Retrospective and Interview with the Monster Man, Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein

By: Lucy Hall

Doyle  Promotional Photo

     In the iniquitous music business, where today’s hottest act is tomorrows' one-hit wonder, the name Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein has become something of a legend. While artists such as Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Kiss were wearing make-up earlier than he; Doyle’s stage persona continued the tradition of theatrics not often seen in rock, which had been reserved for a very elite club of legends. Thus, Doyle seemed most likely to be the heir to the shock rock throne. The Monster-Man gained an infamous reputation and set a new standard for shock rock when he took the Misfits’ concept and amped it up. He incorporated The Misfits’ makeup and Dracula/Elvis pompadour fusion hairstyle, known as the Devilock and varied the look to a degree which made it his own trademark.   

    Doyle has created a persona that is not only musically exciting but visually enticing as well; which captured the morbid imaginations of punk and metal fans alike. His conceptual look along with his intimidating height and muscular physique depicts a character who could have easily stepped forth from the pages of a comic or pulp paperback. There is perhaps no other guitarist in rock music, who garners such a reaction. As a result, Doyle is widely acknowledged as the face of horror rock.    

Doyle Promotional Photo

      Although his image alone would have been enough to have placed him in the spotlight, Doyle also incidentally happens to be a versatile talented songwriter, who has crafted memorable hooks, and riffs earning him more notoriety. It is a rare occasion that a guitarist becomes the prominent face of a rock act; however, Doyle has maintained this position throughout his career as a member of several groups. He started his professional music career in 1980 at age sixteen, when he went from being a roadie for his brother, Jerry Only’s band The Misfits; to sharing a stage with him and Glen Danzig. Both Jerry and Glen are credited for teaching Doyle to play guitar. Having had such renowned instructors should tell you that he definitely knows his way up and down a fretboard.    

     As a member of the horror punk act, The Misfits, Doyle and his bandmates pushed the boundaries and went beyond the hyped up, four chord, manic tempos of the punk scene. While most bands promoted the punk rebellion of youth, the Misfits emphasized the eerie horrific side of life. Combining dark lyrics, haunting melodies, and catchy choruses earned the band an underground following. For anyone who owns a Misfits record, you know that the artwork, ghoulish lyrics, overall image and heavy tuned down music combines to invoke an atmosphere of the stark and gloomy. All are identifiable elements of a horror rock band, which made the band grow from an underground following to a worldwide national fan base, which like the Kiss Army, earned Misfits fans the title of “Misfits Fiends”.  

     In 83' The Misfits disbanded, and Doyle went on to play in another band with his brother, Kryst – The Conqueror. The band’s sound had more of a metal edge rather than punk. They were together from 1987-1989.        

     In 95' The Misfits minus Glen reformed. The band released two albums of new material until early 2000. Doyle left The Misfits to pursue other projects, which included forming the band, Gorgeous Frankenstein. At this time he ended up touring the band with Danzig. Doyle has since accompanied Danzig on stage on numerous occasions for sold out shows. He has also had several blood-soaked punk reunions with The Misfits to perform select shows. In 2016, Glenn, Jerry, and Doyle performed for the first time as the original Misfits in thirty-three years. 

 Misfits Promotional Photo 

     Currently, Doyle continues to tour with his self-titled band. The Doyle band released their debut album, Abominator in 2013. The band’s sound is much heavier and more in the vein of metal than his previous works, consisting of both doom, and thrash metal elements. 

     Doyle’s signature guitar style is instantly recognizable due in part to his heavy downstrokes and aggressive power chords; and the unique sound of his Annihilator guitar. Doyle, who is a machinist knows his way around a metal shop and has used these skills throughout his musical career. He crafted his own custom-made "Annihilator" guitar. In addition, he has his own custom cabinets, pickups, signature strings, and specialized heads. In the 2000s, Doyle collaborated with Oktober Guitars to recreate the "Annihilator". He has also been endorsed by several high-quality instrument companies such as Dean Markley, Dunlop, Coffin Case and Ernie Ball.

Alex Wolfman Story and Doyle Promotional Photo

      Like Kiss, The Misfits’ have a vast line of merchandise. Which includes various action figures; including figures of their mascot, the Fiend. Only a few rock stars can say they have been immortalized in an action figure. In 1999, 21st Century Toys marketed the 12’’ action figure of Doyle. In 2014, he was featured in Alan Roberts' from Life of Agony, graphic novel series Killogy. Doyle has also starred in several films and television appearances; which includes appearances in horror films and professional wrestling.

Abominator, Album Cover

I recently caught up with Doyle who is currently on tour promoting his latest album for an interview:

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your musical inspiration? Do you write from personal experiences?

Doyle: My musical inspiration, which got me started in music, was my mom. She was a 50’s kid and had all the 45s from all the rock ‘n’ roll stars. My brother and I started listening to them as young children and just got into music that way. Then we started buying our own albums like David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Zeppelin…blah blah blah, the rest is history. So, basically, my mom did all this. I only write and arrange the music for Doyle...Alex Wolfgang Story (from Cancerslug) Doyle Vocalist, is the lyricist and vocal melody writer. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there a facet of the music business that you prefer? Recording, touring, or writing?

Doyle: I prefer writing because you get to create something from nothing and when you and your co-writers really like it and think it’s great…It’s a fucking great feeling. Then, I like touring...I despise recording. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: The Misfits are totally hardcore punk rock. However, your self-titled band, Doyle appears more metal. Songs like, “Run for Your Life” for example sounds more like speed metal. How would you describe your own musical style? Do you think it properly fits into the spectrum of heavy metal or punk music?

Doyle: I don’t think DOYLE actually sounds like anyone…we have our own sound…we call it monster metal.  I’m more of a metal head than a punk. I just don’t have the skills of a metal guitar player…and that’s what makes me punk…but I prefer to listen to metal. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your favorite song to perform live?

Doyle: The last one every night…because then my workday is over…😊

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have been in two bands with your brother, The Misfits and Kryst The Conqueror. I can hardly tolerate being in the same room with my siblings for more than fifteen minutes. I have the motto, love them from afar. What was it like working musically with a family member? How did you manage to keep the sibling rivalry at bay for the sake of the bands?

Doyle: Well…we don’t actually write together. I like to write alone and then give the musical compositions to my singer to write the vocals and vocal melodies. I only play with him in the original MiSFiTS…songs that neither he nor I wrote…so basically it’s just another day at the office and we are both just performing…but I hear you…my brother is completely insane.

HEAVY MAKEUP: If you had to pick one band, song, album, video, or concert what would you be most proud of?

Doyle: I most proud of the fact that the first arena headlining gig that I was ever a part of was ever a part of was with Original Misfits…at the Los Angeles Forum sold out in under a minute…that’s pretty sick.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have been a rock hero to several generations of fans and fiends. Who is your musical hero and what is the attraction? Have you met that person? If so, what's the best advice this person has given you?

Doyle: Alissa White-Gluz…the attraction is her insane talent, her superhero stage presence and BEAST like performances…100,000% every second of the show… and her songwriting ability of course. Her best advice wasn’t advice at all…It was an example…getting to watch her from side stage every night on a tour…watching her prepare for the show… seeing her get her game face on and never taking it off… she really is the QUEEN BEAST OF METAL.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What are you listening to now? Are you influenced at all by what is going on in music today?

Doyle: Right this second Led Zeppelin just came on my shuffle...as I read the question. Influences today for me are Arch Enemy, Slipknot, and Lamb of God. There aren't many new bands that I've heard of that do anything for me. Of course, the old classics of Black Sabbath and Pantera Etc…are always influential. But I don’t listen to a song and say I’m going to write a song like that…I just pick up the guitar and let my left hand do whatever it’s going to do comfortably without thinking about it…that’s how I write riffs.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You started playing music at a very young age. Do your children get into music? Do they play any instruments? What advice would you give a young musician?

Doyle: My children do not play music, unfortunately...I did not push it on them. I wish I would've pushed drums on my oldest son because he could've been in my band now and that was a mistake. My advice to a young musician is...don't sit in your room learning G clefs and arpeggios and all that horseshit...study and learn how to write and arrange great songs, get a great singer...and learn how to be a great performer...and fucking work out...because this is a fucking seriously a physical job...it'snot about partying...my partying is a bowl of oatmeal after the show before I go to bed. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: A lot of guitarists have custom guitars. However, you literally physically built your own, "Annihilator" by hand using a design built upon as your dream guitar from a childhood drawing. Do you have to maintain those muscles in order to hold up that extremely heavy guitar? Do you credit the design for your unique sound?

Doyle: Yes, my guitars are pretty heavy in every sense of the word. I don't credit this design for my unique sound. The uniqueness of anyone's sound actually comes out of their fingers. If you gave me Eddie Van Halen's guitar with his rig...I would sound like me if I gave him my guitar with my rig he would sound like him. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your "Devilock" hairstyle is one of your iconic trademarks. Yours differs from your brother's Devilock because the top is formed into a sort of fohawk or pompadour. Was that intentional or did it just turn out that way initially and you decided to keep the style?

Doyle: I was trying to make my hair look like the werewolf of London...and that's what I came up with...

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your fans span many generations and you have a loyal cult following, how do you feel about that? How do you think your fan base has evolved or changed throughout the years, do you feel that their energy and enthusiasm remains the same at shows?

Doyle: Our demographics for The Misfits are pretty much age five to sixty-five. Our fans are pretty diehard and are very enthusiastic about collecting merch...whatever you put out, they have to have it...they are very enthusiastic at the shows. The ORIGINAL MISFITS shows we do, you can see how happy these people are, the look on their faces...they're just not at a show going off...they're so fucking happy and they can't believe what they are looking at...it's a feeling...and I thank each and every one of them.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are a very imitating 6’ 3” with bulging hulk muscles, and you are full of badass attitude. Yet in an interview, you publicly admitted that you cried when your rock goddess girlfriend became the lead singer of Arch Enemy. Are you secretly a sensitive guy behind that horror rock persona, or was this an isolated incident?

Doyle: Well, that was taken out of context of course…because we’ve been keeping that secret for over a year without telling anyone…and when it was finally announced, she did all her social media and then she came and on my lap, put her arms around me and we just cried of relief and happiness…very proud of her…she’s one of the best musicians ever…hands-down…!!

HEAVY MAKEUP: You appeared on a cooking show, do you enjoy cooking? Do you ever cook for your girlfriend? What is your signature vegan dish?

Doyle: I enjoy cooking with Alissa. I’ve cooked a couple things for her, not much, maybe one thing…I don’t know…but she’s the better cook. I'm more of the prep guy and the cleanup guy hahahahaha...

HEAVY MAKEUP: Concerning your talent and looks, we are all aware that you have a large female fan base. What has been the craziest thing a female fan has done to get your attention? Other, then at the Scarefest convention when I peeped through a vendor's rack of horror t-shirts next to your booth to admire your derriere and told you through the shirts you had buns of steel.

Doyle: 😮WHAAAAT?!!! The only female I remember getting my attention was Alissa WG... she stalked me like a panther when her band opened for a Danzig/Doyle tour 2013...she got me…Thank SATAN!!! 💀💀💀

HEAVY MAKEUP: I was hoping you'd say something campy and outrageous such as you got some onstage marriage proposals, had a fan that hung on a window ledge twenty feet high just to get to meet you or that you had received a fan letter written in menstruation blood. Yet, hearing that you were the prey of a badass female rock star and that she has tamed you is actually more satisfying and makes for a sweeter story.

You appear to have a lot of respect and love for animals. Do you have any pets?

Doyle: Personally no...but I share a cat with Alissa that is just so beautiful. All my family has animals...so they're all over the place.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Concerning your workout routine, how often do you work out? Do you have to do a lot of butt clenches and squats in order to maintain those buns of steel?

Doyle: I work out every day a different body part… I’m sponsored by POWER BLOCK dumbbells, we bring those on the road with us, the last thing loaded on the bus and the first thing unloaded. They supply the bench, the weights, and the stand. I do it every day…consistency… I do zero butt exercise.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You named your daughter Boriss Von Frankenstein in honor of Boris Karloff. You have referred to your sons as the sons of Frankenstein. You are obviously a Frankenstein fan. Does this mean you are a Universal Monsters fan? I am a big fan of the hyper-stylized Hammer House of Horror. What is your favorite horror studio? What is your favorite horror movie? What aspects of these attract you?

Doyle: Yes, I like Universal monster movies…I like “monster” movies…I don’t like slasher films…that’s not scary to me…I like to use the imagination while I’m watching a movie.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Did you enjoy appearing on WCW with Vampiro? Any Highlights to share? Do you still watch wrestling? Do you still follow it? What do you think about Vampiro commentating on Lucha Underground?

Doyle: Not a wrestling fan…

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had any funny mishaps or Spinal Tap type moments?

Doyle: Every day…

HEAVY MAKEUP: What can fans expect from the new album and current tour?

Doyle: To be brutalized…

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are an iconic rock star that has been immortalized through your music, image, comics and even an action figure. You have your own label, and you have even created your own brand of hot sauce. So what’s next? Any upcoming projects?

Doyle: Of course...TOP SECRET! Other than some upcoming releases on Monsterman Records/EMP Label Group. First, we have Dead Girls Corp. from Los Angeles coming out this fall and Element a440 is still working on their recording and are looking for a spring 2019 release.

Author, Lucy Hall with Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein

    Doyle is a multi-dimensional performer who continues to keep busy working on various projects of his own. He has established his own record label, Monsterman Records. He is celebrated for promoting healthy living. He is anti-drug, alcohol and tobacco. He is a vegan and maintains a regular exercise routine. He continues to perform around the world in his band, Doyle and consistently churn out strong material that has earned him a loyal fan legion and the respect of many peers internationally. Doyle is currently out on the road promoting his latest album, As We Die. The album consists of a perfect pairing of metal and punk with catchy choruses, melodic horror-themed songs, and ominous riffs.

As We Die, Album Cover

The Current Doyle Lineup:

Alex Story: Vocals
Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein: Guitar
Brandon “The Crusher” Pertzborn: Drums
Izzy Strate: Bass

Discography:

Misfits:

• Walk Among Us (1982)
• Evilive (1982) – Live album
• Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood (1983)
• American Psycho (1997)
• Evillive II (1998) – Live album
• Famous Monsters (1999)

Kryst The Conqueror:

• Deliver Us From Evil (1989)

Gorgeous Frankenstein:

Gorgeous Frankenstein (2007)

Doyle:

• Abominator (July 2013) – Album 
• Doyle II: As We Die (June 2017)

AS WE DIE World Abomination Tour 2018

UK/European Tour Dates:

08/07 Ruhtpott Rodeo Festival/Hunxe (D)
07/03 Brighton, UK
07/04 Bournemouth, UK
07/06 Ruhrpott Rodeo 2018 Festival Bottrop, Germany
07/08 Amplified Open Air Festival 2018 Eastington UK
07/09 Leeds, Uk
07/10 Worcester UK
07/11 Edinburgh UK
07/12 Liverpool UK
07/13 Belfast, UK
07/14 Dublin, Ireland
07/15 Cardiff, UK
07/16 Stoke, UK
07/17 Truro, UK
07/18 Gravesend, UK
07/19 Karlsruhe, Germany
07/20 Osnabrück, Germany
07/21 Free & Easy Festival 2018 @Werkw/ TURBOBIER Munich, Germany
07/22 Rome, Italy
07/23 Milano, Italy
07/24 Torino, Italy
07/26 Barcelona, Spain
07/27 Hameenlinna, Finland
07/31 Dusseldorf, Germany
08/01 Dresden, Germany
08/02 Wien, Austria
08/04 Budapest, Hungary
08/05 Rockstadt Extreme Festival w/ In Flames, Wasp,...Bran, Romania
08/08 Berlin, Germany
08/09 Cham, Germany
08/10 Ieper Hardcore Fest Ieper, Belgium
08/11 Coesfeld, German

USA DATES:

10/09 Hartford, CT
10/10 Reading, PA
10/12 Poughkeepsie, NY
10/13 Rochester, NY
10/16 Lexington, KY with Sinful Lilly
10/18 Winter Park, FL
10/19 West Palm Beach, FL
10/20 Tampa, FL
10/21 Jacksonville, FL
10/22 Jefferson, LA
10/23 San Antonio, TX
10/24 Austin, TX
10/25 Houston, TX
10/26 Dallas, TX
10/27 Oklahoma City, OK
10/29 Minneapolis, MN
10/30 Milwaukee, WI
10/31 Joliet, IL
11/01 Ashwaubenon, WI
11/02 Lisle, IL
11/03 Westland, MI
11/04 Kent, OH
11/06 Morgantown, WV
11/07 Atlanta, GA
11/09 Spartanburg, SC
11/10 Fayetteville, NC
11/11 Richmond, VA
11/12 Baltimore, MD
11/13 Harrisonburg, VA
11/14 Covington, KY
11/15 Huntington, WV
11/16 Raleigh, NC
11/17 Charlotte, NC
11/18 Wilmington, NC
11/20 Worcester, MA
11/21 Queens, NY
11/23 Pittsburgh, PA
11/24 Madison, WI
11/25 St Cloud, MN
11/27 Chippewa Falls, WI
11/28 Des Moines, IA
11/29 Omaha, NE
11/30 Springfield, MO
12/01 Merriam, KS
12/02 Denver, CO
12/04 Seattle, WA
12/05 Portland, OR
12/06 Sacramento, CA
12/07 San Francisco, CA
12/08 Temecula, CA
12/09 Mesa, AZ
12/10 San Diego, CA
12/11 Flagstaff, AZ
12/12 Santa Ana, CA
12/13 West Hollywood, CA
12/14 West Hollywood, CA
12/15 Las Vegas, NV
12/16 Salt Lake City, UT
12/18 Lawton, OK
12/19 Tulsa, OK
12/20 Louisville, KY
12/21 Buffalo, NY
12/22 Teaneck, NJ
12/23 Clifton Park, NY
12/26 Amityville, NY
12/27 Philadelphia, PA

Filmography:

Films:

Animal Room (1995) - The Misfits
Bruiser (2000) - The Misfits
Campfire Stories (2001) - The Misfits
Death Ward 13 (pre-production)

Television Appearances:

WCW Monday Nitro (1995)
WCW Monday Nitro (1999)
Big Money Hustlas (2000)
The X Show (2000)
Card Subject to Change (Documentary 2010)
Living the American Nightmare (Documentary 2011)
5 Scariest Monsters (2014)
TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series (2015)
Who the Fuck is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago (Documentary 2017)

Check out Doyle's Official Website:

http://officialdoyle.com/

Official Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIALDOYLE/

Official Twitter:

https://twitter.com/DoyleAbominator

Lucy