Glenn Danzig

At 68 years old, Glenn Danzig has this physical status:

Glenn Danzig (born Glenn Allen Anzalone; June 23, 1955) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer from Lodi, New Jersey.

He is the founder of the bands Misfits, Samhain and Danzig.

He owns the Evilive record label as well as Verotik, an adult-oriented comic book publishing company. Beginning in the mid-1970s, Danzig's musical career has encompassed a number of genres through the years, including punk rock, heavy metal, industrial, blues and classical music.

He has also written songs for other musicians, most notably Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison.As a singer, he is noted for his baritone voice and tenor vocal range; his style has been compared to those of Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, and Howlin' Wolf.

Danzig has also cited Bill Medley as a vocal influence.

Early life

Danzig was born Glenn Allen Anzalone, the third of four sons, in Lodi, New Jersey. His father was a television repairman and a United States Marine Corps veteran of World War II and the Korean War. His mother worked at a record store. Danzig and his family also spent some time living in Revere, Massachusetts. Danzig began listening to heavy metal music at an early age, and has described Black Sabbath, the Ramones, Blue Cheer, and The Doors as being among his early musical influences.

At age 10, Danzig began to use drugs and alcohol, leading him into frequent fights and trouble with the law. He stopped using drugs at age 15.

While growing up, Danzig began reading the works of authors including Charles Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe, developing his appreciation for horror. Danzig collected comic books and, frustrated by American comics, he started his own company to produce "crazy, violent, erotic comics".

Danzig graduated from Lodi High School in June 1973, aspiring to become a comic book creator and professional photographer. He attended the Tisch School of the Arts and later the New York Institute of Photography. Danzig formed an adult-oriented comic book company called Verotik in the mid-1990s.

Personal life

In January 1992, Danzig became a student of Jerry Poteet, a martial artist in Jeet Kune Do. Danzig has since earned a teaching degree in the discipline. Danzig has also studied Muay Thai.

Danzig, who is 5 ft 3 in height, also developed an interest in bodybuilding:

Danzig has several distinctive tattoos, all by tattoo artist Rick Spellman, which incorporate artwork based upon his music. These include a Danzig/Samhain skull symbol designed by Michael Golden, a bat with a Misfits Crimson Ghost skull, a wolf's head with the text "Wolfs Blood" (the title of a Misfits song), a skeleton as found on the cover art for the album November-Coming-Fire, and a demon woman as found on the cover art for Unholy Passion. His lower back features the logo for the Devilman manga.

Danzig is a fan of horror movies and Japanese anime/manga, and has expressed his appreciation for the works of filmmaker David Cronenberg and manga artist Go Nagai.

Danzig's favorite composers include Richard Wagner, Sergei Prokofiev, Camille Saint-Saëns, Carl Orff, and film score composer Jerry Goldsmith.

Danzig is an avid reader and owns a large book collection on subjects including the occult, religious history and true murder cases. He commented about the book The Occult Roots of Nazism that "every school kid should have this book", though he later stated that the comment was satirical. Danzig also has a long-standing interest in New World Order related conspiracies: "Not only have I always been interested in the families that run the world forever, that people know now as the Bilderberg Group. But there's an older book called Committee of 300 which tells you all about it. I mean, I got in trouble for this back in the 90s, talking about this kind of stuff – how the United States is based on a Freemason thing, and I got so many government files on me from that one".

Regarding his political views, Danzig has described himself as being "conservative on some issues, and some issues I'm really liberal". He defended former President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban from selected countries, arguing "It's really not a travel ban. When you walk into the country, we want to see who you are and what you're doing." Danzig has voiced his dissatisfaction with the United States' two-party system; stating "the bottom line is that both parties are in agreement about one thing: They don't want a third, a fourth, or a fifth party in there. They want it Democratic and Republican. Both sides are corrupt."

Though sometimes portrayed as a Satanist by the media, Danzig has denied this in several interviews, elaborating that "I embrace both my light and dark side... I definitely believe in a yin and yang, good and evil. My religion is a patchwork of whatever is real to me. If I can draw the strength to get through the day from something, that's religion... I'm not trying to be preachy or tell people what to think." Danzig has voiced his approval of certain aspects of Satanic ideologies, including the quest for knowledge and individual freedom. He has stated that religion does not play a role in how he perceives other bands and musicians.

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Musical career

Glenn Danzig's introduction to performing music began as a child when he began taking piano and clarinet lessons. He learned how to play the guitar later on. Danzig began playing in local garage bands at the age of 11, first as a drum roadie and then playing in local garage bands. He had never taken vocal lessons, but his self-taught vocal prowess earned him acclaim in the local scene. Throughout his teenage years, he performed in several local bands, including Talus and Koo-Dot-N-Jang, the majority of which featured half original songs and half Black Sabbath songs.

Danzig formed the Misfits in the mid-1970s, selling the band's music under his own name (originally named Blank but later identified as Plan 9). Danzig had hoped to get the Misfits to several record labels, only to find out that he will never have a career in music. The band's name derives from Marilyn Monroe's last film, as well as Danzig's admission of being a "social misfit." Danzig disbanded the Misfits in October 1983, after releasing multiple singles and three albums and gaining a small underground following, owing to his growing dislike for the other band members and their insatisfaction with their musical abilities. "It was impossible for me to work with those guys because they weren't able to put in the hours practicing." I wanted to move forward, but they didn't appear to have the same goal. "It was time for me to move forward."

Samhain, the Misfits' new band project, began working on a new band project. Samhain's roots began when Danzig started rehearsing with Eerie Von, formerly of Rosemary's Babies. Danzig influenced the development of the modern Halloween by taking the name of the band from the ancient Celtic New Year. Samhain was initially imagined as a punk rock "super group." Minor Threat and Reagan Youth, who were instrumental in Initium's 1984 debut, were briefly included in the band's Initium. The band then settled on a lineup consisting of Eerie Von on bass, Damien on guitar, and Steve Zing on drums (later replaced by London May). The Unholy Passion EP was released in 1985, shortly followed by the launch of November-Coming-Fire in 1986.

Samhain has since piqued the attention of major brands, including Epic and Elektra. On the advice of then-Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, Rick Rubin, music engineer and chairman of the Def American label, will see the band perform at the 1986 New Music Seminar. "I first met Burton and Metallica frontman James Hetfield at a Black Flag gig and then became real friends." On the road, we'd often bump into each other; James and Cliff were instrumental in spreading the word about me, and I was very grateful to them."

Samhain was signed to Rubin's big name in 1987, after two albums and an EP, and the band's name was changed to Danzig to ensure that the band would keep its name in case of line-up changes. Danzig addressed the reasons behind the name change: "Rick [Rubin] convinced me it was the way to go, and it would also give me a lot more artistic freedom," she said. After all, I was now in charge of what we were doing musically, so if I didn't want to do something, it was a lot simpler to say so."

Danzig's original intention was for each album to feature a different recording company, allowing him to continue working with various artists. Guitar John Christ, bassist Eerie Von, and former Circle Jerks–DOA–Black Flag drummer Chuck Biscuits were among the original band members.

Danzig, who was infatuated with Rubin, was asked to write a poem for Roy Orbison in 1987. The result was "Life Fades Away," which was released in the 1987 film Less than Zero. "You and Me (Less than Zero)" also contributed to the film's soundtrack. Danzig had been asked to write the song for a female singer, but Rubin was unable to locate a suitable singer Danzig, who recorded the vocals himself. The song is dedicated to "Glenn Danzig and the Power Fury Orchestra," which had the same cast members as Danzig's initial lineup, with the exception of Eerie Von. Since Von did not like the way producer Rubin wanted the bass to perform on the track, George Drakoulias replaced him on the bass.

The newly formed Danzig band formed in 1988 and made their eponymous debut. Its appearance changed from Samhain's gothic-deathrock sound to a slower, heavier, more blues-based heavy metal sound.

Danzig II: Lucifuge, the band's sophomore effort, marked a dramatic change in musical direction in 1990. The album's overall bluesier tone and a somewhat more subtle approach were departures from Danzig, which included a 50s-style ballad ("Blood & Tears") and a full acoustic blues ("I'm the One").

The final Samhain album Final Descent was among other items completed in 1990. Several years ago, Samhain Grim began under the name Samhain Grim. The album contained previously unreleased studio recordings, at least some of which were meant for the Samhain Grim album before it was cancelled.

Danzig III: How the Gods Kill, a 1992 film from Danzig, the dark side of musical direction. Several songs will have a more textured, slower sound in between fast and dominant guitar riffs.

Danzig tried his hand at composing classical music with Black Aria in 1992. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard classical music chart.

Danzig's 1993 debut of Thrall-Demonsweatlive, an EP with both studio recordings and live tracks. Danzig came into mainstream in 1995, when the live version of "Mother '93" on MTV became a hit and earned Buzz Bin rotation, six years since the original song was released. During this period, the band reached its commercial peak, with both the debut album and Thrall-Demonsweatlive being gold-certified, and "Mother" becoming the band's highest charting single. Both Danzig and Thrall-Demonsweatlive have since been awarded Platinum.

The band's debut of Danzig 4 in 1994 saw the band shift into a more experimental and dramatic style. The album also showcased his vocal style and range, with songs like "Let It Be Captured" and a more blues based take on songs such as "Going Down to Die" showing how his vocal style and range have expanded.

Danzig wrote "Thirteen" for Johnny Cash in 1994, which appeared on the album American Recordings.

The band underwent complete reform in 1996. Glenn Danzig's association with their record company, American Recordings, had fallen apart, as had Glenn Danzig's association as a producer with each album. Danzig will enter into a court fight with Rubin over unpaid royalties and the right to the band's unreleased songs later this year. Danzig recruited new members, most notably Joey Castillo, who would continue to be the band's drummer until 2002.

He tried a new musical direction and released Blackacidevil, this time mixing heavy metal with industrial rock. Danzig went on to sign a Hollywood Records contract, which culminated in many religious organisations boycotting Disney for committing a "satanic" band. As a result, the brand withdrew support for Blackacidevil was withheld, and the record was terminated.

Danzig signed his band to E-Magine Records in September 1999, making him the first artist to be signed to the label. In addition, the arrangement resulted in the manufacture of a Samhain box set and the re-release of Blackacidevil.

Danzig's subsequent three albums, 6:66 Satan's Child (1999), I Luciferi (2002) and Circle of Snakes (2004), all grew to a more stripped down, heavier gothic metal sound. The Danzig set of records continued to evolve with each album, but Danzig's voice began to change after years of touring.

Satan's Child Danzig reunited Samhain in 1999, as part of the U.S. tour for the album 6:66. drummer Steve Zing and London May are among the three members. Todd Youth of N-Danzig was invited by Glenn Danzig to fill out the guitar position for the Samhain reunion tour, replacing Samhain's original guitarist, Pete "Damien" Marshall, who had cancelled in order to tour with Iggy Pop. Due to personal reasons within the band, Eerie Von was not able to rejoin Samhain. Both Zing and May performed bass, switching from drums to bass in the case of the "Blood Show."

Danzig founded the Blackest of the Black tour in 2003 to provide a platform for young and experimental bands of his choice from around the world. Dimmu Borgir, Superjoint Ritual, Nile, Opeth, Opeth, Lacuna Coil, Behemoth, Skeletonwitch, Mortiis, and Marduk were among the tour's performers. Danzig was knocked unconscious backstage at a concert in Tuba City, Arizona, after being involved in an altercation with Danny Marianino, a member of the local punk band North Side Kings, on July 3, 2004. A video of the incident went viral later this year. According to Marianino, the pair were arguing after Danzig closed the show without giving the North Side Kings and other bands a chance to perform, after Danzig yelled "Fuck you, motherfucker!" "Kick had to retaliate by throwing a punch." Danzig said in a 2012 interview with LA Weekly, "He was trying to get me on camera punching me so he could sue me or some shit." He coldcocked me when everyone was raving about it. What are you going to do?" says the narrator. Marianino wrote Don't Ever Punch a Rockstar: A Collection of Hate Mail And Other Mysterious Rumors about the online mockery he received in the aftermath of the event, which was released in November 2012.

The special guest appearance of Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein highlighted Danzig's tours to promote the Circle of Snakes album and the Black Tour's Black Tour in 2005. Doyle appeared on stage with Danzig for a 20-minute set of classic Misfits songs: "I invited Doyle to join Danzig on stage at 'Blackest of the Black' for a special guest set." This is the first time we will perform together in 20 years. It's the closest thing to a Misfits reunion that anyone is ever going to see."

He unveiled his second solo album, Black Aria II, on October 17, 2006. The album debuted on the Billboard classical music chart, putting it in the top ten on the Billboard classical music charts.

Danzig and former Samhain drummer Steve Zing on bass toured the west coast in November 2006. "All Murder All Fun" was one of Samhain's hits. Doyle performed two Misfits songs, "Skulls" and "Astro Zombies" in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Gorgeous Frankenstein, an ex-Misfits guitarist Doyle's metal-influenced band, released its debut album in 2007.

Danzig's Lost Tracks of Danzig, a collection of previously unreleased songs, was released in July 2007. Glenn Danzig had to add additional vocal and instrument tracks to songs that had not been complete for nine months. The album contained the controversial "White Devil Rise," which was recorded during Danzig 4's reaction to Louis Farrakhan's inflammatory remarks and the use of the term "The White Devil." The song is Danzig's interpretation of what could happen if Farrakhan inspired the passive white race to rise up and begin a war: "No one wants to see a race war." It would be sad, so the song's refraining, "Be careful what you want for." Danzig has denied any allegations of bigotry: "As far as me being an Aryan or a bigote, anyone who knows me knows that's bullshit."

Danzig, Gorgeous Frankenstein, Horrorpops, and Suicide City all toured the western United States in October and November 2007. This "3 Weeks of Halloween" tour was held in aid of his new album, The Lost Tracks of Danzig, as well as the new graphic novel series Countessa of Blood from Verotik, Drukija. Danzig was on the stage in Baltimore on October 23, 2007, but he collapsed, injuring his left arm. He did not appear onstage that night, but he continued the tour and performed classic Misfits tunes with Doyle onstage as an encore with a sling on his left arm after the injury.

Danzig announced in 2008 that he had been on the first duet of his career, with Melissa Auf der Maur. Danzig's album "Father's Grave" features Danzig's experience as a gravedigger, as well as Auf der Maur's 2010 album Out of Our Minds. On der Maur has written extensively about his experience with Danzig's meeting and working with them.

Deth Red Sabaoth, Danzig's ninth album, was announced on June 22, 2010.

Glenn Danzig was asked if he would make another Danzig record after Deth Red Sabaoth's deth Red Sabaoth. "I don't know, we'll see," his reply was: "I don't know, we'll see." With the way record sales are now, I would not do something stupid pro-tool in someone's living room, where all the drum beats are stolen from someone and mashed together...and I wouldn't do that if I don't have a record, and if I can't do it, I wouldn't do it.

Danzig's "Danzig Legacy" tour ran in the second quarter of 2011. The set featured a Danzig set and a Samhain set, as well as a Danzig and Doyle set, and then concluded with Danzig and Doyle performing Misfits songs.

Danzig and Metallica performed "Die, Die My Darling," "Last Caress," and "Green Hell" on the third date of Metallica's 30-year anniversary shows at the Fillmore Theater in San Francisco; he appeared alongside Metallica on stage.

Danzig has said he intends to avoid extensive and extensive touring in the future, rather focusing on his various music, film, and comic book projects: "I don't really want to tour." I'm not doing it for the reason that I'm sick of it. I love being onstage, but I don't like sitting around doing nothing all day. I could be home and working." Danzig has begun work on his third Black Aria album, and a covers album is expected to be released by the end of 2013. Jerry Cantrell and Hank III are among Danzig's upcoming black album. Tommy Victor and Johnny Kelly are currently working on new Danzig stuff.

Danzig filed a lawsuit against Misfits bassist Jerry Only registered trademarks for everything Misfits-related in 2000 behind Danzig's back, misappropriating exclusive rights over the band's legendary "Fiend Skull" logo, in breach of the band's 1994 pact. After registering the trademarks, Danzig claims that only After registering the trademarks, it was only then that he began to work with various vendors and barred him from any potential profits. Danzig's appeal was dismissed by a California federal district judge on August 6, 2014.

During an interview with Loudwire on October 21, 2015, Danzig said that his new tour with Superjoint might be his last.

Danzig, Only, and Frankenstein announced on May 12, 2016 in Chicago and Denver that they would perform as the Misfits for the first time in 33 years in two headlining shows. He later said that he would be "open to doing more shows." At the reunion shows, the reunited Misfits performed more shows and Danzig enforced a "no cellphone" policy. The reunited "Original Misfits" performed at a string of arenas, establishing a legendary punk band with evidence that they are one of the most popular punk bands ever.

Danzig and his bandmates, Danzig, returned to Riot Fest in 2017.

On May 26, 2017, the new Danzig album Black Laden Crown was released.

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