The Original Misfits Bid Final Farewell at Madison Square Garden

This past weekend marked another unavoidable end to the Misfits. After breaking up the original band back in 1983, the Misfits’ initial lineup wouldn’t be slated to return for another 33 years. However, that reunion would be one to remember as founding members Glenn Danzig (keyboards & vocals), Jerry Only (bass) and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein performed together for the first time in over three decades at Riot Fest 2016.

But what was originally taken as a potential comeback, was soon shot down by Danzig who revealed that there would be a limited number of performances — and he was right. Including the final show at Madison Square Garden, the original Misfits only performed twelve concerts in over three years.

What would later be revealed as an obligation in a legal settlement over Danzig’s rights to trademark and profits, turned into a reunion no one had expected — and it was unbelievable.

Despite the mandatory nature of the shows, the original Misfits put on twelve never-ending shows that would have only been possible in one’s fantasy prior to 2016. And while the MSG show on October 19 would be the final bow for the original Misfits, it was the perfect finale to an already dream-like occurrence.

Throughout the mini tour, the original Misfits altered their setlist from show-to-show, ensuring numerous surprises for fans in every city visited. At MSG, it was no different. See the full setlist here!

Misfits Setlist @ Madison Square Garden 10/19/19

Taking advantage of their horror punk inspiration, the production itself was grand enough to become a show in and of itself. From endless laser light performances and a multi-tiered stage to human-sized jack o'lantern props and their signature costume-inspired wardrobe, the spectacle elements of the show perfectly complemented the music.

Speaking of music, the band stuck to a setlist grounded in their roots, pulling from their first few albums Walk Among Us (1982), Earth A.D. (1983) and 3 Hits From Hell (1981) on which Danzig provided his vocals. Constructing the main set from these few albums were “Death Comes Ripping,” “I Turned Into a Martian,” “20 Eyes,” “Vampira,” “Mommy, Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight?,” “London Dungeon,” “Earth A.D.,” “Green Hell,” “Devilock,” “All Hell Breaks Loose,” “Astro Zombies,” “Violent World” and “Skulls.”

The Misfits Perform "I Turned Into a Martian" Live @ MSG 2019

In total, those classic hits made up about half of the setlist, giving the New York audience just enough Danzig nostalgia to truly mark the show as a reunion.

In addition to those undeniable hits, the original Misfits also included tracks from later records that didn’t feature Danzig like Static Age including songs like “Hybrid Moments,” “Teenagers from Mars,” “Hollywood Babylon” and “Last Caress” to end off the main set.

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The Misfits Perform "Last Caress" Live @ MSG 2019

Fortunately, that wouldn’t be the final time the Madison Square Audience would see their favorite band as the original Misfits returned to stage for a four-song encore.

The encore was split into two parts — songs recorded with the original band and songs after Danzig’s departure. Part one consisted of two hits off of Walk Among Us and Earth A.D. including “Die, Die My Darling” and “Night of the Living Dead,” while part two ended with two songs off of Static Age including “Bullet” and their most-played song live “We Are 138.”

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The Misfits Perform "We Are 138" Live @ MSG 2019

Following a final bow, Only smashed his guitar and threw the body and neck out into the crowd before returning to stage for one last moment as an original Misfit. Taking apart his wardrobe and offering it up to the audience once again, Only bid MSG a final farewell. It was seemingly the most Misfit ending to an unimaginable tour and temporary reunion.

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Last updated: 25 Apr 2024, 15:49 Etc/UTC