11 reasons you have to see GWAR at Warped Tour this year
[Photo “Gwar Back to So36” by Montecruz Foto is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]
The shock-metal band GWAR is not for everybody. The band have not only been considered offensive for their actions onstage, but they’ve also been known for being gross and over-the-top. And, may we add, funny as hell.
But that shouldn’t keep you from seeing them at Warped Tour this year — especially all you non-metal fans. Here are 11 reasons why.
Read more: 10 artists who harnessed the power of the Halloween costume onstage
1. First Warped Tour appearance
This year will be GWAR’s first Warped Tour ever. Though the short show format might change aspects of their “high lowbrow” production, they will most likely cram in plenty of their signature calling cards, making Warped Tour a good condensed version of the full GWAR experience.
2. Spew
This might not be everyone’s thing, but GWAR shows are famous for spraying what they call spew: fake blood and bodily fluids on the crowd. Still, in the middle of a hot summer Warped Tour, the dyed water might be somewhat… refreshing? Wear white and get as close to the stage as possible.
3. Mosh pit
Mosh pits are no stranger to Warped Tour shows, and GWAR’s audience will be no different. Their shows commonly include manical circle pits — so be prepared.
4. Costumes
When it comes to intricate costumes, no one comes close to GWAR. (Except maybe Cher in Las Vegas, re-enacting the bucket of blood scene in the movie Carrie.) Each member of the band has large, detailed mask and chest piece, as well as clawed feet to make them look like alien creatures. Which, in 90-degree heat, will be harder to pull off with 35 pounds of latex strapped to their carcasses.
5. Character
Beyond just the costumes, GWAR members stay in full alien character throughout their concert. They refer to people as “humans,” hurl some nasty insults and have different people get eaten by a worm monster at some of their shows. And they're always kind of angry.
6. Timelessness
GWAR started in 1984 and have endured many lineup changes. None of the starting musicians exist in the current lineup and there are no plans for the band to slow down.
GWAR drummer Brad Roberts said in an interview that “GWAR is gonna last a thousand years with or without its past or current members. The idea is just too genius.”
7. Huge range of music
In addition to 13 different albums, the band is famous for covering a bunch of classic rock songs. There’s plenty for GWAR to pick from for their Warped Tour set lists.
8. Part concert, part theater
With their elaborate costumes and staged events, GWAR concerts go beyond just music and mix in a ton of theatrics with their live shows. These theatrics include moments like onstage crucifixions and stabbings. In 1999, AP had John Pecorelli go on tour with GWAR, and the writer ended up onstage dressed like the Pope—with hilarious and positively gorey circumstances.
9. Politics (mostly incorrect)
GWAR aren’t afraid to get political with their performances (although their political point is sometimes hard to see through the blood and gore). They’ve had theatrical killings of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin onstage. They also staged a battle between Clinton and Donald Trump at Riot Fest.
10. Humor
Okay, so not everyone is going to think GWAR are funny. But a lot of people will. The band’s gross, over-sexualized, violent theatrics is all an act so over-the-top that it appeals to a certain kind of dark humor. And they give hilarious interviews.
11. Cult following
GWAR have never been super-popular in the mainstream music world, but they do have a huge cult following. This means that their Warped Tour performances could draw crowds of GWAR fans to the audience, giving a fuller taste to what a full GWAR concert would be like.
