Misfits - 12 Hits From Hell

Originally scheduled for release on October 30th, 2001, "Misfits 12 Hits From Hell" would have been the latest release of all original Misfits material; a complete group of songs from the MSP sessions recorded August 7th, 1980. Just like the "Static Age" album, "12 Hits From Hell" was originally slated to be a full length Misfits album. Instead the songs were never released as a whole but instead they were split up and put out separately; some released on an original 7-inch EP (3 Hits from Hell), some ended up on bootlegs, some the collection CD's and eventually most of the songs ended up in different areas on the Misfits Box Set. Strange enough, it wasn't until the release of the Misfits Box Set put out in 1996 that all of these songs were available to the general public for the first time. But even then the songs were shuffled sporadically between the different CD's in the box set and the mixes of the songs did not match up with each other.
In preparation for "Misfits 12 Hits From Hell" the creators of the CD went back and started from the beginning. They used the original master tapes from the recording session back in 1980 to completely re-mix and re-master every single song from the session to be released as a full album! They even put the songs in the proper order that they were originally intended to be in for a full-length album release. Going back the original master tapes brought up another bonus - the never before heard and the never before released out-take version of "London Dungeon" appropriately titled "London Dungeon - (Alternate Take)" It was added to the new release as the 13th song on the new album. Most interesting about these recordings is that they were made during a transitional period for the Misfits. The recording began with Bobby Steele (guitarist), recording multiple guitar tracks on most every song and the majority of the guitar on the entire album. Before the album was ever completed, Bobby was kicked out of the band. Jerry Only's (Bassist) little brother, Doyle joined as the new guitarist in the band and finished the recording session by recording a guitar track of his own on all but a few of the songs. Later these songs were mixed to feature a unique blend of both Bobby and Doyle's guitar sounds. So although Misfits were never more than a 4 piece band, the great thing about this session is that 5 of the original members ended up contributing to it. The songs on the album sound amazing, some who have heard it will tell you it is the by far the greatest Misfits album ever.
You may be wondering why 12 Hits From Hell never made it as a full-length release back in 1980. Well, two years after the completion of this would-be album, the Misfits signed a full record deal with Ruby Records. At that point the new deal called for a new album and basically turned the MSP sessions into a demo for their upcoming album titled "Walk Among Us". This also explains why "12 Hits From Hell" has so many of the same songs (although different versions) as the album "Walk Among Us".
-Frequently Asked Questions-
1. Was this cd ever released?
Technically no, this cd was never released. It was very close to the actual release date when Caroline Records/Astralworks canceled the release of the album. They had already sent out thousands of the promotional cd's to stores everywhere around the world. There were a few different versions of promotional CD's sent out, but the most common version had the full artwork and basically it was the exact same version as the cd that was going to be released with the exception that it had either a scratch through the bar-code or a whole punch in the upper right side of the j-card, plus the promos were never sealed or given a description sticker. When the CD was canceled a letter was sent out on October 11th, 2001 to stores, its purpose was to recall all of the promos that were sent out. The stores were instructed to send the CD's back to the company. Obviously most of them were not sent back and that is the reason why die-hard Misfits fans have been able to get their hands on copies of the CD The cancellation of "12 Hits From Hell" automatically created an extremely rare and collectable CD
2. Why was this album recalled/canceled at the last minute? - Why hasn't the CD come out?
This is the most interesting question of all. Since there are so many different opinions on the subject, I'm going to quote the record company and the band members who were involved with the project, that way you can decide for yourself.
The initial reason that was given on why the CD was recalled is because it was said that both Glenn and Jerry felt that the album was not up to quality standard. We were told that Glenn had a problem with the layout and that there were some errors in the credits. Next we were told that Jerry had a problem with the final mix of the music, that it wasn't satisfactory and it needed to be re-mixed. They would not allow its release unless the CD was changed to their licking. But the situation actually gets much more complicated then that.
Glenn Danzig (Misfits singer and songwriter): was never contacted, involved, or notified about this project until it was completed and he received a promo of the CD in the mail. You can imagine he was probably a bit upset not being at least contacted about a new release of his material since he is usually so closely involved with all of his releases. Glenn was also a bit upset about the information given in the CD Apparently some of the photos in the layout were credited improperly, so he said the errors would need to be corrected before it gets released (another rumor, but not a fact: Eerie Von did the liner notes for the 12 Hits album, Glenn may have been upset about that too, since Eerie was no longer a member of Danzig's current band).
Jerry Only (Misfits bassist): said "We were unsatisfied with the mix, it should eventually be corrected." He hasn't said much more then this, but others seem to think he has a hidden agenda behind why he would like a re-mix.
Bobby Steele (main guitarist on the album): he would like the album released as is. He is convinced that the only reason Jerry Only wants to re-mix the album is so they can cut out his guitar playing. When the album was originally planned for release, Bobby's guitar tracks were the main focus of the new album. His guitar tracks created the primary sound of the album. Bobby says if a re-mix occurs, most likely his guitar tracks will be taken out of the mix, or that Doyle's guitar track will become the dominant guitar in the recording. This may seem strange to some people, but it's not that strange when you consider the history of the Misfits. To this day Bobby and Jerry have never made peace. They do not get along. Originally Bobby was kicked out of the Misfits. It is rumored that according to Jerry Only the reason that Bobby was kicked out of the band was because of his terrible guitar playing. Bobby says that this album showcases his great guitar work and he is convinced that it will finally prove to Misfits fans that the rumors were false. It is also rumored that it is extremely hard to deal with Bobby Steele, some say he lives in the past too much and that it creates irritation to the other Misfits members.
Here are some actual comments typed by Bobby Steele himself on this matter:
"Jerry knew about this release. I have an interview in a zine, called ALTERCATION - that came out in September, 2001 - where Jerry talks about it. As far as his excuse that THE MISFITS were never intended to be a 5-piece - I'd like to see that lie, too. He didn't gripe about the combination of mine, and Doyles tracks on various cuts of the BOX SET. The agreement regarding CAROLINE's ownership, and the settlement in the lawsuit clearly state that Glenn and Jerry's approval cannot be unreasonably witheld... and their excuses are about as unreasonable as it gets, especially when you realize that Glenn is upset about not being properly credited - and he never gave anyone proper credit himself. On the LEGACY argument... compare those versions with the real versions, like on STATIC AGE - and you'll see that the real tracks are much better. The only true reason they are withholding this release is the most obvious one. For twenty years, they lied to you about THE MISFITS, and my guitar playing. This release would prove they lied, and it also gives the best representation of the band as it existed at that time. If Jerry had picked me up to do the rest of my tracks - instead of bringing Doyle in there'd have been a bit more of the 'feedback' tracks, and dynamics like you hear in LONDON DUNGEON. I spoke with Jerry at CHILLER, and he said he's working on buying the tapes from CAROLINE. Rocky said it'll never come out. That sure sounds like they're not thinking about the fiends,and what you want at all. The general consensus is that this is the best MISFITS album yet. There's a chance it could be mixed to sound a little better, but there's also the same chance that it could end up like NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - listen to the original mix - which is on the BOX SET, and then listen to the muddied mess that Glenn remixed - as it is on the 45. If it aint broke, don't fix it."
More comments by Bobby: "I ran into Jerry this weekend, and apparently, he's trying to buy the 12 HITS masters back from Caroline. Rocky said it'll never come out. I take this to mean they plan on destroying the tapes as soon as they gain custody of them. Wasn't there someone else who was born on the same date as Jerry - who wanted to rewrite history ? Hmmm... Again: CAROLINE owns the masters - and Glenn and Jerry only have a right to "REASONABLY REFUSE" any release. There is no reasonable argument for them to withdraw it, which is why they have come up with such whoppers as bad sound, poor mastering, and Jerry's claim that he never knew about it - despite running the ad on MISFITS.COM for a time, and discussing it in interviews last summer. He was all for it, until he realized it would PROVE WHAT A LIAR HE IS... Yes folks, we're looking at Hitler's last days in the bunker. Funny how the two share not only the same birthday, but the same philosophy... Hitler said "death before dishonor"; Jerry, in the original Cyclopean membership cards, had the slogan, "Life, without honor - is not a life at all". Maybe it's time for him to put a bullet in his own head... "
More comments by Bobby: "CAROLINE owns the masters and copyrights, and WE are only allowed to REASONABLY WITHHOLD permission of any release. Considering how Caroline saw it fit to respond to inquiries from everyone other than me - including fiends - that's a major dis. I know of totally unassociated fiends who were given promos of this, months ago... that's another major dis. I merely asked if I could have some free copies - and they can't reply to that ? Seeing as the whole thing was being touted for having my guitar tracks - they should contact me. I know the exact terms of the settlement, and I am supposed to be respected for my contribution. There are some things in the agreement that are still questionable - like whether Jerry and/or Glenn had the right to sell these, and not pay me and Joey our share - could mean for some serious legal technicalities in the end. As it is, 12 HITS proves that you've been lied to by these guys. The "sealed" court documents prove that even further. "
More comments by Bobby: "I just found out about this. I'm trying to find out what's going on. I think the mix is great. Maybe Glenn and "the MISFITS" don't like the fact that it shows them for what they have been for 20 years... liars. It is pretty funny that Caroline has evidently responded to those to parties, but still shows total contempt when it comes to me. I've been trying to get answers from Ashley for two weeks. "
More comments by Bobby:" I don't think they'd be so stupid as to overdub new guitars at this point. I have been hearing that they intend to change the 'content' in the book, so that could mean removing any good things said about me in it. Of course, they'd be stupid to do that, too. Hopefully, they'll just give it a better cover. The more support I get, based on the current version, from fiends, the better chance we have of putting on the pressure to release THIS mix, or a better mix - approved by me. Maybe we can show Caroline that, if they make changes that are defamatory to me - it'll be boycotted (there's that word again) and MP3s of this mix will be the accepted version of this album. I'm fighting for this one. I mean, if they 'approved' the poorer sounding versions in the BOX SET, they have no argument for not approving this version. I understand a lot of you have written to Caroline, and I would appreciate it if you would forward his replies - with FULL HEADERS - to me at UNDEAD@JUNO.COM Thanks I just got an email from the legal dept at EMI - who, I guess made the mistake of buying CAROLINE... they have demanded that I cease and desist from, among other things - doing anything to try to get CAROLINE to tell me where my missing royalties are. In other words, if I email ASHLEY@ASTRALWERKS.COM and ask "where is my money" they'll have me arrested... Go ahead Ashley - tell me - why are you helping in this cover-up ? I'm just glad everyone has gotten copies of this music. I've heard rumors that Jerry has been telling people that I will be removed from these recordings. "
Caroline Records/Astralwerks (the record company): They stated the album would not be released "due to an inferior mastering error" in their original cancellation letter that they sent out. One year later after the original release date of the album I personally received an e-mail from Ashley at Astralwerks telling me exactly this: "The version that was withdrawn was not pleasing to the Misfits because this was a false remix and not a representation of the band's authentic sound as it had 2 guitars in the mix - the Misfits never had two guitarists." Now remember, when they say Misfits, that just means Jerry, because he owns the Misfits name now. After I read that, it seemed more like what Bobby stated was true. If you think about it, many of the original Misfits recordings have 2 guitars or more in the song mix. It is common to double your guitar tracks when recording. "12 Hits From Hell" was no different it even featured the original album producer Rob Alter playing additional guitar on "London Dungeon" and "Violent World". Are they going to take him off the album too??? Who ever said playing additional guitars on an album changes the band to a 5 piece??? Obviously that excuse is complete junk. We all know Misfits were never a 5 piece band. They never had this problem when they put these same songs in the "Misfits Box Set", or the original "3 Hits From Hell" 7 inch, or the original "Halloween" 7 inch, so why now? My point is, the complaint seems totally stupid, the band never recorded as a five piece, they just added an additional guitar track when a new member joined the band. Obviously that's what they wanted back then, and if you ask me, I think it is actually pretty great having a Misfits album that was fully recorded with 2 original Misfits guitarists!
3. Will the CD ever come out?
The version of the CD that you see on this web site will never be released. It is also not likely that you will ever see another version of the CD released either. The record company still says that they are trying to work something out. But they have also said "it looks as though we have lost so much money on this project that it seems like it never coming out." Caroline records had to cancel the CD just 2 Ѕ weeks before its release. They destroyed all the CD's and not to mention all the advertising and posters that were sent out. Needless to say a lot of money was lost on this project. We now know that if this CD ever does come out, it will be greatly altered (different artwork, and a mix that portrays the Misfits as a 4 piece band). If they do ever go forward with all the changes, the album will be much less desirable then the discontinued version, so it probably wouldn't be worth making. When Glenn Danzig was asked if it was ever coming out he was quoted saying "I doubt if they (the record company) will ever get that thing done correct."
4. What happened to all of the CD's that were made to be sent out to the stores before it was canceled?
We are told that they were all destroyed.
5. How many of these CD's were made?
No one knows for sure. One source says approximately 2000 promo CD's were pressed and distributed. It also says 40,000 of the regular store ready CD's were pressed and destroyed, but a few of these are floating around out there in Misfits collecting land.
6. What about the 12 inch vinyl record? Were those ever made?
Originally I told you, no, absolutely not. Thats not the truth. The truth is that 3 black vinyl copies were made -Caroline: CAR11207 (September 5, 2001)- . These test pressings were created by Universal Test Pressing and have "OUCH THAT'S HOT!" matrix etchings. At least 2 LP sleeves were also printed for review by band members. No further vinyl was ever pressed. The original plan was to press 2000 copies of orange vinyl and 1000 copies of white vinyl. None of the actual store shelf records were ever made. Caroline/Astralwerks, the record company has confirmed this over and over again. As for the Acetate, 1 set was made. This acetate set was created by The Hit Factory Mastering, inc.-Caroline: 24381-1207-1 (August 23, 2001)-
7. Are you sure there isn't a record, because I have seen it in stores and on eBay, and it even has the Caroline Records logo on it?
Nope, in 2002 someone bootlegged the whole album right from the CD It is said that they pressed 1000 of these records, they look authentic, but they are not. They may have come from Germany, it seems that's where they first popped up. Don't be fooled, if you get one $20 is a fair price to pay. The black vinyl has gone into second pressing on a bit thinner record. There is also a limited number of them pressed on RED vinyl (about 78 records worth). All of them are bootleg.
8. Where can I get one of these rare CD's?
Check eBay, but act fast because Caroline Records usually notices them and they will have the auction ended so it makes it hard to buy and sell them on eBay. Lots of collectors buy and sell them online, or check local music stores and see if by chance they have a promo for sale.
9. Was this CD really ever meant to be a full album, and how do you know the songs are in the order that they were originally intended to be in?
The master tapes of the album had the track listing written out and it that described the songs that would eventually go on side A and the songs that would go on side B of a record. The track listing was written by Glenn Danzig, you can actually see a scan of his handwriting on the back of the CD that shows the track listing.
10. Haven't these songs been released already?
Yes, all but one of them were in the box set and on various other Misfits releases, but this album finally brings them together as they were meant to be for the first time. Also every song was completely re-mixed and mastered for this release. Now all the songs sound like they belong together.
11. What's so great about these versions of the songs?
It is the only recording session to feature both Bobby Steele and Doyle on guitar. The sound on this album is much different then your typical Misfits release. The guitar is much less distorted then most other albums and is said to have an eerie vibe to it.
12. Is there anything that was previously unreleased on the album?
Yes, there is a never before released out take version of London Dungeon
13. I have a sealed version of the promo CD, should I keep it sealed?
To my knowledge these were never made. If it was factory sealed it would have a sticker on it. I have never heard of them shrink wrapping the promo CD's If yours is sealed, it was probably just sealed by the record store owner to make it look authentic or to add value to it. You can get anything shrink-wrapped at your local kinkos store. So go ahead and just open it up, why not?