Approaching UC Berkely for the sold out show, fans lined up eager to get it. Some in panchos, unsure why at the moment until after entering and overhearing fans, hoping they get sprayed. As being my first time seeing GWAR, I was unsure what I was about to see, and experience.

The floor was already packed as security trying keep the walking path clear. As Goth/Grundge band Blood Vulture opening band of the tour takes the stage. The stage was dark and barely lit, having the band appear in silhouette, a very darkwave atmosphere, as if in a club. Really impressed to see a different genre band in this tour, especially for those who are open minded to various genres of music. Was stunned to see they have a female keyboardist playing melodic synths that blend really great into the songs. As they have their album Die Close out now, they performing songs from it.

Coming up next, Punk band Dwarves who are incredible to watch perform, and listen to. Alternating darkness with flashing lighting hits the band,as fans start getting pumped up, fans singing along to songs such as “Lets Fuck,” as middle fingers being seen throughout the pit of fans. Another hit they played was “Pimp,” as Blag Dahlia sings intensely to the crowd. 

Second to last band of the night is Helmet, another legendary punk metal band on the tour. Performing such songs “Unsung,” “In The Meantime,” and “Ironhead,” to name just a few that really stuck out to me. Led by original member, guitarist/vocalist Page Hamilton, the band just loves jamming out!  

By this time, the venue is legit packed as fans take breaks throughout the show, and some saving their energy for the main band, GWAR. For my first time seeing them, as they enter the stage, platic coverings in front of the stage, as fans start chanting “GWAR! GWAR! GWAR!” With so much entertainment going on onstage, such as the slaves, almost half naked men dancing around, or being walked around stage. They played their hit “Gor Gor,” as the dinosaur hatches from an egg. “Bring Back The Bomb” was another classic where they had multiple characters spraying at the fans, even reach as far as the balcony.

GWAR been a band for over forty years, and has been a band that is a must see, which brought up non-stop crowd surfers throughout the set, and slippery in the pit with their random ongoing red and blue paint being sprayed. I especially had a giggle seeing the vocalist Blöthar the Berserker shaking his butt. “Fuck This Place” saw fans raising their middle fingers in the air, and singing along. This is a band that has no limits to its performance, and new fans will absolutely be mind-blown by their creativity. Just beware if you decide to be in the pit, wear a pancho or otherwise be prepared to be soaked by the end of the show.

UC Berkely Theatre has become one of my go places. Having students get the experience to work at shows, being security, paramedics, janitorial, and having an area for people to sit down in chairs and cool off taking a break in between sets or for a song. Just knowing that its a safe place and environment and looking out for fans.

Buy GWAR music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/4ie2doj

Buy Helmet music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/3XafmVI

Buy Dwarves music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/480TVwJ

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ANITA FRAUSTO
Follow her work here: