Commemorative exposition, 'Let There Be GWAR', honors metal music's goriest band as they reach their 40th year in the industry
In the heart of Los Angeles, the multimedia exhibit Let There Be GWAR is currently running at Beyond the Streets (434 N. La Brea Ave.), honouring the provocative and iconic band GWAR. The exhibit, which runs through November, showcases GWAR's elaborate sci-fi artistry through costumes, props, comics, live performances, and television moments.
On October 24, GWAR will perform on the Shudder Channel during an episode of "The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs" "Splatterween" series. This performance is just one of the many highlights of the exhibit, which opened to much fanfare.
One such fan was Super fan Anthony Mejia, who drove two hours from Rancho Cucamonga to attend the opening night. Mejia found a connection with GWAR as they shared interests in comic books, video games, Magic the Gathering, and sci-fi/horror movies.
The exhibit includes full-size dressed mannequins, original drawings, paintings, comics, sculptures, fan art, photos, flyers, news clippings, and video. It touches on GWAR's early punk days, including their rehearsal in an abandoned dairy building in Richmond, Va. The materials used in the band's colorful creations range from foam and latex to fiberglass, various metals, and plastics.
Gorman, an integral craftsman in the band's artist collective, stated that GWAR's mythos emerged from comic books and gaming culture. Bob Gorman, along with Beyond the Streets founder Roger Gastman, co-authored "Let There Be GWAR," a coffee table book, and are also the exhibit curators.
The exhibit honours all past and present members of GWAR, including Dave Brockie, who performed as Oderus Urungus and was the band's leader for almost 30 years. The exhibit also incorporates the issues between Brockie and his fellow founding member, Hunter Jackson, which were a significant part of the band's history.
Documentary filmmaker Eric Pritchard fondly remembers the GWAR show he saw in Los Angeles in the early '90s. Pritchard admires GWAR's DIY aesthetic and their inclusivity in making the audience part of the show. GWAR, with their provocative performances, have celebrated their 40-year anniversary in style with the "Let There Be GWAR" exhibit.
Notable visitors during the gallery's opening weekend included Metallica's bass player, Robert Trujillo, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, and Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh. Mark Mothersbaugh, it turns out, was a significant influence on GWAR, more so than KISS and Alice Cooper.
As the exhibit comes to a close, fans still have a chance to immerse themselves in the world of GWAR. The band's performance on the Shudder Channel and the "Let There Be GWAR" exhibit are testament to the enduring legacy of this groundbreaking group.
