Interview with GWAR’s Blöthar the Beserker and Grodius Maximus discussing 40 years of chaos and violence
It’s hard to believe that GWAR has been wreaking havoc on Earth for 40 years since their explosive debut from Antarctica. The self-proclaimed Scumdogs of the Universe have carved out a niche as the go-to shock-rockers with their unique blend of gore-metal theatrics. At the Welcome to Rockville metal festival, GWAR took the stage and treated the audience to their signature violent and theatrical performance, complete with decapitations and other gruesome acts targeting figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Taylor Swift.
In honor of their 40th anniversary, GWAR released a new single and music video titled “Lot Lizard,” along with an upcoming EP called The Return of Gor Gor set for release on July 25th. Ahead of their performance at Rockville, we had the chance to sit down with two of the band members, Blöthar the Berserker and Grodius Maximus.
During the interview, we asked how GWAR managed to maintain their youthful appearance after four decades of touring. Blöthar jokingly attributed it to a skincare regimen involving pomegranate juice and beef tallow, along with some unorthodox practices like ball stretching. The conversation then shifted to the possibility of setting a world record for the longest unwashed t-shirt worn between two GWAR shows, after which we delved into the evolution of music festivals from the 1990s to today.
Blöthar reflected on the changes, highlighting how festivals used to be small and intimate gatherings where bands were compensated with hot dogs and cookies. Today, with crowds of up to 40,000 people, the festival experience has transformed into a massive spectacle, albeit with its challenges like long lines and overpriced concessions. Despite the chaos, GWAR continues to draw fans to their shows with their larger-than-life performances that defy conventions and inspire a sense of wonder among spectators.
When asked about the technological advancements on Earth compared to their home planet 40 years ago, Grodius pointed out the benefits of modern technology in facilitating collaboration and communication across long distances. As the interview wrapped up, Blöthar expressed GWAR’s love for Australia and hinted at their plans to return for another tour, reflecting on the unique experience of playing for audiences who have never seen the band before.
With their 40-year milestone, GWAR shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their one-of-a-kind brand of shock rock that has become synonymous with their name. As they gear up for the release of new music and more live shows, GWAR remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal music, leaving a trail of chaos and mayhem wherever they go.