Danzig and the secret soundsof rock

Tue 15th Aug, 2006 in Features

The man himself Glen Danzig is on his way too Australian shores. Lead singer and legend from Misfits, Samhain and now the self titled outfit Danzig. It will be a gig that any true fan of great, solid, heavy and macabre music should not miss.

Danzig comes to us fresh from America, with new guitarist Joey Fraulb and ex Type-O-Negative drummer John Kelly. Danzig explains, “That fans can expect to have a great time, It will be a loud, crazy show that will leave the audience with an experience” that they won’t forget.

Glen goes on to reveal “that audiences can expect to be treated to tracks from Danzig I, right through to the Circle of Snakes the latest edition in the huge Danzig repertoire. If that isn’t enough to send you running to get your ticket, Special guest Doyle Wolf Gang Von Frankenstein will be joining Danzig two thirds into the set.

Glen informs me “We haven’t played together now for twenty years”, so Australian audiences know that they will be in for a rare treat on the upcoming tour.

Glen’s music is inspired by strong emotions such as “frustration and anger.” Free verse poetry and traditional rhyme also being a big influence in Glen Danzig’s writing style. In fact he dedicated his first Misfits album to one of the early century rhyme poets.

Danzig admits that he loves being on stage and “I love to leave the audience feeling that they have had an experience, Not just a concert but an experience.” He went on to explain. “I want the audience to go crazy and really feel the music.”

When asked if he was bringing a guitar on this tour, Danzig replied, “I played guitar with Samhain.” Danzig went on to explain “I hated the limitations that it placed upon my performance on stage.” He went on to say “That when playing with a guitar on stage, I can’t go crazy as a singer.” He admits, “I hate bands that don’t have a singer that goes crazy.”

When asked what technology he uses on stage to create such an awesome presence Danzig explained he chooses “Electric Voice microphones.” When recording for his album he uses more than one mike he elaborated, but that was all the great man was about to give away when asked about his methods of recording.

Danzig pointed out “it’s a secret.” Danzig’s individual style of layering is something that will remain Danzig’s individual style of layering. He used artwork by ‘Dorian Cleavage’ for the hypnotic cover on the newest edition Circle Of Snakes. Recorded at Danzig’s favourite place to record – Paramount in Hollywood.

Danzig has just finished the video clip for ‘Crawling Across The Killing Floor’ a track from Danzig 6 that never got released. Danzig has filmed every tour since Danzig 5- Black Acid Devil that he has played at. Including the first ever Ozz fest, when Danzig was support act under Ozzy Osborne. He will probably be releasing a live compilation DVD with his footage in the near future, something to look forward too.

When asked how it was working with Peter Lorimer (a legend in his own right that has worked with the likes of David Bowie) Danzig admitted, “It was great.” Glen added “I really enjoys collaborating with Lorimer in many projects.”

Danzig also writes his own comic books, he says his “inspiration for his comics come from stories” and notes that “it is definitely a labour of love and not a vocation to enter if your planning on making money.”

I asked him about the recent San Diago comic festival. Danzig commented “When I first started my comic company the show would be about 20 thousand people and now, like all things American it upsized. It takes almost a whole day to get from one side of the stores to the other.” Danzig adds laughing, “It is almost the size of a small village. I much preferred it when it was smaller and everyone new everybody.”

Glen Danzig also recently delved into the world of figurines with the edition of the three faces of Danzig Figurines. With the coolest looking little Glen in full Misfit get-up, skull gloves and fringed, Samhain covered in blood and the most recent bare chest, cross laden skin tight black jeaned Danzig. Collect all three if you dare.

Glen Danzig is looking forward to his Australian tour. Having not been here since 1993 another visit was long over due, as he has a huge loyal fan base in this country.

If you were thinking of treating the man to a bevie pos gig, Ice T is what you would be ordering. I couldn’t help but wonder to my self if he meant the Long Island variety.

November 21st Danzig will release The Lost Tracks Of Danzig but for now you can check out Circle Of Snakes in all good record stores.

Danzig Tour Dates;
September 8 – The Palace Melbourne
September 9 – The Arena  Brisbane
September 10 – Luna Park  Sydney