The stage may be soaked in fake blood, but the legacy is real. Lizzy Borden, the man, the band, the legend, turns 62 today. Known for his glam-heavy image, horror-themed theatrics, and catchy metal anthems, he’s carved out a career that’s as flashy as it is surprisingly enduring. Whether you first saw him swinging an axe or crooning under a glittering spotlight, there’s always more to learn about the metal misfit who took his name from an infamous 19th-century alleged murderer.
Here are facts—some well-known, some hidden in the shadows—to celebrate the birthday of one of metal’s most theatrical figures.
🎤 1. Lizzy Borden Is Both a Band and a Man
Yes, Lizzy Borden is the frontman, but it’s also the name of the band he formed in 1983 with his brother Joey Scott (on drums). Think of it like Alice Cooper—but with more fake executions.
👨👦 2. His Brother Has Been There Since Day One
Drummer Joey Scott is not just his sibling, but the one constant in the ever-changing Lizzy Borden lineup. They’ve survived glam, grunge, and metalcore together. That’s family values—metal edition.
📺 3. He Was on Decline of Western Civilization Part II
Lizzy Borden famously appeared in Penelope Spheeris’s 1988 documentary The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years. His segment includes a memorable (and shirtless) poolside interview and the phrase “We are the future of heavy metal.” It aged like wine… or blood.
🧛 4. He’s Played Vampires Before It Was Cool
Years before Twilight made vampires dreamy, Lizzy Borden was already stalking stages with fangs and fog machines. He leaned into the horror glam long before it became mainstream in the 2000s.
📀 5. ‘Menace to Society’ Was a Cult Hit
Released in 1986, Menace to Society was the band’s breakthrough—part anthem, part horror show, all hair metal. It got solid MTV rotation and made “Give ‘Em the Axe” a rallying cry for glam metalheads.
👑 6. He’s the Prince of “Shock Rock” Light
While Alice Cooper was swinging nooses and Marilyn Manson went full chaos mode, Lizzy Borden found a campy sweet spot: fake blood, high vocals, glitter, and a guillotine for good measure. Less Satan, more Broadway meets Slayer.
💄 7. He’s a Makeup Artist in Disguise
Long before corpse paint became a thing in black metal, Lizzy was perfecting dramatic eye makeup and glittery blood tears. The man could probably contour a skull while headbanging.
📚 8. He Read A LOT About the Real Lizzie Borden
Gregory “Lizzy” Borden was fascinated by the real-life 1892 axe-murder case. He even claimed the name represented how society quickly judges outsiders—just like they did with the real Lizzie. That’s some spooky sociology, right there.
🌎 9. He’s More Popular in Europe Than the U.S.
Despite being an all-American glam metal act, Lizzy Borden has often been more appreciated across the pond. European fans see him as a theatrical relic of the golden hair metal age—and they actually show up on time.
🔥 10. Still Active, Still Fabulous
In 2018, Lizzy Borden released My Midnight Things—his first album in over a decade. In 2023 a single called “Death of Me” was released. And yes, he’s still touring. The stages are smaller, the blood is still fake, but the performance? As wild as ever.
🎂 Happy 62nd, Lizzy Borden!
Here’s to the man who made horror fun, glam dangerous, and execution-style theatrics a part of rock’s golden age. May your guillotine blade stay sharp and your eyeliner sharper.
