Article by Cameron Campbell, contributing writer

“They said it would never happen…” but on Sunday, September 4, punk rock legends, The Misfits, took the stage for the first time since 1983 with their original line-up.

The Misfits had played a few shows after the initial in the “90’s,” but not with founding member and main singer/songwriter, Glenn Danzig. When it was announced that Danzig would be fronting the band again, the hype around the incredible reunion skyrocketed the second it was announced.

The Misfits played in Denver for Riot Fest. They also played at the Chicago Riot Fest on Sunday, September 18. When the curtain fell, the crowd erupted and started pushing up to the barricades.

The stage setup was one of a Halloween nightmare, with the 15 foot tall jack-o-lanterns glowing as if they had massive candles in them. They also displayed their iconic band symbol — a skull plastered all over the stage.

The band stayed true to their past and came out in their iconic horror punk outfits. Jerry Only, the bassist, styled his greased up hair into a single point that ran down to his nose. The guitarist, Doyle

Wolfgang VonFrankstien, also put his hair the same way but went on stage with white face paint and no shirt on. Danzig wore his tight leather costume and let his long black hair fall where it wanted.

The punk rockers ended up playing a 25 song set, which is impressive given their age and the pace and energy of their music.

“I wouldn’t have done it unless I thought Glenn was really about it,” the bassist said. “I said, ‘Look, I know every song, so you pick the songs and you pick the set. That way you got the best shot of giving your best show.’”

Danzig’s choices for songs boomed through the crowd and left fans incredibly satisfied and impressed that they could still rock.

The setlist consisted of some of their strongest songs including: “Last Caress, Where Eagles Dare, Hybrid Moments and Die, Die My Darling.”

The band came out swinging with “Death Comes Rippin” and closed with “Last Caress.” Their encore consisted of three songs: “Bullet, She and The Night of the Living Dead.” After watching the videos and reading the reviews of their reunion I wish I could have been there in person. The band is an iconic group that has left an impact on many famous bands such as My Chemical Romance, Foxy Shazam, Blink-182 and even Metallica. With their simple progressions and catchy choruses, it is easy to get into The Misfits.

Anybody who likes rock and punk should give them a listen.  The only downside to listening to The Misfits is the recording quality. Since, they were a part of the late “70’s” early “80’s” punk scene they really didn’t care much about anything. Therefore, the quality of the recordings sounds like they put a tape recorder in the middle of the room and pressed record. But the quality makes no difference in how many times one will listen to the songs and how much any music lover could obsess over this band.

I recently got my hands on a vinyl copy of their album “Static Age” the title says the sound. When I put the needle on the record I instantly felt the power behind the band. The Misfit songs on this album that really stuck out to me were: “Last Caress, Some Kinda Hate, We are 138 and She.” “Static Age” is a great starting point for anybody looking to get into The Misfits. The album holds the, I don’t care attitude along with songs that won’t ever leave your head.

If you do not liking profane language or dark things in your music than maybe this band isn’t for you. Just go listen to “Last Caress,” and you will know almost instantly if this band is for you. I know it is for me.