Gwar
| GWAR | |
|---|---|
 Beefcake the Mighty and Flattus Maximus, 2004 |
|
| General information | |
| Genre (s) | Thrash metal , heavy metal , hardcore punk |
| founding | 1985 |
| Website | http://www.gwar.net/ |
| Current occupation | |
| Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie) † | |
| Balsac the Jaws of Death (Mike Derks) | |
guitar |
Flattus Maximus (Cory Smoot) † |
| Beefcake the Mighty (Casey Orr) | |
| Jizmak Da Gusha (Brad Roberts) | |
GWAR is a satirical thrash metal , hardcore punk , and shock rock band formed in 1985 by artists and musicians from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia . The band is known for their elaborate costumes inspired by science fiction and horror films ; harsh, obscene, mostly politically incorrect texts and their appearance at concerts, the result of humorous imitations or explanations of fecal language, sadomasochism, necrophilia, pedophilia , sodomy, fire-breathing, pagan rituals, satanism , executions , fights, torture, rape, racism, anti-Christian behavior , Suicide, drug use, alcoholism and other controversial, political and morally controversial issues.
Their costumes are mostly made of foam , expanded polystyrene, and hardened rubber, with little covering of their bodies. At concerts, they spray the audience with fake blood , semen , urine , pus and other body fluids. Most of these fluids, which are easily washed out, are made up of water and food coloring. However, they refrain from using syrup as an ingredient, as it hardens quickly and could damage the costumes. It also often happens that they give encores without costumes.
Another hallmark of GWAR's live performances is their mockery of celebrities or other personalities of current events. So far, this has happened to the chagrin of OJ Simpson , John Kerry , George W. Bush , Barack Obama and every American president since Ronald Reagan , Jerry García , Osama bin Laden , Michael Jackson , Al Gore , Paris Hilton , Arnold Schwarzenegger and many others. The band also makes references to political and historical figures, fantasy novels and mythology. For example, the song “Whargoul” refers to Minas Morgul, a location in JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings .
genre
Originally, the style of the band was influenced by punk rock : in the beginning they composed short, rather simple songs. This style developed over time in Thrash Metal, which can be heard primarily on the albums "Scumdogs of the Universe", "America Must Be Destroyed" and "This Toilet Earth". Later, their increasingly experimental style put this heavy metal style in the shade and GWAR mixed different styles of music, which can be heard more and more on the albums "RagNaRock" and "Carnival of Chaos". 1999 showed a similar sound with the album "We Kill Everything", which is why this was rejected by the band as their worst album. Because of this, they returned to Thrash Metal with "Violence Has Arrived", which later developed into an even more technically demanding form of Thrash. This can be seen in the albums "War Party" and "Beyond Hell".
Band name
The origin and meaning of the name is still causing discussions among fans today. A widespread thesis is that GWAR stands for “God, What an Awful Racket!” (“God, what a terrible noise!”). Another rumor has it that the name comes from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' graphic novel " Watchmen, " which reads "Pink Triangle LIVE at the Gay Women Against Rape Benefit Concert" on a sign. Another explanation says that once a friend of the band Death Piggy (predecessor of GWAR) wanted to suggest the band name, but instead vomited and this made a noise that was similar to the wording of "GWAR".
However, the band members insist that the letters of the name have no further meaning, so "GWAR" is not an abbreviation. In fact, the official website of Slave Pit Inc. confirms that “GWAR” is just a shortened version of “GWAARGGGH !!!”. They originally used this name for themselves to open their own concerts for Death Piggy as a support band.
Dave Brockie, singer and co-founder of the band, is also quoted as saying: “... it doesn't mean Gay Woman Against Rape. It doesn't mean Great White Aryan Race. It doesn't mean Gay Weird Anal Reprobates. It doesn't even mean God What an Awful Racket. It just means GWAR, which means everything pretty much. "(In short:" It just means GWAR and that could just as well mean anything. ")
biography
1984-1989
The band was the result of two different projects that were merged into one. Dave Brockie was the lead singer of the punk band Death Piggy , who often rehearsed in a room at the Richmond Dairy, an abandoned bottling plant. There they met Hunter Jackson and Chuck Varga, both students at Virginia Commonwealth University, who founded the so-called "Slave Pit" to produce the film Scumdogs of the universe . Soon Jackson was creating props for Death Piggy to use on stage. Sometimes they wore the costumes Jackson and Varga made for their film in order to support themselves under the name "GWAARGGGH !!!" Over time, GWAR then completely replaced Death Piggy.
At the beginning, GWAR consisted of Ben Eubanks (vocals), Dave Brockie (guitar), Steve Douglas (guitar), Chris Bopst (bass), Sean Summer (drums) and Hunter Jackson. This line-up changed several times in the following months: Eubanks left the band and was first replaced as singer by Joe Annaruma and this later by Dave Brockie. Ultimately, the band consisted of Hunter Jackson, Don Drakulich (alias Sleazy P. Martini), Chuck Varga, Mike Bonner, Scott Krahl, Dave Musel and Dave Brockie (alias Oderus Urungus, who from now on only sang). A short time later, Heather Broome (aka The Temptress) and Colette Miller joined them.
Heather Broome soon left the band, however, and Dewey Rowell ( Flattus Maximus ), Michael Bishop ( Beefcake the Mighty ) and Rob Mosby ( Nippleus Erectus ) reunited in 1987 with Steve Douglas ( BalSac the Jaws of Death ), who had previously worked for the band had left for a short time. Lisa Harrelson became the new "GWAR Woman", replacing Colette Miller that same year. With this line-up, the debut album Hell-O , a mixture of heavy metal and punk rock , was released on the Shimmy Disc Records label in 1988.
After the band went on tour, Steve Douglas left the band that same year and was replaced by current rhythm guitarist Mike Derks. This took over the role of BalSac the Jaws of Death .
Further changes took place up to 1990: Rob Mosby left the band in 1989 and was replaced by Pete Luchter, who quickly made way for Jim Thompson. Ultimately, Jim Thompson was also replaced, this time by GWAR's current drummer Brad Roberts. This took over the role of Jizmak Da Gusha .
1990-1994
With some solid band members, they released an album that was considered one of their best for years to come, "Scumdogs of the Universe". The album had moderate mainstream success and started GWAR's career under the Metal Blade Records label. The band went on tour and in July 1990 released the video "Live from Antarctica", a recording of a GWAR concert, which among other things contains the first music video: "Sick of You".
Then there were further changes in the line-up: Dewey Rowell left the band in 1991, only to be replaced by Pete Lee in 1992, which only happened after the album "America Must Be Destroyed" was recorded.
However, your success should not be without controversy. GWAR was banned from North Carolina for a while because Dave Brockie wore his "Cuttlefish of Cthulu," a dummy penis, during concerts, which led to his arrest. This event inspired GWAR to record America Must Be Destroyed. The album was accompanied by the film "Phallus in Wonderland", which was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 1993. That year, Mike Bishop left the band after "This Toilet Earth" was recorded to be replaced by Casey Orr, who had previously played in Rigor Mortis .
"This Toilet Earth" was released in 1994 and achieved moderate success with the broadcast of the videos for "Saddam a Go-Go" and "Jack the World" on Beavis and Butthead . At the same time, this album began GWAR's removal from its original sound, as it contained a large number of experimental songs instead of focusing on heavy metal .
1995-2000
During the past few years, GWAR has managed to build a fan base, but its mainstream success has also declined, accompanied by some changes among the band members. GWAR has now reached a phase that members (especially Dave Brockie) consider to be a low point. They began to experiment with obscure genres even more than before.
Under these circumstances they released “RagNaRok” in 1995, an album that is characterized by its unique sound, in which, among other things, much more keyboards and, above all, sampling were used. Apart from that, the band recorded two videos for this album, "Surf of Syn" and "Meat Sandwich", as well as "Rendesvous with RagNaRok", a film that tells the story of the album through live recordings.
After the tour, the first side project, "X-Cops", came to life and they released an entire album called "You Have the Right to Remain Silent ..." that same year.
Next, GWAR recorded the album "Carnival of Chaos" in 1997, which is considered the epitome of the band's experimental phase. In addition to heavy metal, you can hear songs from the genres of hard rock , country and even jazz on this album .
"Carnival of Chaos" was also the last album with Pete Lee as Flattus , who was then played by Tim Harries, who had already been with the band for a short time in 1986 and was featured as a guest guitarist on "America Must Be Destroyed". Michael Bishop also came back to the band for a short time to fill in for Casey Orr on the recording of "We Kill Everything". This is the album that the band likes least of all, and the songs on it are rarely played live. Co-founder Hunter Jackson then left the group in 2000 to concentrate on other projects. Danielle Stampe also left the band to concentrate on the “Girly Freakshow” project, but she came back temporarily for the “Bitch is Back” tour in 2002.
2001-2005
Due to the band's aversion to their last album, some changes took place among the members again. After Tim Harris left the group, Zach Blair was recruited to take on the role of Flattus Maximus , and Casey Orr returned to play bass as Beefcake the Mighty for the next album, which is entirely thrash metal : "Violence Has Arrived" was released in November 2001 and is considered a "comeback" to the original GWAR sound. This was also their last album under "Metal Blade Records".
When the band was just beginning to focus more on the heavier sound, vocalist Dave Brockie, guitarist Mike Derks and drummer Brad Roberts started the side project Dave Brockie Experience to continue the more comedic sound of the previous album while on more serious tracks with GWAR to lead. DBX released their first album "Diarrhea of a Madman" in March 2001.
This was not the end of GWAR's new, old sound, due to the exceptionally successful album "War Party" under the new label "DRT Entertainment".
The album was well received as it continued the path of “Violence Has Arrived”, but this time even more serious and technical, thanks in part to new lead guitarist Cory Smoot as Flattus Maximus and bassist Todd Evans as Beefcake the Mighty . Music videos were released for "Bring Back the Bomb" and "War Party". The band was also invited to play on the Sounds of the Underground tour in 2005, the same year the band released "Live From Mt. Fuji" under "DRT Entertainment", one of GWAR's few live albums.
2006-2010
At the beginning of 2006 GWAR started to work on their new album (then called "Go to Hell"). In January GWAR also opened The Art of GWAR at the Art Space Gallery in Richmond to showcase some of their props, costumes, cartoons and images produced in the Slave Pit, GWAR's studio.
In February, GWAR's official American, Japanese and Oderus Urungus websites announced their latest album “Beyond Hell”, for which they recorded a cover version of the song “ School's Out ” at the urging of “DRT Entertainment” . The accompanying music video was nominated for “Best Video 2006” on MTV2's “Headbanger's Ball”.
Also about 18 cm tall action figures are planned, which are manufactured by the toy manufacturer Shocker Toys LLP.
The DVD "Blood Bath and Beyond" was released in June 2006 and contains exclusive backstage recordings and recordings of concerts from the early days of the band.
Singer Oderus Urungus can be heard on Strapping Young Lad's latest album "The New Black" . In the song “Far Beyond Metal” you can hear Oderus singing exact lines from the song “Maggots” (from the album “Scumdogs of the Universe”). It should be said that the singer of the band, Devin Townsend, produced GWAR's album “Beyond Hell” and can also be seen as a teacher in the video for “School's Out”.
"Beyond Hell" was released in August 2006, with the GWAR toured in the US and finally in 2007 in Europe. In April, after a long time, the video for “Eighth Lock” (from “Beyond Hell”) was released and announced that they can be seen again in 2007 on Sounds of the Underground .
Since 2011
Cory Smoot, who had played the role of Flattus Maximus for over 10 years, was found dead on the band's tour bus on the morning of November 3, 2011. He died of a coronary artery thrombosis that had developed as a result of a treated vascular disease. He was 34 years old. In September 2013 the album Battle Maximus, dedicated to Flattus Maximus, was released.
Three years later, on March 23, 2014, Dave Brockie died of a heroin overdose at the age of 50 . The band then founded the Dave Brockie Foundation , which wants to work for the preservation of culture. The previously planned Gwar-BQ concert took place on August 16, 2014 , one day after a memorial event. Since Brockie's death there has not been a founding member in the band. Former bassist Michael Bishop (the original “Beefcake the Mighty”) was re-included as the new lead singer - playing the new character “Blothar”.
Members
| (1985) | |
|---|---|
| (1985-1986) | |
| (1986) | |
| (1986-1987) | |
| (1987-1988) | |
| (1988) | |
| (1989) | |
| (1989) | |
| (1990-1991) | |
| (1991-1992) | |
| (1992-1993) | |
| (1994-1997) | |
| (1998–1999) | |
| (1999-2002) | |
| (2002–2011) |
Current
- Balsac the Jaws of Death (rhythm guitar - Mike Derks)
- Beefcake the Mighty (Bass - Casey Orr)
- Jizmak Da Gusha (drums - Brad Roberts)
Minor characters:
These are members who are not musically involved, but who still work with the band at concerts.
- Sexecutioner
- Sleazy P. Martini
Slaves:
- Matt Maguire ("Mattron" / "MX2")
- Bob Gorman ("Muzzle Slave")
- Scott Krahl ("Cock & Balls Slave")
- Nate Krishna ("SlaveDizzle")
- Joe Douglas ("Spewie")
former members
Singer
- Oderus Urungus (vocals - Dave Brockie) († 2014)
- Joey Slutman (Joe Annaruma)
- Johnny Slutman (Ben Eubanks)
- Slymenstra Hymen (Danielle Stampe)
Background singer
- Techno Destructo and Scroda Moon (both by Hunter Jackson)
- Sluggo P. Martini (Michael D. Moore, 1985)
- The Temptress (Heather Broome, 1986)
- Amazina / GWAR Woman (Colette Miller)
- GWAR-woman (Lisa Harrelson, 1988)
- Mike Delaney (As sex security, replaced by Chuck Varga)
Guitarists
As Balsac the Jaws of Death:
- Barry Ward
- Steve Douglas
As Flattus Maximus:
- Dewey Rowell
- Pete Lee
- Tim Harriss
- Zach Blair
- Cory Smoot († 2011)
Other:
- Mr. Magico (Russ Bahorsky)
- Stephen Sphincter (Ron Curry)
- Cornelius Carnage (Greg Ottinger)
- Brian Fechino (As a slave)
- John Cobbett
Bassists
As Beefcake the Mighty:
- Michael Bishop
- Casey Orr
Other:
- Stephen Sphincter (Ron Curry)
- BalSac (Chris Bopst. Originally not the same character as Balsac the Jaws of Death)
drummer
- Unnamed character (Sean Sumner) (deceased)
- Hans Sphincter / Hans Orifice (Jim Thompson)
- Nippleus Erectus (Rob Mosby)
- Lee Beato (Pete Luchter)
Keyboard player
- Müsel (Dave Musel)
Slaves
- Danny Black
- Mike Bonner
- Davis Bradley III
- Hunter Jackson
In addition, there are tons of members who are usually grouped under the term “slaves” (see above). They mainly design the costumes, mix and cut the songs, run the "Slave Pit Records" and designed the now discontinued comic series "Slave Pit Funnies" (1995–1996).
Discography
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Chart positions Explanation of the data |
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Studio albums and singles
- 1985: Let There Be Gwar
- 1988: Hell-O
- 1990: Scumdogs of the Universe
- 1992: America Must Be Destroyed
- 1992: The Road Behind
- 1994: This Toilet Earth
- 1995: RagNaRok
- 1997: Carnival of Chaos
- 1999: We Kill Everything
- 2000: Slaves Going Single
- 2001: Violence Has Arrived
- 2004: was a party
- 2004: Let There Be GWAR
- 2006: Beyond Hell
- 2009: Lust in Space
- 2010: Bloody Pit of Horror
- 2013: Battle Maximus
- 2017: The Blood of Gods
Live albums
- 2000: You're All Worthless and Weak
- 2005: Live from Mt. Fuji
Video albums
- 1989: RAWGWAR
- 1989: The Next Mutation
- 1990: Live from Antarctica
- 1991: Return of Techno-Destructo
- 1992: Phallus in Wonderland
- 1992: Tour De Scum
- 1994: Skulhedface
- 1997: Rendezvous with RagNaRok
- 1998: Surprising Burst of Chocolaty Fudge
- 1998: Dawn of the Day of the Night of the Penguins
- 2000: It's Sleazy
- 2002: The Gwarnage Campaign
- 2002: The Ultimate Video Gwarchive
- 2004: GWAR War Party Tour 2004
- 2006: Blood Bath and Beyond
- 2010: Lust in Space - Live at the National
Web links
- GWAR website
- Gwar at laut.de
- Slave Pit Inc. (last update: 2005)
swell
- ↑ Crefradio.com Dave Brockie Interview ( Memento from May 30, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original dated November 7, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ GWAR Frontman Talks About Passing Of CORY SMOOT In New Audio Interview. (No longer available online.) Blabbermouth, December 12, 2011, formerly original ; Retrieved December 20, 2011 . ( Page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ GWAR: New Album Details Revealed In: Blabbermouth.net from July 22, 2013 (English, accessed March 24, 2014).
- ↑ http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gwars-dave-brockies-aka-oderus-urungus-died-of-accidental-heroin-overdose/
- ↑ Gwar singer Dave Brockie found dead at 50. Süddeutsche Zeitung , March 24, 2014, accessed on August 7, 2020 . .
- ↑ http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/surviving-members-of-gwar-release-video-statement-launch-dave-brockie-foundation/
- ↑ US chart history
