Shudder’s new documentary This Is GWAR takes a comprehensive, deep look into one of the most chaotic bands of all time; if you can even call them a band. They are just as much a performance art troupe as they are musicians.
GWAR’s history is nothing short of unbelievable, especially when you consider that the group has existed for 38 years. Even the most avid fan is sure to learn a thing or two, but for those unfamiliar with the group and their outlandish personas and shows, the documentary takes you down a warped and fascinating rabbit hole.
It would be impossible to list every nugget of information gleaned from This Is GWAR, but there are a number of compelling facts worth noting, so here are just a few:
1GWAR Began in an Old Building Taken Over by Hippies
The original forming members of the band lived in and around Richmond, Virginia, an area they described as being far from friendly towards musicians. When looking for a place to practice and play where they could both be undisturbed and not disturb others, they looked no further than “The Dairy.”
“The Dairy” was an abandoned and dilapidated former bottling plant that, according to them, had been taken over by local hippies who used it as a hangout. They managed to work out a deal that would allow them (and, later, many other musicians) to use part of the building for practice.
The original lineup of the band all agree that if it hadn’t been for that derelict old building, GWAR, as it is known, would not exist today.
2They Played Dungeons & Dragons
During the early days and throughout their first tour, Dave Brockie introduced fellow members to Dungeons and Dragons, and they would often play while on the road to pass the time. Brockie was known to be quite the storyteller, even reading excerpts from Conan at night by flashlight to them, making sure to use grandiose and exuberant voices in character.
3The “Cuttlefish” Prop Remains In An Evidence Room In A Police Station In Charlotte
If there’s one thing GWAR is known for, it’s their overtly suggestive props and costumes. One of their most infamous was “The Cuttlefish,” a large, grotesque, slug-like piece with phallic connotations. After one of their shows in Charlotte, N.C., was shut down by local police for public indecency, the Cuttlefish was confiscated and taken to the station.
According to legend, the prop still remains locked away in an evidence room in the Charlotte police department, never to see the light of day.
4Beavis and Butt-Head Helped Propel Their Stardom
During the height of their popularity in the 1990s, Beavis and Butt-Head was one of MTV’s most-watched programs. The show was an inadvertent way to introduce viewers to certain bands, as one of the duo’s favorite pastimes was to watch music videos, including one of their favorites — GWAR.
When Super Nintendo released the Beavis and Butt-Head video game in 1994, GWAR was the central theme of the entire storyline, with the two trying to obtain tickets to their concert. GWAR saw their popularity spike after the release of the video game, with legions of new fans who may not have heard of them if it wasn’t for Beavis and Butt-Head.
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5Guitarist Peter Austin Lee Was Shot While Traveling With the Band
While GWAR members were never ones to shy away from the bizarre and sometimes death-defying activities, they certainly weren’t prepared for what happened one night after a recording session. Lee (Flattus Maximus) and a few other members were briefly stopped off on the side of the road when they were robbed at gunpoint by occupants in another vehicle.
When the GWAR members attempted to flee, they were shot at by the assailants, resulting in Lee being hit in the chest and stomach. He was taken to the hospital for his injuries. While he eventually recovered, he had to wear a colostomy bag due to the damage inflicted and would even perform on stage with it.
6Dave Brockie Was Given a Viking’s Funeral
Frontman Dave Brockie’s (Oderus Urungus) death from an accidental overdose in 2014 shook up the band, and fans, in significant ways. While working through their grief, they decided to send him off in the most bombastic of ways with a traditional Viking funeral. Brockie’s body was put on a boat with various offerings, sent out onto Hadad Lake in Richmond, VA, and set on fire with a flaming arrow.
While some may find this off-putting, GWAR members and even the family of Brockie all agree he would have wanted nothing less than something completely over the top to match his stage and real-life theatrics.
7Brockie’s Death Wasn’t the Only One That GWAR Endured
Before Brockie’s death rattled and forever changed them, the band, unfortunately, dealt with another untimely passing with Guitarist Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus #6). One morning, Smoot was found dead on the group’s tour bus while most members were still asleep.
Smoot played Flattus Maximus, a character who, over time, had six members play the role — more than any other figure in the band. However, Smoot played Maximus for the longest duration, and the character was officially retired in his honor after his passing.
8There Have Been (At Least) 42 Named Members Of GWAR
One of GWAR’s most well-known quirks was their constantly rotating list of members, all with their own unique alter egos. The end credits of the documentary list 42 named participants, but legend states there may have been even more. Whether musicians left due to conflict and disagreement, other opportunities, or more unfortunate circumstances, GWAR’s master list of official members is both impressive and wild.
GWAR’s goal has always been to leave its mark on the world, and they have succeeded in doing just that — and continue to do so in extraordinary ways. When you look at their tumultuous history, the ever-revolving cast of characters, and flagrant stage shows, it’s easy to see that they’re unlike any other band that’s existed.
At the same time, they’re also just like every other band — they have internal struggles, drama, and creative differences. At their core, this outrageous band of characters are all still relatable human beings that had as tight of a bond as you’ll see.
