The Misfits are a horror punk band formed in 1977 and led by singer and songwriter Glenn Danzig (born Glenn Anzalone) and later, bassist Jerry Only (born Gerald Caiafa). They were highly influential on the genres of heavy metal, punk and rock music in general. Though they ceased recording and performing in 1983, a new version of the band (led by Only and without founder and former frontman Danzig) began operations in 1995 (see below).