Biography GWAR - Showbiza.com/us

Gwar are a heavy metal band that formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984. The band rose to fame for their outrageous on stage persona that comprised of science fiction/horror costumes, obscene lyrics, and elaborate and graphic stage shows. Gwar formed when Hunter Jackson, Dave Brockie and Chuck Varga of 'Sexecutioner' began working on a side project. The trio instantly connected over music and decided to form a “joke band” called “Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh.” The “joke band” quickly became a hit and generated a large and fast-growing fan base. Once the band shortened their name to Gwar their first 'official' line-up consisted of Ben Eubanks on vocals; Dave Brockie on guitar; Steve Douglas on guitar; Chris Bopst on bass; Sean Sumner on drums; and Hunter Jackson. However, this line-up was short-lived and underwent multiple changes with Eubanks quitting after a few shows and being replaced by Joe Annaruma. The band's most stable line-up consisted of solidified Hunter Jackson, Don Drakulich, Chuck Varga, Mike Delaney, Mike Bonner, Scott Krahl, Dave Musel and Dave Brockie.

The band's debut album, “Hell-O,” was a thrash metal/punk rock album that emerged in 1988 on Shimmy Disc Records. The band embarked on a tour shortly after the release of the album. Various members began to quit the band while new – and old members – joined or re-joined. After more line-up changes the band began work on their second offering, “Scumdogs of the Universe,” which saw the band earn a record offer from Metal Blade Records, which would become the band's home over the next few years. The band began to tour extensively in support of the album, perfecting their live show with each performance. 1991 saw the band embark upon a European tour. Again the band was plagued with more line-up changes in 1991 before the release of their third album, “America Must Be Destroyed” in 1992. The band's fourth album, “This Toilet Earth” arrived in 1994 to modest reviews and moderate success as the band strayed from their traditional punk rock/heavy metal roots and showcased some experimental music. More line-up changes ensured, followed by a fifth album, “Ragnarok” in 1995.

The band's 1997 album, “Carnival of Chaos,” marked the height of the band's experimental period, showcasing a fusion of heavy metal, hard rock, country, and jazz music throughout the tracks. 2000 marked the exit of the co-founding member, Hunter Jackson. The band embarked on their “Bitch Is Back” tour in 2002. The band continued to release albums and tour over the next decade, with 2009 marking the band's 25th year of recording and releasing music. Gwar's eleventh studio album, “Lust in Space,” arrived that same year on Metal Blade Records. 2010 saw Gwar released their twelfth studio album, “Bloody Pit of Horror,” and while on tour a year later in 2011, then guitarist Cory Smoot, was found dead on the band's tour bus due to a pre-existing condition of coronary artery disease. The band is currently working on new material.

Battle Maximus and death of Dave Brockie (2012–2014)

Gwar announced that Cannabis Corpse guitarist, Brent Purgason, would be portraying Pustulus Maximus filling the spot vacated by Cory Smoot.

On October 2, 2012, The A.V. Club posted a video of the band playing a cover of Kansas' 1976 hit tune "Carry on My Wayward Son". This was also the first time fans publicly got to witness Pustulus Maximus in live action.

On AXS TV, following their April 17, 2013 live broadcast of the Fate or Chaos tour, it was announced the thirteenth studio album would be called Battle Maximus. The album was released on September 17, 2013.

On September 13, 2013, an online petition was launched on Change.org to have the band play the 2015 Super Bowl Half Time Show. The petition is directed towards the Senior Vice President of Communications for the NFL, Greg Aiello.

On October 1, 2013, a video of Gwar covering Billy Ocean's "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" was posted by The A.V. Club. The song was blended into a medley featuring the Who's "Baba O'Riley".

On October 19, 2013, Funny Or Die cartoons released a Gwar cartoon.

On March 23, 2014, Dave Brockie, age 50, was found dead by a roommate in his Richmond, Virginia apartment. Richmond police stated that they do not suspect foul play or suicide, but drugs are being considered as they await a medical examiner's report before confirming the cause of death. His death was confirmed by the band's management early the following morning with an official statement following later in the day by band manager, Jack Flanagan, and news of Brockie's death spread quickly with many of his fellow musical peers and bandmates responding through social media. Brockie's death leaves the band without any of its founding members and the future of Gwar in question. The 2014 Gwar-B-Q will go on as planned at Hadad's Lake on August 16, preceded by a public memorial service the day prior.