Danzig - Boston, MA

By: Travis Farrenkopf

Tuesday December 13, 2005

A Misfits reunion? What? Boston was lucky enough to be one of three cities where the godfather of metal, Glenn Danzig and former bandmate Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein would perform on stage for the first time in 20 years (and probably the last) - but don't be fooled; it was hardly a Misfits reunion. The night kicked off later then expected with doors opening around 7:15pm when doors were expected to open at 6pm, leaving many lined up outside the 1,500 capacity venue patiently awaiting the night's performance.

Finally, after three different opening acts came and left, Danzig took to the stage opening with "Skin Carver." During which, an onslaught of people made their way from the bar to the barricade protecting the metal god from the throngs of moshers. Danzig's live performance proved that he's indeed getting older and is lacking the stage presence he once had. In interviews he's stated that this will also be the last Danzig tour for a long time and that there's a good chance he might not tour ever again, which could very well be for the better.

It was evident that Danzig was struggling to keep up with his reputation, as his voice began to fall out of key in various parts of songs, though no one in attendance seemed to notice or care - nor did they care that his stage presence was weak. It seems his history was enough to keep everyone banging their heads and cheering. After a few tracks, Doyle, Danzig's bandmate from the Misfits, came out to show his chops.

Doyle, shirtless and covered in white face paint ran on stage chewing bubble gum. The audience cheered as he blew a bubble and started swinging an axe just like he used to do twenty years ago. Sadly, the pair only played two Misfit songs, "Mommy Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight" and "Die, Die My Darling." It was great seeing the duo at it again, but if they're going to bill a three city tour as a Misfits Reunion then they could at least play more then two songs. Doyle seemed well-rested and much more prepared for the reunion as he worked the crowd with his own brand of stage antics and musicianship.

A quick glance at the setlist onstage showed three songs crossed out which can presumably be due to the late start. Its unfortunate that Boston missed out on three songs, but overall the show was a triumph, mostly thanks to the long-awaited appearance of Doyle. Danzig and Doyle ended the night with "Twist of Cain" and "Mother" which left the audience screaming for an encore; which never occured. If Danzig does choose to tour again, hopefully he'll show a little more vitality onstage and be better prepared vocally. Although, anyone who hasn't seen Danzig live should take any opportunity they have to see the godfather of metal perform.