THE MISFITS NEVER MISS A BEAT
by Rea Raven
The Rickshaw is packed full of punk rockers and long time fans of the Misfits for a sold out show. Some people remain seated, though those standing get up close and personal for the performance to come. Huge black and white flags depicting the Crimson Ghost skull drape the left and right sides of the stage, while the backdrop reads ‘MISFITS DEAD ALIVE’ partnered with a huge image of frontman Jerry Only’s face sporting his classic devilock. An elaborate set up of horror inspired haunting and halloween themed props are strewed across the stage, including the bones of skeletons dangling from the microphone stands.
Smoke gathers and clouds over the stage as The Misfits appear, with Jerry mirroring the image behind him, shaking his fist at the audience as the band opens with Halloween to get the crowd rocking out immediately. If you’re anywhere near front, middle or rear stage you are going to be feeling the mosh pit that has formed and might even have a crowd surfer land on your head. The band are adorned in all black with their faces made up in a ghoulish theme with sunken eyes. Jerry sporting an elaborate black coat with spikes all over and a crimson ghost skull on the back of it, tight arm bands around his biceps and a skull at the head of his bass.
Fists in the air, Jerry Only asks how many fiends are in the house which creates a torrent of screams. “Let’s Go!” he says and they move in to Fiend Club. Everyone is feeling the energy and loving it. Before most songs, Only has a catchy something to add, either to get the audience in the mood or to respect where they are at for the gig. He smiles, “Let me hear you scream Vancouver!” as they hammer through ‘Scream‘ that is exactly what you can hear fill the hot club.
Many songs are 1-3 minutes in length, allowing the Misfits to get through all their classic tunes and satisfying everyone present, with most of the audience singing along. Jerry reminds us that he formed this band when he was 17 and dedicates ‘Death Comes Ripping‘ to the head bangers. Occasionally beer cans are being thrown at and land on the stage which brings the show to a halt, “Next mother fucker to throw a can, we’re outta here cock sucker, thank you!” His point is made, and not one more can makes its way on stage.
In an animal like manner, Jerry raps his fists on his chest, growls, and reminds us who’s boss by following with ‘Psycho.’ Next up, it’s time to give credit to the current members of the Misfits, and he gives a shout out to Dez, guitarist from Black Flag, Jerry Only Jr, his son also on guitar, who is now in the band, as well as Eric ‘Chupacabra’ Arce on drums. They play a few new songs which are quite well received, but still don’t have that same traditional sing along style that I know and love.
“Do you guys want to go home or do you want more?” The answer is obvious, “After 48 years I’m going deaf.. Do you want more?” Even louder roars come from all around the venue “Good, cause we’re just getting warmed up!” Saturday Night fills the room and we all know the chorus, if not every word. Then with the next song going out to Jerry’s dad as well as Gwar member, Dave Brockie, who both passed away, they rip in to “Descending Angel”
As they jam through another five songs, Jerry tells us that we’ve got to take our streets back, “They’re fucked up here, man, I wouldn’t bring my kids here…well I brought him here, but he’s in the band!” Clearly he’s got a sense of humor, of awareness and is very passionate about what he thinks. He lets us know that he doesn’t take shit from anyone, and thinks that those of us in Vancouver shouldn’t either. These are his words of warning before they close out their tight show.
Musically everything was on point, they gel really well together and have extremely high energy and non stop drive to rock and give their fans the gig they came to see time and time again. They thank us so very much for coming, then Jerry rips the strings off of his bass, throws his gauntlets, a pick gets thrown, even the gum being chewed. A desire to share anything and everything they could it would seem.
They leave stage the stage briefly, only to return, asking if they can do one more. “I think I lost my voice” Jerry says, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to keep rocking with another five songs taking us later in to the evening. Some banter between a drunk crowd member leads to some exchanges of “Fuck You’s” which nothing comes of, and the crowd that doesn’t disperse immediately is fortunate enough to get autographs, photos, and share words with both Jerry Only and Dez, who walked right out and just started talking to people. You can tell that this is one of their most enjoyable times of the show as they both have smiles on their faces and keep engaged with the people who support and appreciate the work they put in to their work and live show, which is hands down one of the most enjoyable performances I’ve seen to date.
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all rights reserved written by Rea Raven, all photos Rea Raven -click for full sized image
