History of Monster Mash in Timeline

"Monster Mash" is a novelty song released in 1962 by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. Released as a single on Garpax Records in August 1962, it was part of a full-length album, The Original Monster Mash, featuring other monster-themed songs. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in late October 1962, coinciding with Halloween.

August 1962: Release of "Monster Mash" Single

In August 1962, Bobby "Boris" Pickett released "Monster Mash" as a single on Garpax Records.

1962: BBC Bans "Monster Mash"

In 1962, the BBC banned "Monster Mash" from airplay because they deemed it "too morbid".

August 1970: Re-release on U.S. Billboard Charts

In August 1970, "Monster Mash" was re-released and appeared on the U.S. Billboard charts.

May 5, 1973: "Monster Mash" Re-enters Billboard Hot 100

On May 5, 1973, "Monster Mash" re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.

May 1973: Re-release on U.S. Billboard Charts

In May 1973, "Monster Mash" reappeared on the U.S. Billboard charts after being re-released.

August 4, 1973: "Monster Mash" Reaches Number One in Canada

On August 4, 1973, "Monster Mash" reached the number one position in Canada.

August 28, 1973: "Monster Mash" Certified Gold

On August 28, 1973, the 1970 reissue of "Monster Mash" was certified Gold for sales of over one million copies.

September 15, 1973: Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" Error

On September 15, 1973, Casey Kasem mistakenly reported that "Monster Mash" had accumulated 40 weeks on the Hot 100, which was later corrected.

1973: Bobby and the Crypt-Kickers Tour

In 1973, Bobby and the Crypt-Kickers toured Dallas and St. Louis around Halloween.

1974: Buck Owens Re-invents "Monsters' Holiday"

In 1974, Buck Owens re-invented "Monsters' Holiday," giving it the title "It's a Monsters' Holiday."

1985: Release of "Monster Rap"

In 1985, Bobby Pickett released "Monster Rap," as a response to the growing popularity of rap music.

1989: Stuart Hersh Begins Managing Pickett

In 1989, Stuart Hersh began managing Bobby Pickett.

1993: Copy of "Monster Mash" Recorded

In 1993, Stuart Hersh and Bobby Pickett recorded a copy of the original "Monster Mash" to undercut Universal, the owners of the track.

1995: Movie Musical Based on "Monster Mash" Released

In 1995, a movie musical based on the song "Monster Mash" starring Bobby Pickett was released.

October 18, 1997: Live Performance on Power Play

On October 18, 1997, The Misfits recorded a live performance of "Monster Mash" which was broadcast from the studio of Power Play.

1997: Misfits Record "Monster Mash" Cover

In 1997, horror punk band the Misfits recorded a cover version of "Monster Mash" for a DVD release promotion.

September 1998: Mad Monster Party? Soundtrack Album Released

In September 1998, Percepto Records released the soundtrack album for Mad Monster Party? using the same Boris Karloff image as the Misfits' single.

October 1999: Physical Release of Misfits' "Monster Mash" Single

In October 1999, the Misfits' "Monster Mash" single was physically released as the first release of the band's new label Misfits Records.

1999: Misfits' "Monster Mash" Single Release

In 1999, the Misfits' version of "Monster Mash" was released as a single.

1999: Release of Misfits "Monster Mash" Single Pressings

In 1999, two separate pressings of the Misfits "Monster Mash" single were released on 7" vinyl.

2001: Inclusion on "Cuts from the Crypt" Compilation Album

In 2001, the Misfits' studio recording of "Monster Mash" was included on their compilation album Cuts from the Crypt.

2003: DVD Version of Mad Monster Party? Released

In 2003, a DVD version of the film Mad Monster Party? was released by Anchor Bay Entertainment.

2003: New version of "Monster Mash" recorded for album

In 2003, the Misfits recorded a new version of "Monster Mash" for their album Project 1950.

2003: Misfits Record New Version for Project 1950

In 2003, the Misfits recorded a new version of "Monster Mash," featuring John Cafiero, for their album Project 1950.

2004: "Monster Slash" Campaign Video

During the 2004 presidential election, Bobby Pickett released "Monster Slash", a campaign video critiquing President George W. Bush's environmental policies.