Prepare for an otherworldly onslaught as Gwar, masters of shock rock, invade the stage with their outrageous costumes, theatrical antics, and ferocious heavy metal.
First band of the evening was a side project band that is compromised of members of the band Gwar, X-Cops. They are described to most as an alternative metal band. Members include Michael Derks on guitar (a.k.a Lt Louie Scrapinetti,) Pete Lee on guitar, (a.k.a Sgt. Al Depantsia) Casey Orr on vocals, (a.k.a Sheriff Tubb Tucker) Brad Roberts on vocals, (a.k.a Mountain Bike Officer Biff Buff) Bob Gorman on vocals, (a.k.a Sgt Mason Zypygski Zipper Pig) Officer Ed Banger on bass, and Inmate #8048675309 on drums.
As they entered the stage the members were all dressed in cop uniforms with their own character. The fans cheered as they heard the opening notes to “Interloper” as the band came on stage. The fans were really into their look and music. They continued their set with “Zipper Pig,” “Kinderhardened,” and “Light Em Up.”
They eneded their set with “Welcome to New Jersey,” and “You Fucked Up.” They put on an amazing show and one that fans will never forget.
Next act up was Canadian hardcore punk band from Toronto, Ontario Cancer Bats. They have seven studio albums and six extended plays. The band is currently composed of lead vocalist Liam Cormier, drummer Mike Peters and bassist/guitarist Jaye R. Schwarzer. The band are also currently joined by touring guitarist Jackson Landry, following the departure of founding guitarist Scott Middleton in 2021.
From the opening chords, it was evident that Bats were masters of their craft, seamlessly blending genres to create a sound that defied conventional classification. Lead vocalist, Luna, commanded the stage with her mesmerizing presence, her haunting vocals weaving tales of love, loss, and redemption. Each lyric was imbued with raw emotion, drawing listeners into a hypnotic trance.
Their setlist was nothing short of emotion, power, love, excentric and mix of raw talent. They played songs which included, “Pneumonia Hawk,” “The Hoof,” “Hammering On,” and Sorceress.” This setlist showcased the raw talent of the band and the fans were on their feet screaming and cheering. The fans were soaking in every minute.
As the final notes faded into the night, there was a collective sense of euphoria lingering in the air. Bats had delivered a transcendent performance that left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness.
Finally, the band that everyone was waiting with much anticipation for was about to hit the stage. The Amerian heavy metal band formed in Richmond, VA in 1984 was Gwar.
Identified by their distinctively grotesque costumes, Gwar’s core thematic and visual concept revolves around an elaborate science fiction-themed mythology which portrays the band members as barbaric 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, and scatological humor typically incorporating social and political satire, Gwar has attracted both acclaim and controversy for its music and stage shows, the latter of which notoriously showcase enactments of graphic violence that 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.
From the first beat of “Battle Bust,” the fans were on their feet waiting for the band to hit the stage. The fans had now made their way to the front of the stage and had pushed the fans up against the barriers in the first few rows. Some of the fans were squeezed against the barricade trying to get a front row seat to the graphic violence they were about to witness. They were waiting to get sprayed by the fluids that would be sprayed from the stage onto the fans in front.
The fans were singing and jumping along to all the songs that were performed. Some of the songs included “Mother Fu**king Lier,” “The Cutter,” “Completely Fu**ed,” and Immortal Corrupter,” During the song “Maggots,” they brought out a character to resemble Joe Biden. He was being humilited and had fluid spraying from him into the crowd.
Throught the night they had different characters come to the stage so they could anilate them and spray blood, urnine and seman all over the fans. The fans were loving this and trying to soak up every inch of the spray they could. They wanted to be completely covered by the band. The fans were screaming and wanting more.
They ended their performance with “Sick Of You,” “Fishffu**,” and “Fu** This Place.”
As the final chords of “Fu** This Place echoed into the night, there was a lingering sense of euphoria—a testament to Gwar’s enduring legacy as pioneers of shock rock. In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Gwar reminds us to embrace the absurd and revel in the chaos. Long live the masters of mayhem, long live Gwar.
GWAR
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Cancer Bats
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