Former Misfits lead singer Michale Graves has officially signed a new contract with Epochal Artists Records, a label operating under the TLG umbrella and distributed by Virgin Music Group.
To kick off the new partnership, the vocalist is hitting the road this spring for his “God Bless America Tour 2026.” Moving away from a traditional punk rock setup, he plans to deliver a much more stripped-down and personal set of shows.
“These shows on my ‘God Bless America Tour‘ will be an intimate, story-driven live experience that blends acoustic music, testimony, and storytelling,” said Michale Graves.
TLG president Denny Sanders explained the recent shift in direction for Epochal Artists Records, noting that the imprint will now focus entirely on Christian rock releases.
“Epochal Artists Records is a label I’ve had for awhile, and I’ve put out some great rock records under that moniker in the past. My wife always said that it sounded like the name of a Christian label and now it is. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I feel the time is right.”
Discussing his new creative home, the singer noted that his current artistic and spiritual goals line up perfectly with the label’s specific mission.
Graves added: “Signing with Epochal Artists Records marks an important new chapter for me in my career. In many ways, it is going back to where I began. The first dream in my heart as a young man was to be a musician and a preacher. That calling has always been part of everything I’ve done along the way to where I find myself today in music and in life. The preacher part might take a minute, but I’ll continue to work on it.”
“Denny Sanders‘s vision for developing artists who openly share their faith in Jesus and use music as a testimony aligns perfectly with where I am creatively and spiritually right now. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring new music — and so much more — forward with a team that believes in using art to glorify God, spread goodwill, and connect with people in a meaningful way,” he concluded.
“God Bless America Tour 2026” Dates:
- April 3 — Online Acoustic Performance
- April 18 — Corona, CA — Rockafellas
- April 19 — Los Angeles, CA — Whisky A Go Go
- April 20 — Sonora, CA — Sonora Game Room
- May 7 — Lafayette, LA — Daiquiri Leaf
- May 8 — St. Charles, LA — Freetown Boom Boom
- May 10 — Daytona, FL — Bam Bams
- May 11 — Ocala, FL — O’Malley’s
- May 17 — Panama City Beach, FL — The Kraken
Earlier in February this year, Michale Graves‘ several UK shows were called off following backlash over his past far-right comments and activities.
In 2020, Graves aligned himself with the Proud Boys and was present in Washington, D.C. on January 6th, 2021, where he was scheduled to perform at a private event for the group. He also later appeared as a character witness in defense of some individuals involved in the Capitol riot.
Amid the controversy, a city councillor in the UK labeled the punk singer a “fas*ist” and called on The Marrs Bar in Worcester, England, to cancel his performance which was scheduled for February 20th.
Councillor Neil Laurenson said: “It’s incredibly disappointing that the Marrs Bar has made the decision not to cancel the gig. Michale Graves has been cancelled across the UK, and I find it embarrassing that Worcester is still on the gig list. I think The Marrs Bar should cancel the Michale Graves gig, as other venues have done in Bradford, Glasgow, Sheffield, Portsmouth, Swansea, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Camden, Reading and Oxford.”
Laurenson further intensified his criticism, pointing to Graves’ past support of the Proud Boys as well as a 2024 performance in Israel as additional reasons for concern.
“Michale Graves is a fas*ist. He supports the Proud Boys and performed in Israel, a g*nocidal state, in July 2024. I think it would send a powerful message that fas*ists are not welcome in Worcester if the gig was cancelled.”
In response, Graves shared an extensive statement on Instagram, defending his remaining European tour dates and addressing the recent cancellations.
“Over the past days, I’ve become aware of an aggressive online campaign of organizations and individuals focused on my upcoming shows in Europe.”
“I respect that people may hold different opinions or choose not to attend these shows. I am very concerned that venues, staff members, and people simply doing their jobs are now being placed under significant pressure and distress and in some instances being threatened to simply show up at there [sic] job.”
“I want to be very clear: my shows are about music, community, and shared passion. I do not promote violence, hatred, or harm, and those who have attended my performances know that my focus has always been bringing people together through music. All are welcome. The live music scene should remain a safe and inclusive space for everyone — artists, fans, venue staff, and local communities alike. No one should feel unsafe or intimidated for participating in or supporting live music events.”
“If my music is not for you, I fully respect your choice not to attend. However, I respectfully ask that disagreements remain peaceful and that the hardworking people behind these venues are treated with respect. I look forward to performing for those who wish to be there and sharing music in a positive, safe and respectful environment.”
Graves fronted the Misfits from 1995 to 2000, performing on the albums American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999).
