GWAR is a shock rock band formed in Richmond, Virginia, in 1984. The band is best known for its elaborate sci-fi/horror film inspired costumes with raunchy obscene lyrics.

They have graphic stage performances which consist of the mutilation of stuffed dolls versions of political and pop icons of the time.

I showed up for the show a couple hours before the doors opened, so I sat and waited with a friend. We met a few other people waiting to get in, dressed in Tripp pants and GWAR t-shirts from previous shows. Anxious, we made our way into Bogarts at 7:30 P.M., and found ourselves a spot near the stage.

The first band that came on was no one special, so we didn’t pay attention. Same goes for the band which played after them. But then, the well known punk group, the Casualties, came on stage, and people went ballistic! Mosh pits and pogoing were spreading like a disease across the club. People were beginning to get pumped up and adrenaline high for the band on deck: GWAR.

Smoke and flashing lights filled the stage, with loud roars and growls to follow it. The six band members walked on stage in elaborate costumes, unique to each different member. The costumes cover very little, with the rest of their bodies accentuated with makeup. Two of the members walked on stage with zombie costumes. Their heads fell back, breaking their necks and spraying the audience with fake blood.

They played a couple of songs, consisting of heavy power chord guitar strumming and raunchy vocals.

The audience went absolutely wild in delight and disgust at what was going on right in front of their eyes, although the majority of people expected it.

GWAR is an 80’s shock rock band known for it’s unpredictable antics and stain produced fun, and on that breezy October night, they definitely proved that to every one of their fans, old and new.