GWAR live @ Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA [11-05-24]

I love it when your love of a band is born from a chance meeting. I didn’t know having my teeth cleaned was going to lead to long-lasting love of Gwar, but as my dental hygienist was making small talk, we somehow, SOMEHOW, came to the topic of music and she highly recommended I check out Gwar. I had heard of them and always thought of them as a joke band, but the joke was on me. As I heard more of their music in the following ten years, it’s become clear that this band is just here for a good time, and they’re bringing us catchy riffs, great hooks, and an endearing concept along with it. Who says metal bands don’t have a sense of humor?

I unfortunately missed the boat on seeing Gwar with Dave Brockie, and was surprised they were continuing without him, but after watching the This is Gwar documentary it made perfect sense. Gwar is about the music and the art and a band whose concept has evolved as members have come and gone. Gwar will always continue as long as there is a drive to do it. I knew I had to see them live as soon as possible and thanked my lucky stars they were playing one of the best venues in Boston and a cozy medium-sized club.

I was preparing myself for the spectacle of their show, but was still feeling a little uneasy. This is election night. Shouldn’t I be at home glued to my TV, or computer, or phone? But then again, how often does anyone get to say they were at a Gwar show at election night. So, on to the show I went, with a change of clothes packed, and cautiously positioned myself in the balcony, bracing myself for any simulated bodily fluid that would get gushed in my direction.

Don’t let their name fool you, because Gwar is high art. As it’s an election year the show’s concept revolved around the candidates and previous presidents, as well as a healthy dose of maiming and decapitation. Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, George Bush, Ronald Reagan, Abe Lincoln and Robert E Lee all spoke their piece, and all were sacrificed to the rock gods, with blood raining on the audience. I finally understood why there were so many white shirts in the audience. All these stains were going to become a badge of honor. Gwar themselves put on a metal show of epic proportions, effortlessly making their way through a setlist that contained old favorites like Maggots, Sick of You, Biledriver, Happy Death-day, and Ham on the Bone, as well as fresher cuts like Berzerker, Mother Fucking Liar, Rise Again and Completely Fucked. New lead singer Blothar is a formidable frontman and natural for the role. The spectacle of it all was engrossing, well staged, and paired with the music, very very fun.

After coming home from my bike ride, I checked my phone to see how the election results were coming along. Maybe that wasn’t the best idea. I looked down at my white shirt, which I was very proud of keeping spotless after the show but also a little disappointed. At least I had Gwar to think about. In these times, going to their shows is the most sensible thing an American can go.

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