A little backstory is kind of necessary here. I was not an original follower of punk music. I learned of the Misfits from Metallica covering "Last Caress" and "Green Hell" on their 1987 "Garage Days: Re-Revisited $5.98" E.P. But when I did, it was an instant addiction of mine. I had to get everything I could of the Original Misfits and all things Glenn Danzig. Now the Original Misfits had disbanded in 1983. Then reformed without Danzig in 1995. Dr. Chud was from this 1995 line up. Now I was aware of this new formation of the band. And even bought both albums that they had released. I didn't dislike it, but a part of me said "No Danzig,No Misfits". So I kind of just listened to them a few times and then pushed them to the side and forgot about them. But My friends were a little more enthusiastic about the new line up, and had went to Chicago a few times and seen them without me. And then some things happened and that version of the band had split up as well. Which brings us to this point. Dr. Chud with his own album and band out on tour. I love live music and am always up for a fun time so why not.
We get to the armory and I really have no expectations for this show. I didn't know any of his album, and barely new his stuff from the Misfits. None the less, on with the show. I felt a little out of place, most of the audience was made up of young teenagers. I am around 32 at this time. The crowd wasn't very big, but they were full of energy. And the band were even more so. Dressed in bloody medical garb, The band was good! And since the show was at an armory. The good Doctor was dressed in a special "Army of The Dead" costume. I really hadn't been to any shows where costume was a part of the shtick. But all of them looked great. It was Halloween time and it worked. My friends and I stayed off to the side and watched the madness. I loved it. I thought they sounded more Metal than Punk, but it's all Rock n Roll when you boil it down. After the show, I bought the album on CD. and Doctor Chud graciously penned his autograph on the cover. I told him I really enjoyed the show and thought that was it. Little did I know, My friend had other plans.
As The Doctor was signing autographs, the rest of the band and roadie were packing up. My friend Tim was off to the side chatting up the bass player. One Sal Bee. We made our way to their tour bus and he invited us in for a little after party. A little funny cigarette got lit and was beginning to make it around. I passed. Not really my thing. Then Doctor Chud came in. And it was like being busted by dad! "I told you not to do that shit on the bus! It messes with my throat. And I can't have that when we're on tour!" I thought the party was over, but it was not really an argument. More like brothers just bickering. Everything was cool. After the bus had been loaded up, Tim (Always wanting to keep the party going) invited the whole band down to the Corner Pub for a few drinks before they hit the road. And I'll be damned they accepted. so a group of us all walked the three blocks down the street and decided to just take over a corner of the bar. Now this band that some still had some make up on their face and with their thick New Jersey accents, all piled into this little red neck bar. We got some funny looks to say the least but all was good. We just had some drinks and sat around a shot the shit for awhile. Quizzing Dr. Chud about the Misfits. Listening to road stories and just having a fine old time.
It didn't last too long, because the band had a long haul ahead of them to the next gig and had to get going. So we all walked back to the bus. Sal Bee gave us all CDs of his band Sardonica. And we said our goodbyes. I listened to both those CDs I got that night for quite a while after that night. And even gave the Misfits albums that I had once shunned another listen. Giving them a chance to stand on their own without linking them to Danzig. And I'm glad I did. They are great. But the chance to connect with these people on a personal level, face to face is the main thing I will take away from this show. They are some awesome human beings that treat their fans like gold! And they made some lifelong fans that night. It helps that the music is fun too.
I don't have a setlist from this show, but it was primarily made up of Dr. Chuds 2004 release "Diagnosis For Death" Album, The songs that he had a hand in writing in the Misfits, and some from previous bands of his. I also didn't have my camera (Something that haunts me to this day!) so, no pics. But here is an online announcement and a flyer from the show.
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