{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Danzig

| image = Danzig at Sweden Rock.jpg

| caption = Danzig at [[Sweden Rock Festival]] 2010

| image_size = 220px

| background = group_or_band

| genre = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]], [[blues rock]], [[hard rock]], [[doom metal]], [[gothic metal]]

| alias =

| origin = [[Lodi, New Jersey|Lodi]], [[New Jersey]], [[United States]]

| years_active = 1987–present

| label = [[Def American]]/American, [[Hollywood Records|Hollywood]], [[E-Magine]], [[Spitfire Records|Spitfire]], Evilive, [[Megaforce Records|Megaforce]], [[Restless Records|Restless]], [[The End Records|The End]]

| associated_acts = [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]], [[Samhain (band)|Samhain]]

| website = {{URL|http://www.danzig-verotik.com/}}

| current_members =

*[[Glenn Danzig]]

*[[Tommy Victor]]

*[[Johnny Kelly]]

*[[Steve Zing]]

| past_members = see [[List of Danzig band members#Former members|Former members]]

}}

'''Danzig''' is an American [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band, formed in 1987 in [[Lodi, New Jersey|Lodi]], [[New Jersey]]. The band is the musical outlet for [[singer]]/[[songwriter]] [[Glenn Danzig]], preceded by the [[horror punk]] bands the [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]] and [[Samhain (band)|Samhain]]. They play in a [[blues rock|bluesy]] [[doom metal|doom]]-driven heavy metal style influenced by the early sound of [[Black Sabbath]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/393264/DANZIG-SCORES-MEGAPOINTS-WITH-SALTAIR-MOSHERS.html?pg=all|title = DANZIG SCORES MEGAPOINTS WITH SALTAIR MOSHERS|first=Scott|last=Iwasaki|publisher = [[Deseret News]]|accessdate=2013-08-20}}</ref>

==History==

===Beginnings (1986–1987)===

On July 14, 1986, [[Samhain (band)|Samhain]] performed at [[Ritz (rock club)|The Ritz]] in [[New York City|New York]] in what was to be their final show. In attendance was [[Rick Rubin]], who was scouting for potential bands to sign to his record label, [[Def American]]. Rubin at first wished only to sign Danzig, with the intent of making him the vocalist for a hard rock [[supergroup (bands)|supergroup]] that Rubin envisioned. However, Danzig refused to sign to Rubin's label without Samhain's bassist [[Eerie Von]]. In 1987, he added [[John Christ]] on guitar and [[Chuck Biscuits]] (ex-[[Black Flag (band)|Black Flag]]) on drums.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> To reflect the change in musical direction and avoid having to start anew after future lineup changes, Glenn, on Rubin's advice, changed the name of Samhain to his surname, Danzig.<ref>{{cite web|last=McPheeters |first=Sam |url=http://www.vice.com/read/glenn-danzig-422-v17n5 |title=Glenn Danzig |publisher=VICE |date=2010-05-01 |accessdate=2013-02-10}}</ref>

==="Classic" original lineup-era (1987–1994)===

In 1988, the band released its [[Danzig (album)|first album]] on [[Def American]] (later renamed to [[American Recordings (US)|American Recordings]]).<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>

In 1990, Danzig released its second album, ''[[Danzig II: Lucifuge]]''. By 1992, Rubin's involvement with the band had waned. Danzig himself took credit for co-producing the third album, ''[[Danzig III: How the Gods Kill]]''. The following year the band released the ''[[Thrall: Demonsweatlive]]'' EP, which contained several live tracks from the band's 1992 Halloween show as well as three new studio tracks. The live version of "[[Mother (Danzig song)|Mother]]," a song from the first album, became popular on hard rock radio stations. A new version of the "Mother" music video was created using live footage, and the video became a hit on [[MTV]] as well.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>

On October 4, 1994, ''[[Danzig 4]]'' was released. The album sold well, but did not contain a hit on par with the "Mother" single. The album's second single, "Cantspeak", was also a staple in MTV's rotation, but unlike "Mother" failed to appear on the [[Billboard Hot 100]]. "Cantspeak" is the band's only single other than "Mother" to chart on Billboard. Amid accusations of unpaid royalties and broken promises, Danzig's relationship with Rubin deteriorated, and the band left the record label.

Around this time, the band's lineup began to dissolve as well. First, Chuck Biscuits left the band in the summer of 1994 due to royalty disagreements. According to a special issue of ''[[Kerrang!]]'', former [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] drummer [[Dave Grohl]] turned down an approach by the band. Biscuits was replaced by [[Joey Castillo]], who made his first public appearance as a member of Danzig at an in-store signing the day of the fourth album's release. Coincidentally, Castillo would later replace Grohl in [[Queens of the Stone Age]]. Though the band had toured successfully with its new drummer during the fall and winter of 1994-95, by the spring of 1995 Danzig was actively seeking a new guitarist, with [[Pepper Keenan]] and [[Dez Cadena]] considered possible replacements.<ref name="Seconds">{{cite web|url=http://misfitscentral.com/display.php?t=marticle&f=seconds.97|title=Glenn Danzig|last=Blush|first=Steven|date=October 1997|publisher=Seconds|accessdate=2009-10-03}}</ref> John Christ and Eerie Von resigned on July 5, 1995.

=== Post-original lineup-era (1995–1999) ===

In October 1996, ''Danzig 5: [[Blackacidevil]]'' was released. The album was mostly a solo effort by Danzig, although [[Jerry Cantrell]] of [[Alice in Chains]] played lead guitar on three of the album's tracks. [[Joey Castillo]] played drums, the sole member still in the band from the 4p Tour. Castillo would record on two more Danzig albums, making him the longest-standing member outside of the original lineup.

For the next few years, Danzig was tied up in a legal battle with Rubin over the rights to unreleased material the band recorded for American Recordings. In November 1999, Danzig ''[[6:66 Satan's Child]]'' was released. A long-planned Samhain box set was also released, followed by a Samhain reunion tour. Samhain opened for Danzig for six weeks during the tour and consisted of Steve Zing and London May switching between bass and drums.

===Later years (2000–2005)===

By 2000, Danzig's line up had stabilized with the addition of guitarist [[Todd Youth]] and bassist [[Howie Pyro]], both veterans of the New York City punk scene. In 2002, this line up released the album ''Danzig 777: [[I Luciferi]]''. In 2004, Danzig released their eighth studio album, ''[[Circle of Snakes]]'', with the line up featuring [[Tommy Victor]] of [[Prong (band)|Prong]] on guitar, who had toured as a member of Danzig years earlier.

Soon after the album's release, Danzig undertook the Blackest of the Black tour across the United States, replacing ''Circle of Snakes'' drummer Bevan Davies with [[Johnny Kelly]] (of [[Type O Negative]]).

=== Recent activity (2006–present) ===

Throughout 2006, Glenn Danzig stated in several interviews that he had grown tired of the touring cycle, and did not expect to partake in any more large scale tours. Instead, Danzig would go on small, localized tours, such as the ten west coast dates they played for the 2006 Blackest of the Black tour. This tour debuted [[Kenny Hickey]] (of [[Type O Negative]]) as the band's new guitarist, while the East Coast dates saw the addition of former [[Samhain (band)|Samhain]] member, [[Steve Zing]] on bass.

In October 2006, Glenn Danzig released ''[[Black Aria II]]'', the follow-up to his solo classical album, ''[[Black Aria]]''. ''Black Aria'' was re-released by Evilive in May 2007. He spent the rest of the year completing the production and packaging of ''[[The Lost Tracks of Danzig]]'', a double CD containing twenty-six unreleased songs that span the entire Danzig catalog, which was released on July 10, 2007. Danzig has also stated that he plans to record a dark blues album with either [[Jerry Cantrell]] or [[Hank Williams III]].<ref name="ultimate-guitar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/glenn_danzig_talks_20th_anniversary_tour_future_plans.html |title=Glenn Danzig Talks 20th Anniversary Tour, Future Plans &#124; News @ |publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com |date= |accessdate=2011-07-20}}</ref>

In August 2008, Glenn Danzig announced that Danzig (the band) would do a 20th anniversary tour, celebrating the release of their self-titled debut album. This was the band's first full US tour in three years, which also included stops in Canada and Mexico. Also asked in August 2008 if the ninth Danzig album was planned, Glenn Danzig replied:

{{cquote2|I have been in the studio here and there working on new songs but don't know when they will come out. I was thinking of putting one up on the Danzig site so the fans could check it out. Even thought about doing one on this tour.|Glenn Danzig|August 2008|<ref name="ninthalbum">{{cite web | date=August 22, 2008 | title=Glenn Danzig talks 20th anniversary tour, future plans | work=[[Punknews.org]] | publisher=[[Punknews.org]] | url=http://www.punknews.org/article/30182 | accessdate=2008-08-22}}</ref>}}

On December 26, 2009, Danzig performed at the Starland Ballroom in New Jersey. The show was notable for featuring a special appearance by [[Michale Graves]] who, along with [[Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein|Doyle]] and [[Dr. Chud]], performed several songs by the [[Misfits (band)#1996–2000: Reformation and new lineup|reformed version of the Misfits]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crushermagazine.com/features1_10/featdanziglive.htm|title=DANZIG GORGEOUS FRANKENSTEIN WITH MICHALE GRAVES|last=Evans|first=Morgan|publisher=Crusher Magazine|accessdate=2010-01-31}}</ref>

On March 10, 2010, a Danzig lyric book was released, titled ''Hidden Lyrics of the Left Hand''.<ref name="Danzig lyric book">{{cite web|url=http://www.danzig-verotik.com/danzig/danzig_news.html|title=DANZIG Lyric Book Available Now|publisher=danzig-verotik.com|accessdate=2010-03-09}}</ref> The book contains unreleased song lyrics combined with illustrations by [[Simon Bisley]].<ref name="Danzig lyric book" />

Danzig released ''[[Deth Red Sabaoth]]'', their ninth studio album, on June 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2010/03/31/danzig-deth-red-sabaoth-new-album-exclusive/|title=Danzig, 'Deth Red Sabaoth' -- New Album Exclusive|last=Sciaretto|first=Amy|date=March 31, 2010|publisher=[[Noisecreep]]|accessdate=2010-03-31}}</ref> It is the band's first proper studio album in six years, since 2004's ''[[Circle of Snakes]]''. Both Tommy Victor and Johnny Kelly appeared on the record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danzig-verotik.com/danzig/danzig_news.html |title=::: Danzig ::: |publisher=Danzig-verotik.com |date= |accessdate=2011-07-20}}</ref>

In 2009, movie director [[Todd Phillips]] chose Danzig's song "Thirteen" to open his film ''[[The Hangover (film)|The Hangover]]''. Danzig later recorded a new song, "Black Hell", to appear in the 2011 sequel, ''[[The Hangover: Part II]]''.

In January 2011, Danzig were announced for the 2011 [[Download 2011|Download Festival]] at Donington Park, England, alongside bands including [[Rob Zombie]], [[Alice Cooper]], and [[System of a Down]]. On the first day of the festival, Danzig headlined the Pepsi Max stage. On June 12, 2011, Danzig played at the [[Nova Rock Festival]].

On October 25, 2011, a [[greatest hits]] album entitled ''The Essential Danzig'' was to be released through [[Sony BMG]].<ref>{{cite web | date=August 30, 2011 |title=Danzig to release 'The Essential Danzig'|work=[[Punknews.org]] | publisher=[[Punknews.org]] | url=http://www.punknews.org/releasedetail/5276 | accessdate=2011-08-30}}</ref> However, as of December 2011, this has yet to happen, nor have details of the release been given.

October 2011 also saw a rare string of reunion shows called the "Danzig Legacy" tour. The shows consisted of a Danzig mini set, followed by a Samhain mini set, a set of Danzig and Doyle performing Misfits songs, and then ending with three Danzig songs and the performance of "Skulls".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danzig-verotik.com/danzig/tour.html |title=Official Danzig Website |publisher=Danzig-verotik.com |date= |accessdate=2013-02-10}}</ref>

In May 2012, Danzig released the song "Devil's Angels", the theme from [[Devil's Angels|the 1967 film]] of the same name, from his as yet untitled covers album: “I've wanted to record this song since 1979 and this is exactly the same arrangement I had for it back then, so it pretty much sounds like that late 70s style of mine. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, it actually came out much better than I had hoped it would. We're going to be playing it live on these upcoming shows.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danzig-verotik.com/danzig/news.html |title=Official Danzig Website |publisher=Danzig-verotik.com |date= |accessdate=2013-02-10}}</ref>

In April 2013, Glenn Danzig told Full Metal Jackie that he will begin work on new Danzig material with [[Tommy Victor]] and [[Johnny Kelly]] after the 25th anniversary tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/glenn-danzig-25th-anniversary-debut-danzig-album-upcoming-covers-disc-more/ |title=Glenn Danzig Talks 25th Anniversary of Debut Danzig Album, Upcoming Covers Disc + More |publisher=[[Loudwire|Loudwire.com]] |date=2013-04-23 |accessdate=2013-05-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189312 |title=Glenn Danzig Talks To Full Metal Jackie About 'Legacy' TV Special, Covers Record, New Music |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=2013-04-28 |accessdate=2013-05-01}}</ref>

==Members==

{{For|past members|List of Danzig band members}}

;Current

* [[Glenn Danzig]]&nbsp;– [[lead vocals]], [[rhythm guitar]], [[keyboard instrument|keyboards]], songwriter (1987–present)

* [[Tommy Victor]]&nbsp;– [[lead guitar]] (1996–1997, 2002–2005, 2008–present)

* [[Johnny Kelly]]&nbsp;– [[drum kit|drums]], [[percussion instrument|percussion]] (2002–2003, 2005–present)

* [[Steve Zing]]&nbsp;– [[bass guitar]], [[backing vocalist|backing vocals]] (2006–present)

==Discography==

{{For|all releases|Danzig discography}}

* ''[[Danzig (album)|Danzig]]'' (1988)

* ''[[Danzig II: Lucifuge]]'' (1990)

* ''[[Danzig III: How the Gods Kill]]'' (1992)

* ''[[Danzig 4p]]'' (1994)

* ''[[Blackacidevil|Danzig 5: Blackacidevil]]'' (1996)

* ''[[Satan's Child|Danzig 6:66: Satan's Child]]'' (1999)

* ''[[I Luciferi|Danzig 777: I Luciferi]]'' (2002)

* ''[[Circle of Snakes]]'' (2004)

* ''[[Deth Red Sabaoth]]'' (2010)<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{cite book

| first= Martin C.

| last= Strong

| year= 2000

| title= The Great Rock Discography

| edition= 5th

| publisher= Mojo Books

| location= Edinburgh

| page= 241

| isbn= 1-84195-017-3}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{Commons category|Danzig (band)}}

*[http://www.danzig-verotik.com/ Official website]

*{{musicbrainz artist|id=8925a01a-8608-411d-a90b-f3a52d061208|name=Danzig}}

{{Danzig}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Danzig}}

[[Category:Blues rock groups]]

[[Category:American doom metal musical groups]]

[[Category:American hard rock musical groups]]

[[Category:Musical groups established in 1987]]

[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from New Jersey]]

[[Category:1987 establishments in New Jersey]]