Shock Rock gods GWAR brought “The Stoned Age” tour to “The City of Brotherly Love” in their typical crazy fashion. Now, if you know GWAR, you are aware a show with this band isn’t for the faint of heart, and this stop on the tour was no exception.
It was clear from the start, this was definitely going to be a wild night fans would remember for a while to come. Known for their outrageous costumes and over-the-top mayhem on stage, GWAR took the stage and quickly filled the room with excitement as the band started the first notes of “El Presidente.”
Leading the band through an exceptional mix of heavy metal songs, frontman, Blothar the Berserker got the crowd headbanging and moshing into the night.
GWAR’s mix of fun and heavy music, made everyone remember how much they love going to their shows. Every song was jammed with great riffs and funny skits, while keeping the crowd wanting more. The band clearly went all out with props and costumes, making sure the audience had a blast.
With a massive setlist that included fan favorites like “Bring Back the Bomb,” “Maggots,” “Saddam a Go-Go,” and closing the night with “Sick of You,” “Fishfuck,” and “Fuck This Place.” The energy remained high throughout the night, as fans were laughing, cheering, and more, all while covered in fake blood from all the mayhem.
Opening up the night was the band Squid Pisser, a band that’s less of an “opening act” and more of an assault on the senses. Lead singer Tommy Meehan, who I was excited to see later as Grodius Maximus, GWAR’s newest scumdog, was all over the fucking place, winding his way through the crowd to the joy of the crowd and the chagrin of security.
Continuing with the fun filled night were the guys from Canada known as Cancer Bats. These hard core Punk Rock musicians had the place moshing like crazy, while the band let lose and went all over the place.
Whether you were a longtime fan or rookie to the experience or the band’s crazy style, the show had something for everyone. If you summed up the night in a word, relentless – just the way a GWAR show should be.
GWAR Photo Gallery
All photos and review by Bob Watts