The Infamous “Scumdogs of the Universe”, The almighty GWAR – As of writing, have just wrapped up their 30th anniversary tour commemorating their second album “Scumdogs of the Universe”. Along for the jaunt were grindcore legends Napalm Death, and Slugelords EYEHATEGOD.
Unfortunately, Covid had hit the EYEHATEGOD camp, and they were unable to continue with the tour after the Nov 28 gig in Portland (including the Edmonton date) – but from what I found online, they rejoined the tour Dec 7th in Denver, CO.
I had a unique perspective for this show – I also happened to work this one as a stagehand, which means I unload the gear from the trucks, and help set up the stage for the evening’s show. Being able to see how it all comes together is pretty cool – plus I got to handle some of the props!
I didn’t get into the venue before ND started, so I had to grab a few shots from the crowd. Absolutely ferocious set from the UK lads, an unrelenting 45-minute set packed with classics and new tracks from their most recent release “Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism” – their 16th studio effort.
Setlist:
Unchallenged Hate – Fuck the Factoid – Backlash Just Because – Hung – Contagion – Lucid Fairytale – Everyday Pox – Scum – Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism – On the Brink of Extinction – You Suffer – Smash a Single Digit – Dead – Nazi Punks Fuck Off (Dead Kennedys cover) – Suffer the Children – Unfit Earth
Up next, GWAR!
If you’re not familiar with GWAR, let me tell you this: Expect a messy, wet, super entertaining experience, that is unmatched by ANYONE. Outrageous costumes, beheadings, entrails, and all the “fluids” you can imagine.
Wear white, because part of the experience is going home thoroughly soaked with a brand new tie-dye shirt, from all the different colors of god knows what… its really just water, but let’s play along. It’s fun.
As you can see, there is definitely no shortage of gore, insane characters, and crazy antics in this nearly 90-minute set. Taking photos during the first 3 songs inside the barricade is a gamble, and you better make sure your gear is protected, because you’re gonna get wet. Thankfully I managed to dodge the worst of it… The photog in full rain gear became an instant target and the rest of us got off easy, hah!
I was surprised to hear their most well-known song – “Sick of You” just second in their set – one packed full of classics, and many singalong tunes.
This is a band I’ve now seen a handful of times, and despite losing their frontman Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie) to a heroin overdose in 2014, the band has continued on – offering a tribute to their fallen leader every show, ensuring he is never forgotten. GWAR is a band everyone should experience at least once – It’s a show you’ll never forget, and that’s a promise.
Setlist:
The Salaminizer – Sick of You – The Years Without Light – Black and Huge – Vlad the Impaler – Love Surgery – Death Pod – Maggots – Horror of Yig – King Queen – The Private Pain of Sawborg Destructo – Fight – Eat Steel – Cool Place to Park
Encore:
I’ll Be Your Monster – Fuck This Place
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