The term “legendary” is often thrown around loosely these days, but the word legendary absolutely applies to the Misfits. The Misfits hit the scene as a DIY punk band. With no massive media campaigns, no videos on MTV rotation, and no radio airplay, they made a name for themselves that has spread worldwide and only gotten more prominent over the years. Amazingly, the Misfits only had two studio albums released in the 80s during their original run. Yet, they have become a band that’s been handed down by word-of-mouth recommendations through several generations. Flash forward to June 24th, 2023, more than 40 years after their debut album was released and The original Misfits, Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (along with former Slayer drummer, Dave Lombardo and Dope/Murderdolls’ Acey Slade on rhythm guitar) hit the stage to what appeared to be a sold-out show at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa.
The band started the show with “Death Comes Ripping” and the crowd quickly reached a frenzied pitch.
The stage show was quite impressive with multiple screens on each side of the stage showcasing cool visuals that matched each song they were performing.
I know from my own perspective, this reunion of Danzig and Jerry Only was one that I honestly thought I would never get a chance to see. After more than 30 years of feuding over different aspects of the band’s business, the reunited band put on one of the best live performances I have ever seen.
Especially, when you consider the fact that the ages of these guys all fall between 58 and 68 years old (you would never know it from this performance)!
Vocalist Glenn Danzig prowled the stage like a predatory animal as the band went through what could only be called a greatest hits collection of songs that went on for around an hour and 1/2.
After starting out in small clubs in the New Jersey, New York area, it was great to see these guys bring the horror show to such a large audience who were on their feet throughout the entire concert. The Misfits are currently doing only 2 other U.S. Dates in the U.S. and I would urge anyone to buy a ticket, take a road trip, or whatever you have to do, but go see this legendary band giving it their all on stage!
Check out this list of songs from their setlist:
Death Comes Ripping
I Turned Into a Martian
Vampira
Where Eagles Dare
Mommy, Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight?
London Dungeon
Hybrid Moments
Violent World
Some Kinda Hate
Hollywood Babylon
Who Killed Marilyn
Earth A.D.
Green Hell
20 Eyes
Devil’s Whorehouse
Halloween
Horror Business
Bullet
Astro Zombies
Teenagers From Mars
Children in Heat
Skulls
Night of the Living Dead
Last Caress
Encore:
We Are 138
Die, Die My Darling
Worth noting, the show was opened by longtime punk band, Fear who did a 30-minute set, followed up by Megadeth. A one-of-a-kind moment happened when Dave Mustaine brought Fear’s Lee Ving out on stage with Megadeth to perform “Nothing Is Something” from their collaboration album MD.45 released back in 1996.
