Original Misfits Announce Dave Lombardo of Slayer as Live Drummer At Riot Fest Appearances

(Photo Credit: Marv Watson)

One of rock music’s most influential bands will take the stage with a legendary addition to their lineup when Misfits are joined by Slayer’s Dave Lombardo for their pair of appearances at Riot Fest. The first show will take place at Riot Fest and Rodeo in Denver on October 4 while the second will occur further east at Chicago’s Riot Fest and Carnival on September 16. Lombardo will be joined by original Misfits members Glenn Danzig (vocals) and Jerry Only (bass) and long-time member Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein on guitar.

While overshadowed by the massive reunion of Guns ‘N Roses, the original members of Misfits getting together after 30 years to kick out the horror-punk jams is one of 2016’s biggest stories. It has been decades since Only and Danzig performed together, a split that dates all the way back to 1983.

A legendary heavy music performer in his own right, Lombardo had this to say in a press release about the two festival appearances:

“The Misfits created the horror punk attitude and had a massive influence on modern rock, punk and metal.  It was an easy decision for me to join them for these monumental shows.”

He elaborated that he was honored to even be asked by the legendary punk ensemble to join the “original” lineup and that judging by early rehearsal sessions, Misfits fans should be excited.

The feeling is mutual, as Glenn Danzig discussed his first meeting with Lombardo when Misfits opened for Slayer before the former band’s debut was released. He called Lombardo one of the best drummers around. Lombardo fills in for Misfits’ true “original” drummer, Manny Martinez.

While Misfits have been touring in a Danzig-less form for around two decades, Lombardo has stayed busy with the intact core of his main gig, Slayer. The band recently released their 12th studio album in 2015, the solid Repentless.

Only and Danzig have had some beef over the years, including lawsuits involving the rights to Misfits merchandise. Eventually, judge ruled that Danzig had no right to any Misfits merch revenues. Thank the rock gods that the two musicians were able to bury the hatchet long enough to bring on this dream lineup performing classic Misfits tunes.