Good goth almighty! Halloween is almost here, and there is no better time to check in with “horror rocker” Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, the former Misfits guitarist and frequent collaborator with the dark prince himself — no, not Satan, Glenn Danzig.
In advance of All Hallows Eve and Mr. Von Frankenstein’s Monday gig at Baltimore’s Ottobar, I checked in with the shirtless guitarist to talk about his favorite Halloween movies, the possibility of a real Misfits reunion and what scares him.
Question: Do you consider what you play to be “horror rock”?
Answer: When I think of “horror punk” bands, I hate that [stuff]. So I don’t think my music is that. Everything is rock ’n’ roll to me.
Q: When did the theatrical elements come into play?
A: From Day 1.
Q: What were the influences that brought the theatrical vision into your music?
A: Watching monster movies as a kid, liking monsters, building monster models. TV shows like “The Munsters,” “Addams Family” and “Twilight Zone.” It intrigued me. The music came from that.
Q: What are you favorite horror movies?
A: I just like the old stuff.
Q: The Hammer films or Universal?
A: Universal. I don’t have a favorite monster though.
Q: Was the guitar your first choice of instrument, and when did you pick up the guitar?
A: It was my first choice, and I guess I first picked it up in eighth grade.
Q: The legend is you were a roadie for your brother Jerry Only’s band The Misfits, and he and Glenn Danzing taught you how to play the guitar and had you join The Misfits. Is that true?
A: That’s the truth. I wanted to play guitar for my eighth grade graduation, so they taught me how to play. I would rehearse with them because their guitarist would never show up. One day their guitar player didn’t show up in the studio and Glenn said to play, and that was it.
Q: Are there any guitarists that you look at and say, “I wish I could play like them”?
A: Everybody! [laughs] The only one I can play like is Johnny Ramone. I would love to be able to play like other great guitarists, but my mind doesn’t work like that.
Q: Why do you tend to tour around Halloween a lot?
A: That’s when everybody tours.
Q: How do you spend the months when you are not touring?
A: Whatever … I want.
Q: Do you remember what Halloween costumes you wore as a kid?
A: Batman and Superman. I was a scarecrow once. The Hunchback [of Notre Dame].
Q: How long does it take to put your makeup on for a show?
A: Too [darn] long. Sometimes it’s two hours — a long time.
Q: Do you do it all yourself, or do you have a makeup girl do it?
A: I have like 10 different girls.
No, I do it!
Q: Does the makeup ever become a burden?
A: Every day. [laughs] I mean, when you’re on the road, while everybody else is laying down, you have to put of the makeup.
Q: The Ottobar gig is part of your “Abominator” tour, but after that you’ll be touring with John 5?
A: That’s right.
Q: Have you ever played with John 5 before?
A: No. Well, once. Once when he played with Marilyn Manson, we opened for them.
Q: What can people expect when they come out to see you live?
A: I dunno. To be entertained. Should be a good show.
Q: Who is in your band these days?
A: Alex Story is my singer and Brandon Pertzborn from Black Flag is the drummer.
Q: For the John 5 tour, any plans to play a tune or two together?
A: I don’t know. We’ll see. I can’t play with him. He’s too good.
Q: Are you still making hot sauce?
A: I am in the hot sauce business. We have been trying to make our new “Abominator” hot sauce but haven’t got that one done yet. We are still going through all the FDA horses***. Getting a distributor. We have our “Made in Hell” hot sauce out now.
Q: What’s an easier business, hot sauce or rock ’n’ roll?
A: Hot sauce. I don’t have to do anything. I taste it, give it to everybody. That’s the only product I guarantee I can sell. The hot sauce is my best product.
Q: The Misfits continue with your brother Jerry Only. Do you guys ever talk?
A: Sometimes.
Q: Did greed ultimately break the band apart?
A: I don’t know. I don’t remember.
Q: You do stuff with Glenn Danzig, so what would it take to get all you guys together for a Misfits reunion?
A: It would take a whole lot of non-bull****, that’s all.
Q: Does anything scare you?
A: What scares me? Bears. And sharks. And my girlfriend.
Q: What about all three at the same time?
A: All at the same time would be horrifying.
Doyle Von Frankenstein plays Ottobar in Baltimore Monday at 7 p.m. alongside The Family Ruin, Hatchet, Dead End Lane, Professional Victim and Terror Inc. Tickets are $18. For tickets or more information visit TheOttobar.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.