The Original Misfits Deliver High-Energy 20-Song Performance at Coachella
The Original Misfits Rip Through 20-Song Set at Coachella
Indio, CA — Saturday night’s Coachella lineup featured a wild infusion of horror-punk energy as the Original Misfits took the stage and turned the desert into a raucous celebration of all things dark and deliciously twisted. The iconic collective, comprised of legendary frontman Glenn Danzig and founding members Jerry Only and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, unleashed a freight train of nostalgia, ripping through a blistering 20-song set list that had the entire crowd thrumming with primal excitement.
Opening with the thunderous “Death Comes Ripping,” the initial moments were almost interrupted by some usual festival gremlins: technical issues briefly halted the momentum. Yet, true to their hardcore ethos, the Misfits powered through, quickly finding their groove and illuminating the night with the kind of theatricality and raw energy that made them icons in the first place.
With a staging that was equal parts creepy and captivating, Danzig was in his element—commanding the rhythm of the crowd with every wicked wail. His charismatic charm was evident as he prodded the audience with questions, notably asking if there were any “goth girls” in attendance before seamlessly transitioning into “Vampira," an ode to the “original goth girl.” The crowd erupted, delving into the unholy spirit of the song as Danzig’s raspy voice sent shivers down spines.
From there, the pit became a swirling mass of bodies, as classic tracks “Where Eagles Dare,” “Mommy, Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight?,” and “Earth A.D.” transformed the air into a tempest of energy and passion. Their ability to whip even the most reserved of festival-goers into a frenzy is a testament to their legacy—decades after their heyday, the Misfits still know how to invoke pure, chaotic joy.
Before segueing into the manic “Horror Business,” Danzig made a point to introduce the powerful ensemble behind him: the rock-solid Jerry Only on bass, with Swiss-army knife Acey Slade and guitar heavyweight Doyle energizing the sound, tethered by the unmatched pulse of Dave Lombardo on drums. The chemistry among these veterans was palpable, reeling the audience into their hellish world with every blistering power chord.
No Misfits performance would be complete without a rapacious singalong, and they delivered that in spades. The high point of the set was certainly “Last Caress,” as the crowd passionately sang along to every demented word—a collective catharsis echoed back to Danzig, who soaked in the moment. Even amidst the dark themes of their lyrics, the communal spirit was alive and well, negating any notion of gloominess in favor of celebration.
As the night dwindled, chants for “one more song” erupted, prompting the Misfits to return for a feverish encore of “20 Eyes,” leaving fans in a state of euphoria, desire, and horror-rock bliss.
While the Misfits are set to return for Coachella’s second weekend, the band’s future shows remain a mystery. Since their reunion in 2016, their sporadic performances have kept fans eagerly anticipating their next descent into darkness. For now, the rapture of the night lingers on—an electric reminder of punk’s unyielding spirit and the mastery of a band that refuses to fade into the shadows.
As the dust settles in Indio, one thing is certain: the Original Misfits proved once again that their legacy is more alive than ever, turning Coachella 2025 into a hellish paradise for horror-punk aficionados.
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