GWAR Make a Presidential Return to Empire Live [Photos]

GWAR recently returned to Empire Live as “The Stoned Age Tour” made its way to Albany, New York, for a post-Halloween show filled with blood, sweat, and various other fluids. Formed in 1985, GWAR has established their entity as theatrical architects of the metal scene since their inception by surrendering themselves to becoming the unearthly barbarians they depict on and off stage. The lineup currently contains no original members and has frequently changed throughout its existence, influencing the developing sound and personality that keeps this project going strong decades later.

Taking place three days before the United States Presidential Election, the show opened with a plump portrayal of candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris engaging in a WWE-style monologue before the band took the stage as a disruptive third candidate. The set kicked off with “El Presidente” as the group proceeded to rip the politicians apart and attempt to shower the audience with their spewing blood. Unfortunately, the blood didn’t work until the fourth song, which left band members slightly frustrated, and the audience eventually started a “We want blood” chant. The show briefly paused when a wave of crowd surfers and bodies knocked the front barricade loose, causing it to slide into the photo pit. Grodius Maximus and Bälsäc the Jaws ‘o Death took this time to test out some new comedy material on the audience while the venue crew worked to secure the gap.

Lead vocalist Blöthar was not present at this show, which allowed the rest of the group to take over and share the responsibility of performing an assorted set that touches almost every corner of the band’s vast discography. Grodius Maximus’ human slave, Tommy Meehan, is a great new addition to the collective on guitar and backing vocals as he provides a heavier range that was especially noticeable on “Let Us Slay” and “Bring Back the Bomb.”

GWAR is no stranger to controversy. Their live show has always presented explicit shock factors and highlighted their distaste for human-operated governments. This tour features a scrotum-shaped time machine that introduces political figures to be brutalized throughout the set. They vigorously exercise their freedom of expression by tearing off Barack Obama’s head, skinning George Bush, dismembering Ronald Reagan and torturing Hitler. As the show comes to an end and the band walks off, a dazed Joe Biden wandered onto the stage to ask what day it was and if he missed the show before he was met by the hands of Bonesnapper, decapitating him into an encore of “Sick of You”.

The Stoned Age Tour will continue for the majority of November before wrapping up for the year in Nashville, Tennessee. For now, GWAR’s only scheduled performance after the tour will be at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio, on May 11, 2025. Although their next show seems far out, GWAR doesn’t take too many breaks, so you can most likely expect to see a new set of tour dates announced sooner rather than later.

GWAR @ Empire Live (Albany, NY) on November 2nd, 2024

20 photos