to become of the most influential rock bands of all time - inspiring the likes of Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Alkaline Trio and countless more. The classic line-up split in 1983 after releasing just two studio albums. The following decades would see a dizzying array of line-up changes, with five more albums released soon.
The full Riot Fest and Rodeo line-up is due to be announced, with the Denver edition taking place from 2-4 September, and the Chicago edition 16-18 September. For tickets and more information, visit here.
