Sometimes things align perfectly in life. That was certainly the case with Halloween 2019 at Gas Monkey Live. The costumed crowd was here to experience the blood, guts, and debauchery that only Gwar can bring. I have seen this band many times over the past two decades and every single time I still feel a sense of excitement of what new horrors and laughs they are going to provide. New this time around is also the addition of DFW musician, Casey Orr, as Beefcake The Mighty. This is a role that he has performed off and on since 1994, between stints with Rigor Mortis, Ministry, and Warbeast.
Gwar’s set started with a video depicting an intergalactic judge putting the band on trial for their numerous crimes throughout the universe and proceeded with the band defending themselves of the accusations. As the judge called forth testimony from an unnamed person, Gwar invaded the stage to immediately decapitated him before he could get too far into his tale of crimes committed. As the night progressed, many people were assaulted, decapitated, and sacrificed to keep the intergalactic terror under wraps and every spray of bodily fluid brought the cheers from the crowd to a higher pitch.
No one has ever said that Gwar is a group of top-class musicians, but that is not the point of a Gwar show. To truly enjoy the show, you must embrace the spectacle as a whole. Everything is complimentary and the intensity of blood-spewing mayhem was rivaled only by the inclusion of classics like “Maggots,” “Sick of You,” and “Bring Back the Bomb.” The theatrics were absurdly breathtaking. The monologues, the skits, the whole deal. The detail placed in this spectacle is magnificent, from every blade to every costume, the attention to detail is remarkable.
After a 30 year career it is clear that the band still cares about keeping the spirit of Gwar alive. I have no doubt that they will be back just as heinous and offensive as ever next time.
– Robb Miller
