It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with horror-punk legends Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (of The Misfits) and Alex “Wolfman” Story (of Cancer Slug), ahead of their return to Sacramento. A few years have passed since they last rolled through town—back when they were touring with John 5 in 2014 or 2015—and a lot has changed. A lot, but not everything.
We talked about everything from The Misfits reunion, the challenges of modern music streaming, their vegan lifestyle, to running a DIY record label and battling social anxiety while performing in front of thousands. Here’s what they had to say.
Misfits Reunion: Arena-Size Chaos
When asked about performing at The Misfits reunion shows in large arenas, Doyle didn’t hold back.
“It was horrible,” he admitted, referring to the technical issues. “I had to wear in-ears because they just couldn’t get the sound to work right.”
Despite the difficulties, fans were thrilled—and it brought back the magic of live shows. As Doyle described it, the absence of cell phones and the return of actual lighters in the air made the experience feel like a 1970s concert.
Evolution from ‘Abominator’ to Now
The new album takes a different direction from Abominator, and that was entirely intentional.
“We recorded Abominator ourselves. No help—just us. I was in my living room in my drawers doing vocals,” Alex said.
“With the new one, we went into a real studio with a real drummer and did it right.”
The result is a cleaner, more powerful sound, while still staying true to their gritty roots.
Europe vs. the U.S.: Who Rages Harder?
The band loved their European tour—and for good reason.
“They’re real music fans over there,” said Alex. “They come to escape and go wild. In the U.S., it’s more like, ‘Okay, entertain me.’”
“People just stand there with their arms crossed or on their phones.”
The difference, they said, is about attitude and appreciation. In Europe, the audience gives back. In the States, people seem more preoccupied with recording the moment than actually experiencing it.
Vegan Life on Tour
Doyle has been vegan for years and says it’s easier than ever to stick to it on the road.
“It’s just real food—fruits, veggies, nuts. Same stuff everyone else eats, just no animals,” he said.
“Back in the ’80s and ’90s it was harder, but now it’s popular. There are apps like Happy Cow to help you find food anywhere.”
And fans help too—bringing cookies and treats to shows, which he appreciates.
Social Anxiety in the Spotlight
Both Doyle and Alex are no strangers to anxiety—even after decades of performing.
“This [interview] is harder than playing a show,” Doyle said.
“Big crowds just blur together. It’s the small, intimate settings that make us nervous.”
Alex added that even after 30 years of performing, he still gets butterflies before going on stage.
Monster Man Records: DIY Spirit, No Money Tree
Their label, Monster Man Records, is still in its early days and very much a passion project.
“We don’t have much money to expand yet,” Alex explained. “Right now, everything goes back into the band—touring, merch, recording.
If we find a band that really blows us away, we’ll do what we can to help them out.”
It’s a labor of love, like most of their career.
Monster Man Records: DIY Spirit, No Money Tree
Their label, Monster Man Records, is still in its early days and very much a passion project.
“We don’t have much money to expand yet,” Alex explained. “Right now, everything goes back into the band—touring, merch, recording.
If we find a band that really blows us away, we’ll do what we can to help them out.”
It’s a labor of love, like most of their career.
From Fan to Bassist: The Matt Brennan Story
Their bassist, Matt Brennan, went from being a fan to a core member of the band.
“He helped me fund a record while I was in jail,” Alex said. “We stayed friends, he opened a few shows for us, and when we needed a new bassist, he just fit.”
Sometimes, passion and loyalty count more than credentials.
Voice of Steel: Pulling Off Multiple Sets in One Day
Alex also talked about a physically grueling show where he did three full sets in 24 hours—including with both Doyle and Cancer Slug.
“As long as I’m not sick, I can push through it,” he said. “But when you’re sick? There’s just nothing you can do.”
Religious Protestors, and the Silliness of It All
They’ve seen some protestors outside their shows—holding signs and preaching hellfire.
“If you’re a grown adult in 2025 still believing that nonsense, I don’t even know what to tell you,” Alex laughed.
“They think other ancient religions are silly but can’t recognize their own for what it is.”
The Worst Shows of All Time? Blame the Tech
When asked about their worst gigs ever, the answer wasn’t about fans—it was about technology.
“When your gear doesn’t work, or monitors fail, that’s the worst,” said Alex. “And as a vocalist, if you’re sick, your body is your instrument. That’s a nightmare.”
Final Thoughts
Despite the chaos and challenges, Doyle and Alex remain driven by a pure love of music. The industry may not be kind to independent artists, but they’ve found a way to keep going—with grit, humor, and a ton of fan support.
As Doyle said best:
“We just do what we do.”
Doyle is currently on the As We Die World Abomination Tour 2018. The tour began February 21st in Clifton, NJ, the tour winds through North America before crossing to the UK March 26th in Birmingham, England, and will later move through Russia before finishing up April 9th in St. Petersburg, Russia; KILLUS and DeadXll will be joining on the UK and Russia run. Upon his stateside return, Doyle will also be performing at the 20th annual New England Metal & Hardcore Fest on April 21st at The Palladium in Worcester, MA.
Stream Abominator wherever you get your music.
Watch the full video interview below.
Interview by Amb Pirate | Editing by Capital Chaos TV
Categories: Doyle, Interviews, News
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