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Gwar

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Not to be confused withguar,a legume.
This article is about the heavy metal band. For a definition of the term "gwar", see the Wiktionary entrygwar.

Gwar
Gwar live at Riot Fest, 2014
Gwar live atRiot Fest,2014
Background information
OriginRichmond, Virginia,U.S.
Genres
Years active1984–present
Labels
Spinoffs
Spinoff ofDeath Piggy
Members
Past membersList of Gwar members
Websitewww.gwar.net

Gwar,often stylized asGWAR,is an Americanheavy metalband formed inRichmond, Virginia,in 1984, composed of and operated by a frequentlyrotating line-upof musicians, artists, and filmmakers collectively known asSlave Pit Inc.Since the death of frontman and lead singerDave Brockiein 2014, the collective has continued recording and performing without any of its founding artists or musicians.[3]

Identified by their distinctively grotesque costumes, Gwar's core thematic and visual concept revolves around an elaboratescience fiction-themed mythology which portrays the band members as barbaric interplanetary warriors, a narrative which serves as the basis for all of the band's albums, live shows and media. With over-the-top violent, sexual, andscatological humortypically incorporating social and politicalsatire,Gwar has attracted both acclaim and controversy for its music and stage shows, the latter of which notoriously showcase enactments ofgraphic violencethat result in the audience being sprayed with fake blood, urine, and semen. Such stagecraft regularly leads Gwar to be labeled a "shock rock"band by the media.

Since its formation, Gwar has released 15 studio albums, two live albums, and numerous singles amongother recordings,and has sold over 820,000 records in the United States. Fueled largely by the controversies surrounding their concerts, Gwar experienced brief mainstream notoriety during the first half of the 1990s, receiving regular airplay onMTVas well as frequent in-character guest appearances on daytimetalk shows,satirizing the topics ofcensorshipandmedia violence.Though the band's mainstream popularity declined by the end of the 1990s, Gwar has retained a dedicatedcult following.The band's extensivevideographyconsists of both live recordings and long-form feature films, most notably 1992'sPhallus in Wonderland,which earned aGrammy Awardnomination forBest Long Form Music Video.Gwar has also expanded its brand into other areas such asbooks,[4]comic books[5]board games,[6]beer,[7]whisky[8]barbecue sauce,[9]CBD,[10]e-liquids,[11]toy collectibles,[12][13][14]andsex toys.[15]

History

[edit]

Formation and debut (1984–1989)

[edit]

Gwar is the result of two separate projects merged into one. Dave Brockie was the vocalist and bassist for a punk band namedDeath Piggythat staged mini-plays and used crude props to punctuate its music.[16]Bands would occasionally practice in a room at the Richmond Dairy, a desertedbottling plantthat had been taken over byhippies.The hippies rented out interior areas to various artists and musicians. It was at the Richmond Dairy that Death Piggy metHunter Jackson(Techno Destructo) and Chuck Varga (Sexecutioner), both attendees ofVirginia Commonwealth Universitywho had set up "The Slave Pit", a production space forScumdogs of the Universe,a movie they intended to make.[17]

Jackson created props for Death Piggy to use on stage. Brockie had an idea to use the costumes made forScumdogs of the Universeand have Death Piggy open for itself as a barbaric band from Antarctica, playing nonsense songs while sacrificing fake animals. The name of the joke group was "Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh". The members of Death Piggy began noticing that more people were coming to see Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh and leaving immediately after the set. After several refinements, including shortening the band's name, Death Piggy was phased out in favor of the band now named Gwar.

Abuse of anArnold Schwarzeneggercharacter – live at Reds,Edmonton

The first known line-up for Gwar consisted of Ben Eubanks (vocals), Brockie (guitar), Steve Douglas (guitar), Chris Bopst (bass guitar), Jim Thomson (drums) and Jackson. However, this line-up was short-lived and would suffer multiple changes in the following months, with Eubanks quitting after just one or two shows and being replaced by Joe Annaruma, who went on to record several demo tracks with the band. Annaruma quit soon after this, and Brockie became the main vocalist for the band. The band solidified into a line-up consisting of Jackson, Don Drakulich, Varga, Mike Delaney, Mike Bonner, Scott Krahl, Dave Musel and Brockie.[18]

Mike Delaney left in 1987. Dewey Rowell (Flattus Maximus), Michael Bishop (Beefcake the Mighty) and Rob Mosby (Nippleus Erectus) were recruited in 1987, along with Steve Douglas (Balsac the Jaws of Death), who rejoined the band after having previously left.Danielle Stampe(alias: Slymenstra Hymen) joined in 1988 as the first full-time female member of Gwar for the first U.S. tour supporting Gwar's debut albumHell-Oand toured consistently with the band until 2000.The band has also recruited, and lost, three other female members: The Temptress, Heather Broome (1986); Amazina,Colette Miller(1986–87); and Gwar Woman, Lisa Harrelson (1987–88).

The band's debut album,Hell-O,a crossoverthrash metal-punk rockalbum, was released in 1988 underShimmy Disc.The band started touring in support of the album, with Steve Douglas leaving that same year, later to form the alternative band Log, and being replaced by currentrhythm guitaristMichael Derks,who took over Douglas' alias as Balsac the Jaws of Death.

However, the band's line-up underwent further changes before 1990. In 1988, the Slave Pit saw the joining of Bob Gorman, a young, new artist who would help with the art design and fabrication aspects of the band. One year later, in 1989, Rob Mobsy left the band and was replaced by Pete Luchter, who also quit to be replaced temporarily by Jim Thompson, who had been in the band prior to the release ofHell-O.Thompson later quit and was replaced by Brad Roberts, who has since portrayedJizmak Da Gusha.

Scumdogs of the UniverseandThis Toilet Earth(1990–1994)

[edit]

With Gwar's line-up somewhat solidified, the band would set up to recordScumdogs of the Universereleased worldwide on producer Ivan Healy Purvis' label Master Records, a subsidiary ofBlue Beat Records.The album met a moderately large mainstream success and would mark the start of a career under theMetal Blade Recordsrecord label. The band would tour extensively in support for this album,[19]releasing theLive from Antarcticaproduced by Ivan Healy Purvis, VHS tape in July 1990, containing, among other things, the music video for the songSick of You.It was shortly after the video's release when the Slave Pit took in another new, young artist, Matt Maguire, to help out with costume fabrication, as well as illustrations for comics and related material.

In August 1990, the birth of Michael Derks's daughter resulted in his taking a short break from the band. Barry 'D'live' Ward from the bandRich Kids on LSDfilled in on guitar as Balsac during Gwar's 1991 European tour.[20]On September 18, 1990, Brockie wore his "Cuttlefish of Cthulhu" codpiece during a show inCharlotte, North Carolina,resulting in Brockie's arrest and, ultimately, a one-year ban from the band performing in the state ofNorth Carolina- the band would later highlight the absurdity of the case by pointing out that the presiding judge over the case was called Dick Boner.[21]Upon returning home, Gwar filmed its first cameo in a mainstream film,Mystery Date.

Scumdogs of the Universewas originally released through the U.K. label Master before being picked up by Metal Blade in 1991. In the group's hunt for a larger label, they auditioned forRelativity Records,one of the larger independent heavy metal labels. The group failed their audition when they arrived in costume and Slymenstra Hymen broke a blood capsule from hercodpieceonto one of the office chairs, simulating menstruation.

The band suffered further line-up changes during this period, with Dewey Rowell leaving the band in 1991 and not being replaced until 1992 by Pete Lee, after the recording ofAmerica Must Be Destroyed.The Charlotte, North Carolina incident from 1990 was the inspiration for Gwar's third album,America Must Be Destroyed,released in 1992. The album was accompanied by the moviePhallus in Wonderland,which documented the main concept and contained music videos for the album.Phallus in Wonderlandwas nominated for aGrammy Awardin 1993. After recording forThis Toilet Earthwas completed, bassist Mike Bishop left the band. He was replaced by Casey Orr, from the bandRigor Mortis.

This Toilet Earthwas released in 1994, to moderate success. The album received additional attention due to controversy surrounding "B.D.F.", a song that graphically refers to subjects such as sodomy, necrophilia, pre-natal rape, pedophilia and mutilation. 1994 also saw the music videos for "Saddam a Go-Go" and "The Road Behind" being aired onBeavis and Butt-head.This would also mark the beginning of the band straying from their trademark sound, as the album contained several experimental songs as opposed to the punk ofHell-Oand thrash ofScumdogs of the Universe.

Ragnarok,Carnival of ChaosandWe Kill Everything(1995–2000)

[edit]
Gwar started theirEdmontonshow with a simulateddecapitation.

In 1995, Gwar releasedRagnarok,an album characterized by a unique sound, including the use of keyboards, something largely unseen before by the band, as well as a much larger use of secondary vocalists. The record is considered to have been largely unnoticed after the success of the previous three albums. Despite this, the band would record two videos for the album, "Surf of Syn" and "Meat Sandwich" as well as releaseRendezvous with Ragnarokto support the album's plot through footage from the supporting tour. Later that year, the band also made a cameo appearance in the filmEmpire Records.

The band's first side project,X-Cops,would also come to life after the Ragnarok tour, releasing their only full-length album,You Have the Right to Remain Silent...,the same year.

Doomdeveloper,id Software,hired Gwar to produce a showcase space atMicrosoft's Judgement Day event for Halloween of 1995.[22]

Gwar appeared in a video game focusedCircuit Citytelevision advertisement in 1996.[23]

The band's next record would come out in 1997 under the nameCarnival of Chaos,proving to be the epitome of this experimental period containing songs from many different genres, including the classicheavy metal,but alsohard rock,country,and evenjazz.Shortly after the release ofCarnival of Chaos,select members of the Gwar ensemble appeared onThe Jerry Springer Showto discuss the growing trend of "shock rock" and their role as entertainers. Aside from their appearance onThe Joan Rivers Show,this guest appearance is still recognized as one of their most infamous appearances on national TV. In 1998, Gwar fought theskaband,The Aquabats!,during The Ska Parade.[24]

Carnival of Chaoswould be the last album with Pete Lee on guitar, being replaced by Tim Harriss who had previously been in the band around 1986 and was featured as a guest guitarist onAmerica Must Be Destroyed.For the recording ofWe Kill Everythingbetween late 1998 and early 1999,Michael Bishopwould temporarily rejoin the band as the bassist during the absence of Casey Orr. The record, largely influenced bypunk rock,is the band's least favorite album and thus its songs are rarely played live.

Following this, co-founder, Hunter Jackson, left the group in 2000 to focus on personal projects. Danielle Stampe also left the band to focus on a personal project namedGirly Freakshow;however, she rejoined the band temporarily for the Bitch Is Back tour in 2002.

Violence Has Arrivedand the DRT Entertainment years (2001–2009)

[edit]
Gwar in concert inEdmonton

Due to the band's distaste for the previous album, Gwar's sound changed considerably for the next recording. With Tim Harriss gone, Zach Blair was hired to fill his spot asFlattus Maximus,Casey Orr also having returned to the band asBeefcake the Mightyfor the recording of the band's first entirelythrash metalalbum in years:Violence Has Arrived,released on November 6, 2001, the album being seen as a "comeback" of sorts and setting off changes that resulted in the current state of the band.

In 2002Zach Blairleft Gwar to form the power-pop band Armstrong along with drummer Brad Roberts. The band released one album titledDick the Lionhearted.Since February 2007, Blair has been the guitarist forRise Against.

As the band focused on a heavier, more brutal sound near the end of this period, it would also result in the creation of another side project, theDave Brockie Experience,a band created by frontmanDave Brockiealong with rhythm guitarist Mike Derks and drummerBrad Robertsas a way of continuing the comedic sound found on albums likeWe Kill Everythingwhile maintaining a more serious focus in releases by Gwar. They released their first LP on March 20, 2001,Diarrhea of a Madman.

In June 2004, Gwar left Metal Blade and signed withDRT Entertainment.[25]The band left Metal Blade due to the label's perceived lack of faith in the band and the lack of album distribution beyond the US, along with the band's belief that they were funding "shitty bands on the label". Despite this, the band maintained they had no animosity toBrian Slagelor the label in general.[26]

Their first album for the label,War Party,was released in October of that year.The album met with a large underground success, as it followed the same pathViolence Has Arriveddid, but this time with a more serious and technical edge, partially thanks to the efforts of new lead guitarist Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus) and bass guitarist Todd Evans (Beefcake the Mighty). Videos were released for "Bring Back the Bomb" and "War Party," and the band was invited to play on the Sounds of the Underground tour in 2005. That same year the band releasedLive from Mt. Fuji,the band's first live album besides the then extremely rareYou're All Worthless and Weak,released in 2000 (and re-released in 2006) onSlave Pit Records.

In 2004 Gwar teamed up withGrey DeLisle(as the voice of Grandma Stuffum) in theCodename: Kids Next Doorepisode "Operation F. O. O. D. F. I. T. E."; the band was credited as Rawg and the songs "The Private Pain of Techno Destructo", "Morality Squad", and "Gor-Gor" were performed with new lyrics, pertaining to the episode, written for each song.

Disemboweling aParis Hiltoncharacter – part of Gwar show inEdmonton,2004

Gwar began work on their next album, tentatively titledGo to Hell!,in January 2006. That same month, Gwar opened a gallery show called "The Art of Gwar" at Art Space gallery in Richmond to display the many props, costumes, cartoons, paintings produced by The Slave Pit, Gwar's art and effects studio.[27]

On February 23, 2006, Gwar's official website announced Gwar's album, officially titledBeyond Hell,for which, at the urging ofDRT Entertainment,a cover version ofAlice Cooper's "School's Out"was recorded and released.[28]The music video was directed by David Brodsky on July 2, 2006. The part of the "school marm" has been mistakenly identified as Devin Townsend, the producer of theBeyond HellCD. It is actually Scott Krahl, a long-time Gwar "slave" and inventor of Gor-Gor. "School's Out" was nominated for Best Video of 2006 on MTV2'sHeadbanger's Ball.

TheBlood Bath and BeyondDVD was released on June 20, 2006, containing exclusive behind the scenes and vintage footage of the band.

Gwar performed a special "half-time" show at the Sounds Of The Underground 2006 tour. Gwar went on to headline the following year's Sounds of the Underground Tour in 2007.

VocalistOderus Urungusis also featured on the lastStrapping Young LadalbumThe New Blackas a guest vocalist on the song "Far Beyond Metal". Oderus' lines in the song are taken directly from the Gwar song "Maggots" ( "now in the halls of the Necrolord..." etc.). Scott Krahl is in the "School's Out" video as a female teacher, with whom Oderus makes out before mounting "her" at the end of the video.

Beyond Hellwas released on August 29, 2006, with Gwar touring to support the album and being helped by the creation of new props for this tour, including several characters fromBeyond Hell's plot, including Jitler and Jewcifer. Gwar was also present at the third annual Rock & Shock festival from October 13 to 15 as a part of this tour.

In Spring 2008 Todd Evans left Gwar to focus efforts on his project Mobile Deathcamp. Shortly after Todd's departure, Casey Orr was confirmed to return as Beefcake the Mighty.

Sleazy P. Martini returned to the stage with Gwar during their Electile Dysfunction '08 tour.[29]

Twenty-fifth anniversary, return to Metal Blade and death of Cory Smoot (2009–2014)

[edit]

In May 2009, Gwar re-signed with Metal Blade after DRT Entertainment closed down (with the band getting their master tapes from DRT), and the band and celebrated their 25th year of existence.[30][31]

Gwar's eleventh studio album,Lust in Space,was released on August 18, 2009,[32]They performed at the 2009Gathering of the Juggalosand toured nationwide with Lamb of God and Job for a Cowboy.[33]In 2009, Gwar celebrated their 25th year as a band.

The band released a 2009 Christmas vinyl record consisting of a new song titled "Christmas Stripper Summer Weekend" and a liveHell-Omedley.

Oderus Urungus hosted the "Crack-a-Thon" in Brooklyn, New York at the MF Gallery in April 2010. A second Crack-A-Thon followed in 2011.

On November 9, 2010, Gwar released their twelfth studio album,Bloody Pit of Horror.[34][35]

On November 3, 2011, lead guitaristCory Smoot,who had portrayed Flattus Maximus since 2002, was found dead by his fellow band members in the band's tour bus as they prepared to cross the border intoManitoba,Canada fromNorth Dakota.The cause of death was "a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease."[36]On November 4, Dave Brockie officially announced that the character of Flattus Maximus would be retired out of respect to Smoot.[37]

The last single recorded with Smoot was released on December 22, 2011, and is a cover of theDayglo Abortionssong "Isn't This Disgusting". The single was made available on iTunes and appeared on the Dayglo Abortions tribute album in 2012.

Former lead singer-bassistDave Brockie

On April 3, 2012, a television sit-com created by horror filmmaker Adam Green and starring Brockie portraying Oderus Urungus titledHollistondebuted on the FEARnet cable television network. The series starred Oderus as series lead Green's imaginary alien friend who lives in his closet. Brockie toured and appeared with his castmates as Oderus at many live performances ofHollistonacross the United States in 2012 and 2013.

Green appeared on stage with Gwar several times when the band had him introduce their encore performance. The fullHollistoncast was "murdered" on stage and fed to both Gwar's world maggot and meat grinder at several US shows. A third season ofHollistonwas being scripted by Green when Brockie died of a heroin overdose in March 2014.

Cannabis Corpseguitarist Brent Purgason took over the late Cory Smoot's role under the name Pustulus Maximus in late 2012,[38]making his first appearance with the band in a video onThe A.V. Clubof the band playing a cover ofKansas' 1976 hit tune "Carry on My Wayward Son".[39]In September 2013 Gwar's thirteenth studio album, titledBattle Maximus,was released.[40]Promotional activities for the record included a video of Gwar coveringBilly Ocean's "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" and The Who's "Baba O'Riley",[41]and a one-offFunny Or Dieanimated cartoonproduced by Myke Chilian and Gwar titledThe Animated Tales of Gwar.[42]

Death of Dave Brockie, GwarBar, and future (2014–present)

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On March 23, 2014, Dave Brockie, age 50, was found dead by a roommate in hisRichmond, Virginia,apartment.[43]The cause of death was later confirmed to be aheroin overdose.[44][45]Brockie's death left the collective without any of its founding artists or musicians.

The surviving members of Gwar and the Slave Pit released a video statement to announce the creation of the David Brockie Foundation, a charity fund for the encouragement of future talent and the preservation of Brockie's body of work. Their first goal with the foundation was to construct a memorial monument to him in Richmond to provide a place of respect for the former frontman of Gwar.[46]Former bassist Mike Bishop, the original Beefcake the Mighty, re-joined the band as vocalist for their first performance without Brockie at the fifth Gwar B-Q at Hadad's Lake.[47]The performance was preceded by a public memorial service the day before,[48]the singer's Oderus Urungus character was given aViking funeral.

Gwar played at the following month'sRiot Festin Chicago and went back on tour in December 2014, with new character Vulvatron, played by Kim Dylla.[49][50][51]They also appeared again in an A.V Club video, playing a cover of the Pet Shop Boys' "West End Girls" which transitioned into "People Who Died" by Jim Carroll—as a tribute to Cory Smoot, Dave Brockie and other friends of Gwar who have since passed on.[52]Kim Dylla was released from the band at the end of 2014.[53]In October 2016 Gwar releasedThe Blood of Gods,their first album without founding member and longtime vocalist Brockie.[54][55]

In January 2015, GwarBar (stylized as GWARbar) opened in theJackson Wardneighborhood of Richmond, Virginia.[56]Mike Derksand Travis Croxton, Richmond's "Restaurateur of the Year 2014," co-own the upscale dive bar. Derks, who also serves as executive chef, collaborated with head chef Jeremy Dutra to create the restaurant's menu. The band's website describes the bar as "a fantasy land of food and beverage, catering to everyone from local punk metal freaks, rock stars, businessmen, celebrity chefs and starving artists."[57]On May 29, 2020, the restaurant opened its long-planned outdoor beer garden after being closed to indoor dining for two months as a result of theCOVID-19 pandemic.

In February 2019, Jamison Land left the band and Casey Orr later returned to fill the role of Beefcake once again. A remixed and remastered 30th anniversary edition ofScumdogs of the Universewas released the following year and on day of release the band broadcast an anniversary reunion concert where the album was performed in its entirety for the first time. Dubbed "Scumdogs XXX Live," it marked the first time that Gwar co-founder Hunter Jackson had directly worked with the band since his departure in 2000.[58][59]

The Disc with No Name,a limited edition picture disc containing four acoustic renditions of previously released songs, was released in May 2021.[60]The band embarked on a Scumdogs 30th anniversary tour, featuring co-founder Hunter Jackson,[61]and released theScumdogs XXX Liveconcert album.[62]On June 3, 2022, Gwar released their fifteenth studio album,The New Dark Ages,alongside a graphic novel,Gwar in The Duoverse of Absurdity,released by Z2 Comics.[63]In July 2023, Gwar performed onNPR's Tiny Desk Concert. The band dedicated their final song toOderus Urungus.[64]On November 5, 2023, Purgason announced his departure from the band after eleven years of membership, noting that he was leaving on good terms and would still be involved in some capacity behind the scenes.[65]

On November 21, 2023,Balsac the Jaws of Deathannounced that he was co-writing a Gwar movie entitledGwar Must Die.[66]

Gwar-B-Q

[edit]

From 2009 to 2016 Gwar hosted an annual festival in Richmond, VA called "Gwar-B-Q". The festival boasted of barbecue, rock-and-roll vendors, a haunted house of sorts (which "bohabs" can visit to be spewed and bled upon[67]) and live music. Held at Hadad's Lake, a natural water park in Richmond, Gwar-B-Q quickly grew into a destination event having hosted bands likeClutch,Down,Dead Earth Politics,Cancer Bats, andThe Dickies.[68]At the 2014 Gwar-B-Q, the first since Dave Brockie's death, the singer's Oderus Urungus character was given aViking funeral,with his stage costume burned on a funeral pyre on Hadad's Lake.[69]

Etymology

[edit]

Despite various explanations that Gwar is an acronym for something (such as "God what an awful racket" ),[1]band members have consistently stated that the letters do not stand for anything. The official website ofSlave Pit Inc.indicates that Gwar is a shortened version of "Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh", the name the band used originally when opening forDeath Piggy.

Band members

[edit]
Main article:List of Gwar members

Current members

[edit]
  • Mike Derks (Balsac the Jaws of Death) – rhythm guitar (1988–present)
  • Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha) – drums (1989–present)
  • Matt Maguire (Sawborg Destructo) – co-lead vocals (1994–1996, 2009–present)
  • Bob Gorman (Bonesnapper) – backing vocals (1995–1996, 2014–present)
  • Michael Bishop(Blöthar the Berserker) – lead vocals (2014–present), (Beefcake the Mighty) – bass, backing vocals (1987–1993, 1998–1999)
  • Casey Orr (Beefcake the Mighty) – bass, backing vocals (1994–1997, 1999–2002, 2008–2011, 2019–present)
  • Tommy Meehan (Grodius Maximus) - lead guitar, backing vocals (2024-present)

Former members

[edit]

Vocalists

  • Ben Eubanks (Johnny Slutman) – vocals (1984)
  • Dave Brockie(Oderus Urungus) – rhythm guitar (1984–1986), vocals, bass (1986–2014; died 2014)[70]
  • Joe Annaruma (Joey Slutman) – vocals (1985–1986)
  • Don Drakulich (Sleazy P. Martini) – backing vocals (1986–1995, 2017)
  • Danielle Stampe(Slymenstra Hymen) – vocals, fire breathing, fire dancer (1988–2000, 2002)
  • Chuck Varga (Sexecutioner) – vocals (1986–1996, 2000–2002, 2014–2017)
  • Hunter Jackson (Techno Destructo) – vocals (1984–1987, 1990–1999)
  • Kim Dylla (Vulvatron) – vocals (2014)[71]

Guitarists

  • Russ Bahorsky (Mr. Magico) – lead guitar (1984)
  • Ron Curry (Stephen Sphincter) – lead guitar (1985–1986)
  • Greg Ottinger (Cornelius Carnage) – lead guitar (1986–1987)
  • Steve Douglas (Balsac the Jaws of Death) – rhythm guitar (1987–1988)
  • Dewey Rowell (Flattus Maximus) – lead guitar (1987–1991)
  • Pete Lee (Flattus Maximus) – lead guitar (1992–1998)
  • Tim Harriss (Flattus Maximus) – lead guitar (1998–1999)
  • Zach Blair(Flattus Maximus) – lead guitar (1999–2002)
  • Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus) – lead guitar (2002–2011; died 2011)[72]
  • Brent Purgason (Pustulus Maximus) – lead guitar, backing vocals (2012–2023)

Bassists

  • Chris Bopst (Balsac) – bass (1984–1987)
  • Todd Evans (Beefcake the Mighty) – bass (2002–2008)[73]
  • Jamison Land (Beefcake the Mighty) – bass, backing vocals (2011–2019)

Drummers

  • Sean Sumner – drums (1984; died 1996)
  • Jim Thomson (Hans Sphincter /Hans Orifice) – drums (1985–1987, 1989)
  • Rob Mosby (Nippleus Erectus) – drums (1987–1988)
  • Pete Luchter (Lee Beato) – drums (1989)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article:Gwar discography

Grammy Awards and nominations

[edit]

Gwar has been nominated for twoGrammy Awards,but lost toAnnie LennoxandNine Inch Nails.

References

[edit]
  1. ^abHuey, Steve.Biography of GWARatAllMusic.Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  2. ^"Cartoonish alt-metalists GWAR will wreak havoc at the Knitting Factory | the Spokesman-Review".
  3. ^"GWAR Frontman Dave Brockie (Oderus Urungus) Dead At 50".Archivedfrom the original on December 6, 2022.RetrievedDecember 6,2022.
  4. ^"GWAR History Revisited in 'Let There Be GWAR' Book".Loudwire.com.May 6, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  5. ^"GWAR to Release 'Orgasmageddon' Comic in June".Loudwire.com.March 28, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  6. ^"GWAR Begin Crowdfunding New Card Game".Decibelmagazine.com.July 30, 2019.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  7. ^"GWAR, Cigar City Brewing team up for latest mix of bands and beers".Tampa Bay Times.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  8. ^Watman, Max (July 29, 2021)."Yes, Heavy-Metal Band GWAR Has a Rye Whiskey and It's Good".Thedailybeast.com.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  9. ^Necci, Marilyn Drew (March 11, 2013)."GWAR Presents The World Premiere Of GWAR-B-Q Sauce".Rvamag.com.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  10. ^"GWAR Officially Launch 'Bud of Gods' Signature CBD Line".Loudwire.com.March 17, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  11. ^"GWAR launch GWAR Fluids," the most delicious E-liquids in the entire universe "".Consequence.net.May 1, 2014.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  12. ^"Gwar Officially Licensed Premium Vinyl Figure!".
  13. ^"GWAR Series 1 Figure Set Bundle (Blothar, Beefcake and Jizmak)".Knuckleheadz Toys.RetrievedDecember 18,2022.
  14. ^"GWAR - 5" Action Figure Collection ".
  15. ^"Cuttlefish of Cthulhu".Bad-Dragon.com.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
  16. ^Helber, Bob; Tartan, Frances; O'Hara, Gail (September 15, 1987)."Death Piggy Spews and GWAR Too".Commonwealth Times.Richmond Va. pp. 1, 12–13.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
  17. ^"Years 1984 – 1989".Timeline.Slave Pit Inc. January 8, 2005.RetrievedAugust 14,2008.
  18. ^Helber, Bob (November 4, 1986)."Halloween with GWAR".Commonwealth Times.Richmond Va. p. 14.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
  19. ^Pollock, Matt; Johns, Jim (September 18, 1990)."A firsthand account of the mayhem that is GWAR".Commonwealth Times.Richmond Va. pp. 1, 10–11.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
  20. ^Sharpe-Young, Garry. (2005).New Wave of American Heavy Metal.Zonda Books Limited. p. 162.ISBN0-958268-40-1.
  21. ^Everley, Dave (July 15, 2022)."Metal, cosmic barbarians and a judge called Dick Boner: the glorious grotesquery of Gwar".the Guardian.
  22. ^Kushner, David (2003).Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture.Random House Publishing Group.ISBN978-0-375-50524-9.
  23. ^"GWAR - Circuit City Commercial 1996".YouTube.September 4, 2006.Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2021.
  24. ^"GWAR vs The Aquabats on The Ska Parade; RIP Dave Brockie | Boston Ska (dot) net".Bostonska.net.March 24, 2014.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  25. ^Billboard Staff (June 18, 2004)."GWAR Inks With DRT".Billboard.RetrievedMarch 20,2022.
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