Special thanks to musician and Kenosha Horror Host, Dr. Destruction, for sharing this piece.

Misfits with Vampira!

In the 1970’s, under the gleam of late night/black & white monster movies, a new breed of Rock n’ Roll was forming. Perhaps based on founding guitarists like Link Wray or the cool sound of “The Munster’s” theme song, a new generation of rockers who’d reject the “peace & love” Hippie culture began to rise.

Link Wray

Bauhaus

Many were laying down the groundwork for “Punk,” while the fringes of that movement shaped into a sort of “Horror Rock,” later to be known as Goth. The Cramps may have been the first, paving the way for other bands such as Sioux and the Banshees, The Damned, The Misfits, and such “godfathers of Goth” as Bauhaus and later the Lords of the New Church.

The Cramps

Siouxsie Sioux

The Damned

These bands drove this sound on through the mid to end of the 70s. Their artistic presence seems to be forgotten in many annals of the rock history books, though many are now catching up. These bands pay homage to the Horror subculture and are some of rocks most interesting performers. I was lucky to see the The Dammed, Cramps and Lords’ in the the 8os. Some of the best bands in My eyes EVER! They paved the way for the likes of Marylin Manson and Rob Zombie and should be held in high regard by any horror fan!

Dr. Destruction~