GWAR is an American heavy metal band formed in Richmond, Virginia that is composed of a constantly rotating line-up of musicians, artists, and filmmakers collectively known as Slave Pit Inc. Original frontman Dave Brockie passed in 2014, and since then they have continued to record and perform without any remaining founding members. GWAR started their journey in 1984, known for their elaborate sci-fi-inspired costumes, obscene lyrics, and graphic stage presence.

Their thematic concepts revolve around mythology where the band portrays barbaric warriors, and is also the basis for all of the band’s albums, live shows, and media. GWAR has been labeled by the media as being a “shock rock” band due to their over-the-top violent and sexual humor. The band often interacts with the audience by spraying fake blood, urine, and semen. 

In the beginning of the 1990s, they had some mainstream success and received notoriety on MTV. They also were featured as guests on several daytime talk shows. GWAR’s controversies from their concerts gained them this success and led them to discuss topics such as censorship and media violence. GWAR collectively has released 13 studio albums, two live albums, and numerous singles. 

Over the years, their mainstream success has ebbed and flowed, but GWAR has always had a dedicated cult following. This has led the band to expand its brand into the creation of books, comics, board games, alcohol distribution, collectibles, sex toys, and much more. 

GWAR sets out on “The Age of Imbeciles” tour in October, where they hit New York, NY on October 13 at the Palladium Times Square! Tickets can be found on their website at https://gwar.net/pages/tour. 

Location: Palladium Times Square

Address: 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Doors Open: 7:00

Show Time: 7:30

Ticket Price: $29.50-$95.50

Age: 16+

GWAR’s 2023 Tour Dates:

10/11: Hampton, NH – Wally’s Pub 

10/12: South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom

10/13: New York City, NY – Palladium Times Square

10/14: Reading, PA – Reverb

10/15: Niagara Falls, NY – Rapid’s Theatre

10/16: Toronto, ON – Pheonix Concert Theatre 

10/18: Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s

10/19: Milwaukee, WI – The Rave / Eagles Club

10/20: Columbia, MO – The Blue Note

10/21: Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom

10/22: Huntsville, AL – Mars Music Hall

10/24: Richmond, VA – The National

10/25: Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

10/26: Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel 

10/27: Gainesville, FL – The Fest 2023

10/28: Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall

10/29: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade

10/30: Orlando, FL – The Beacham

10/31-11/4: Downtown Miami, FL – Headbangers Boat 2023

11/5: Toluca, Mexico – Hell and Heaven Open Air Festival 2023