Eerie Von

Artist, Photographer, Musician, and Author, Eerie Von, is known as the Bass player from the Goth Punk band Samhain, and the Gothic rock/metal band Danzig. Born in New Jersey, Eerie Von spent his formative years in Lodi and graduated from Lodi High in 1982. His former classmates included Doyle from The Misfits. Eerie Von recently released his first book and continues to have much underground success with his solo recordings and "Fiend Art." His book, titled Misery Obscura: The Photography of Eerie Von 1981-2006, released thru Dark Horse Publications, is a 160 page near career spanning book of photographs and memoirs. Showcasing a behind the scenes look at the "Horror Business." Eerie Von's lens documented everything from The Misfits' humble beginnings...to the heights of Danzig's stadium-rock glory alongside metal superstars Metallica. These essential photographs historically document some of the most influential bands of punk, goth, and rock. Eerie's road stories of triumph and damnation bring to life an era "the likes of which will never again be seen." As of 2011, Eerie has contributed to 27 commercially released recordings since 1983, which includes 5 solo releases; Yet his current release, Kinda Country, is stated as being his most cohesive release to date. His music has evolved into "an intriguing blend of rockabilly, blues, and goth." Further described, "The Darkness, the Blues, the strong vocals are still there, only now it seems more natural." Von continues in whatever direction his mood, and the songs take him. His Fiend Art, which was more publicly introduced in Misery Obscura, showcases "all things Dark, from Classic Horror Films, to the sub conscience, to the Horrors inspired by real Life experiences." Working with acrylics, abstracts, and free form expressionism, Von also creates the occasional portrait of some famous monster, actor, musician, or nostalgic children's storyboard character. Musically, Eerie Von's early exposure to Saturday's 50's "Oldies," 70's AM Top 40, Do-wop rhythm and blues, and Motown radio were leading influences. But it was The Beatles and Elvis Presley which inspired Eerie to sing (to his third grade class). By age 8, Eerie took up drums and was briefly given lessons at a Local Boys Club. Further influenced by Classic Horror Films and Film noir, in part, the combination of influences contribute to Von's classic darkness, heartfelt bluesy edge, and underlying 50's feel. As an artist, Eerie started drawing and painting at age 5, when he would copy images from a local newspaper. By age 9, he moved on to painting on the walls of his parent's house. Further developing his versatility as an artist, around age 12, Von started taking and developing photos. Initially shooting High School sports events and bands in Live and formal settings, by 1978/79 he pursued photography as a full time endeavor. He later went on to Graduate from the Germain School of Photography in New York City in 1984. Eerie Von's musical and artistic abilities seemed to merge in 1981, when Doyle suggested that he revisit the drums and also take photographs for The Misfits. It was at this time that Eerie met Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, and Arthur Googy. This introduction sparked the now famous "Cave Session" which took place in upstate New York, as the band's unofficial photographer. By his senior year in high school, Von formed his first band, a hardcore punk outfit, named Rosemary's Babies with other Lodi High graduates. A year later, they released a 7" 45 EP called "Blood Lust." By 1984, Von formed Samhain with X-Misfits singer Glenn Danzig, as the drummer, he soon switched over to Bass guitar, and Steve Zing took over on drums. With Samhain's dark, gritty, and experimental combination of punk, Gothic rock, and later, heavy metal music, it was an underground music community which continually fueled Von's creativity. As Eerie had done for Rosemary's Babies and The Misfits, he crafted his designs into band t-shirts, he dabbled in graphic arts for record cover designs, as well as, performance flyers. Continuing as photographer, Von took behind the scene shots, essentially capturing the dark heart of rock's most vital and bleeding-edge periods. Between 1986/87, Samhain was discovered by Rick Rubin (of Def Jam Records). In 1988 the band changed its name to Danzig. They recorded their first self-titled release, "Danzig I," which went platinum. And by 1993, as one of the most heard bands in the country, Danzig's "Thrall Demonsweat Live" eventually was certified gold. In 1995, most of the official line-up had disbanded, including both Eerie Von and John Christ. Although he appears uncredited, in '95 Eerie contributed to 6 songs released on "Collection II" by The Misfits, and in 1996 collaborated on The Misfits "Box set."