GWAR @ Globe Iron (9/21/2025)
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, GWAR set out to bloody venues across the U.S., touring in support of their new album, Return of Gor Gor.
As with any GWAR show, sacrifices had to be made. Opening their set, they brought out Elon Musk, who was swiftly decapitated. Wearing a DOGE shirt, he sprayed blood into the crowd while the band tore into “Fuck This Place.” Next came “El Presidente,” during which a Trump lookalike took the stage, only to have his entrails ripped out. He was followed by Trump’s buddy Putin, who had his arms torn off, and then a pregnant Taylor Swift, who sacrificed her baby to the band.
During the carnage with Putin and Taylor, I was in the audience trying to get a fans perspective. It was awesome, feeling the energy of the music hitting me, while the ever present threat of being sprayed with blood loomed over. And I did get sprayed and honestly, it made the experience even better.
This was my second time covering a GWAR show. The first time, I was more cautious, retreating to the edges of the photo pit whenever the blood started spraying and heading back to the soundboard after my allotted three songs. I loved the spectacle, but this time I promised myself I’d be more immersed. Armed with a waterproof cover for my camera, I went into the crowd after my three songs in the pit. In my opinion at a GWAR show, the best way to experience it is to let yourself go; wear clothes you don’t mind staining, and see what happens. Sacrifice a shirt for an unforgettable night.
Toward the end of the set, GWAR summoned Gor Gor, a massive T. rex. An old friend (and enemy), he was eventually slain during the aptly titled “Gor-Gor,” falling with a sword driven through his upper jaw as the track and the main set came to a close. The band returned for two encores: “Licksore” and “Sick of You.”
When the lights finally came up, the full carnage was revealed. Blood covered the floors, fans were drenched, and everywhere you looked, people were smiling.
Photos by Shelly Duncan
GWAR
