GWAR enthusiasts and newcomers alike have an exciting opportunity to explore the band’s unique artistry and history at the “Let There Be GWAR” retrospective in Los Angeles. As the band embarks on its Return of Gor Gor Tour, making a notable stop in Reno on October 24 at the Virginia Street Brewhouse, the exhibit offers fans a glimpse into the costumes, props, and art that have defined GWAR’s 40-year journey.
Exploring the “Let There Be GWAR” Exhibit
KUNR host Michele Ravera recently visited the Beyond the Streets gallery in LA to experience the exhibit firsthand. Featuring a collection of GWAR’s costumes and props, the exhibit captures the band’s evolution and its satirical take on heavy metal. “GWAR and NPR, they said it couldn’t be done,” quipped Michael Bishop during a soundbite, highlighting the band’s unconventional collaborations, including their Tiny Desk concert.
GWAR originated in Richmond, Virginia, during a time of cultural tension between political conservatism and pop music’s rise. Bob Gorman, a curator of the exhibit and known as Bonecrusher within the band, shared his thoughts, stating, “I started out as an intern in 1988. And I dropped out of art school in 1990, so, a good majority of my life. … We’re a collective.”
Matt Maguire, another long-time artist with GWAR, reminisced about the band’s early days, saying, “I currently play Sawborg Destructo, enemy of GWAR, but then I played all the other bad guys, Cardinal Sin.”
The Lore and Legacy of GWAR
GWAR’s intricate backstory involves characters from another planet, as super fan Zerrella explained, “I know, like all of it, so I won’t get into like all of it, but I know that they come from the planet Scumdoggia.” Hunter Jackson, one of the original creators, recalled, “I’d built the props and costumes because I wanted to make a science fiction movie.”
Among the exhibit’s visitors was “Muddy” Mejia, who expressed his admiration for GWAR’s journey from their origins in Richmond Dairy to their current status. “I feel like I’ve been part of it for a long time, almost 30 years,” he reflected.
Aidan Casserly, another dedicated fan, emphasized the band’s enduring influence, stating, “I think GWAR deserves immense respect for the fact that they are artists; they are performers who do things their own way.”
The “Let There Be GWAR” exhibit is free to the public and runs through November 2 in Los Angeles. Details can be found at BeyondTheStreets.com. For those looking to catch GWAR live, ticket information for the Reno show is available at GWAR.net. Attendees are advised to bring earplugs and a white shirt for the full experience.
