10/23: The Misfits at Peabody’s

The Misfits’ skull logo appears on everything from shoes to jewelry these days. How exactly did a punk band achieve this level of brand saturation? Thirty or so years ago, the originators of horror-punk offered something freshly packaged but perpetually in fashion: pure escapism. And they’re quite good at it. Former frontman Glenn Danzig is long gone, and it’s unlikely the band will ever surpass “Mommy Can I Go Out & Kill Tonight?” But they’ve survived internal lawsuits and continued performing (often in costumes that are more suited to comic-book characters than rock stars). Singer-bassist Jerry Only is the only original member left. Drummer Robo did some time in the band in early ’80s; guitarist Dez Cadena (like Robo, a Black Flag alum) has been with the group for eight years. The Misfits are still working their 30th anniversary tour, which comes to Peabody’s (2045 E. 21st St., 216.776.9999) at 8 p.m. Cult of the Psychic Fetus and Hostile Omish open. Tickets: $20 advance, $23 day of show. — Nick DeMarino

This article appears in Oct 14-20, 2009.