The notorious glam punk outfit MURDERDOLLS has officially confirmed that vocalist Wednesday 13, guitarist Acey Slade, and bassist Eric Griffin will reunite for a series of high-profile performances in 2027. The announcement, delivered via a cryptic teaser video shared earlier today, signals the band’s return to the stage for the first time since 2018 and marks a significant moment for fans who have long awaited the return of the original, influential lineup.
The teaser video, set to the iconic opening riff of their 2002 hit "Dead In Hollywood," prominently features text declaring, "25 years ago, evil arrived. Next year it returns." This statement directly references the upcoming 25th anniversary of their seminal debut album, "Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls," which was released in 2002. The band is slated to appear at the prestigious Download festival in the United Kingdom in June 2027, a staple in the rock and metal festival circuit. Further solidifying their return, MURDERDOLLS have also announced a performance at the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium, another major European heavy music festival.
These highly anticipated 2027 shows are being billed as a "memorial tribute" to two pivotal figures in the band’s history: the late guitarist Joey Jordison, renowned for his drumming in the Grammy-winning metal titans SLIPKNOT, and Ben "The Ghoul" Graves, the drummer from the "Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls" era. Both musicians left an indelible mark on the band’s sound and legacy, and their absence will undoubtedly be felt by those attending the reunion performances.
A Legacy Reawakened: The History of MURDERDOLLS
The MURDERDOLLS emerged from the ashes of the early 2000s alternative and gothic rock scene, blending a macabre aesthetic with infectious glam-punk anthems. Formed around the creative partnership of Wednesday 13 and Joey Jordison, the band aimed to inject a dose of dark, theatrical fun into the music landscape. Their debut album, "Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls," released on September 17, 2002, quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The album featured a more polished, horror-infused punk sound, drawing comparisons to classic horror movie soundtracks and the theatricality of artists like Alice Cooper.
The success of the debut album led to extensive touring throughout 2002 and 2003. The band’s live shows were known for their high energy, provocative stage presence, and a visually striking aesthetic that perfectly complemented their lyrical themes of death, horror, and debauchery. Their touring schedule was ambitious, including support slots for major acts such as IRON MAIDEN, PAPA ROACH, and FOO FIGHTERS, exposing them to a vast international audience. This period also saw the release of the single "White Wedding," a cover of Billy Idol’s hit, which charted in the Top 40 in the United Kingdom, further cementing their growing popularity and influence in the rock press, with features in prominent magazines like Metal Hammer, Metal Edge, Kerrang!, and Rock Sound.
However, the band’s momentum was interrupted by the demands of Jordison’s primary commitment to SLIPKNOT. Following the conclusion of the touring cycle for their debut, MURDERDOLLS went on hiatus. This period of inactivity lasted for several years, during which Jordison continued his highly successful career with SLIPKNOT.
The "Women And Children Last" Era and Internal Discord
In 2010, MURDERDOLLS resurfaced with their second studio album, "Women And Children Last." This release, however, marked a significant shift in the band’s lineup and sonic direction. Notably absent from this record were Acey Slade, Eric Griffin, and Ben "The Ghoul" Graves, who had been integral to the "Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls" era. While these members had toured in support of the debut, they did not appear on any of its recordings.
The circumstances surrounding the creation of "Women And Children Last" and the absence of the original touring members were later brought to light in a candid interview. Prior to the album’s release, Acey Slade spoke with Blog Talk Radio’s "Zombilly’s Horror Hour," revealing his surprise and disappointment at not being involved in the recording process. He stated, "We waited around a long time – myself, Eric and the Ghoul – we waited around a long time to do this record. And when Joey and Wednesday said that they wanted to do it by themselves, that was a bit of a… like, ‘Really?! That’s not what we discussed.’" Slade acknowledged that after a seven-year gap, commitments could shift, but expressed a sense of being sidelined.
Furthermore, Slade voiced his strong reservations about the musical direction of "Women And Children Last." He described the album as deviating significantly from the band’s initial ethos. "I think it sounds like all the things that the band said that we weren’t gonna be," he explained. "When I was in the band, it was, ‘We don’t drop-tune – we tune standard ’cause we’re a rock band – it’s all tongue-in-cheek, nothing’s serious.’ And now it’s drop-tuned, it’s serious subject matter, and it’s not something I wanted to be a part of." Slade’s critique was blunt, likening the sound to a fusion of DISTURBED and ROB ZOMBIE, a far cry from the band’s original concept of being a fun, provocative act. He felt the band had evolved into something they had actively sought to avoid, expressing disappointment for his former bandmates and a lack of personal interest in that musical path.
Loss and Remembrance: Honoring Jordison and Graves
The MURDERDOLLS reunion arrives in the shadow of significant loss. Ben "The Ghoul" Graves, a talented drummer who also performed with bands like PRETTY BOY FLOYD and DOPE, passed away in May 2018 at the age of 45, following a year-long battle with cancer. His contributions to the band’s early sound and energetic live performances were highly regarded.
Tragically, Joey Jordison, a central figure in the MURDERDOLLS and a global rock icon through his work with SLIPKNOT, died "peacefully in his sleep" in July 2021 due to an undisclosed cause. He was 46 years old. Jordison’s passing sent shockwaves through the music community, with tributes pouring in from countless artists and fans who recognized his immense talent and impact on modern heavy music. The 2027 reunion performances will serve as a poignant tribute to his memory and his vital role in shaping the MURDERDOLLS’ identity.
A Complex History: The Trademark Dispute
Adding another layer of complexity to the MURDERDOLLS’ narrative is a public dispute over the band’s trademark, which surfaced more than four years prior to the reunion announcement. Wednesday 13 publicly accused Acey Slade of "stealing" the MURDERDOLLS trademark. It emerged that the trademark had lapsed, and Slade subsequently acquired it independently, without the knowledge or consent of Wednesday 13 or Jordison’s estate.
The feud escalated when Slade and Griffin announced a 20th-anniversary deluxe vinyl edition of "Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls," along with new merchandise and an official website, under the acquired trademark. Wednesday 13 responded by claiming that he and Jordison had been discussing a MURDERDOLLS reunion prior to Jordison’s death and expressed his belief that Jordison would have been "furious" about Slade’s actions, which he characterized as a betrayal. Wednesday 13 vowed to resolve the dispute.
In his defense, Slade stated on social media that his actions were aimed at preserving the band’s legacy from fading into obscurity. He asserted that acquiring the trademark was a necessary step to ensure the album’s availability on digital streaming platforms and for vinyl pressing. He also maintained that he handled the band’s history with respect, referring to former members as "alumni" rather than current members, suggesting a desire to keep the brand alive in some capacity.
Looking Ahead: Implications of the 2027 Reunion
The confirmation of Wednesday 13, Acey Slade, and Eric Griffin for the 2027 reunion is a significant development. This lineup represents the core creative and performing force behind the MURDERDOLLS’ most celebrated period. Their performances at Download and Graspop Metal Meeting will be the first time this iteration of the band has graced a stage together since a memorial event for Ben Graves in 2018 at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood. That intimate gathering saw the trio perform classic MURDERDOLLS tracks, hinting at the possibility of a larger comeback.
The 2027 dates are not just a celebration of the band’s past but also a testament to the enduring appeal of their unique brand of horror-infused punk rock. The decision to frame these shows as a "memorial tribute" acknowledges the profound impact of Jordison and Graves and suggests a respectful, heartfelt approach to their return. This reunion also occurs within a broader trend of influential bands from the early 2000s revisiting their catalogs and reconnecting with their fanbases.
The context of the trademark dispute, while seemingly resolved by the current reunion announcement, adds an interesting dynamic. The fact that Slade, who was at odds with Wednesday 13 over the trademark, is now a confirmed member of the reunion suggests a reconciliation or at least a mutual understanding that the music and legacy of MURDERDOLLS are best served by the original members collaborating. The financial implications of such major festival appearances are substantial, both for the band and the festival organizers, indicating a strong demand from fans and a calculated risk by all parties involved. The success of these dates could pave the way for further touring or even new material, although no such plans have been officially announced.
The MURDERDOLLS’ return in 2027 promises to be a significant event for fans of gothic glam punk, offering a chance to experience the band’s electrifying performances and celebrate the music that defined a generation of horror-loving rock enthusiasts, all while honoring the legacies of those who are no longer with us.
