GWAR/CANCER BATS/XCOPS – WORCESTER PALLADIUM
Gwar, Cancer Bats, and X-Cops play the Worcester Palladium in Worcester, Ma. on 3/7/24
Amidst the cosmic spectacle of The Age of Befuddlement Tour, the Worcester Palladium in Massachusetts witnessed an invasion of intergalactic proportions on March 7th. Like fervent believers awaiting a close encounter, fans descended upon the venue with eager anticipation, forming a line that wound its way around the Palladium and spilled down the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard well before doors opened. Their mission? To welcome none other than Gwar, the legendary Scumdogs of the Universe, as they descended upon Earth for a night of otherworldly revelry.
The Worcester Palladium is an emblem of time and tradition, a venue steeped in rich history and unmistakable charm. Originally unveiled in 1928 as the Plymouth Theater, its enduring allure persists through the ages, despite modern enhancements aimed at ensuring its longevity and enhancing the concert experience for devoted fans. As you step into the theater, a sense of nostalgia washes over you, the echoes of past performances lingering in the air like a melodic whisper.
On any given concert night, the main theater space unveils its grandeur, with meticulously painted walls and regal columns that pay homage to its theatrical roots. Flanking the stage, balconies offer elevated views, providing a panoramic perspective of the musical spectacle below.
In anticipation of the night’s headliner, Gwar, fans were met with a curious sight: the walls and balconies shrouded in protective plastic, electronics shielded from the impending chaos, and security staff standing by with plastic ponchos, and rows of white towels, ready to weather the storm of gore and glory.
As the crowd flowed into the venue, discarding their dark hoodies for homemade white shirts adorned with bold black Sharpie markings reading “Gwar 2024” or “Throw blood on me,” anticipation electrified the atmosphere. At a Gwar concert, merchandise transcends its role as mere memorabilia—it becomes a badge of honor, a blank canvas eagerly awaiting the magenta stains of the band’s legendary bloodbath performance.
X-Cops kicked off the evening, setting the stage for what was to come. While there’s much to discuss about this band, one standout feature is their close ties to Gwar. If you noticed similarities between X-Cops’ performance and Gwar‘s, it’s because they share members and are part of the extended Gwar family. Casey Orr, also known as Sheriff Tubb Tucker, not only serves as the lead singer and bassist for Gwar but also fronts X-Cops.
Dressed in police officer attire, X-Cops made a dramatic entrance to the tune of “Interloper.” The audience was treated not only to alternative metal but also to the theatrical flair synonymous with Gwar. They tossed pills into the crowd and even staged the electrocution of Inmate #8048675309, their drummer, during the finale “You Fked Up.”
Next up was Cancer Bats, a Canadian hardcore punk band originating from Toronto, Ontario, formed in 2004. The band lineup comprises vocalist Liam Cormier, guitarist Scott Middleton, drummer Mike Peters, and bassist Jaye R. Schwarzer. Renowned for their dynamic stage presence, Cancer Bats excel in blending punk rock, hardcore, and metal seamlessly.
Their electrifying performances have garnered them a fervent following within the underground music community. Notably, Brooklyn Doran made the journey from Canada, stunning the audience with her impressive vocal range, leaving a lasting impact on the crowd. Concluding the evening, Cancer Bats delivered a gritty punk rock rendition of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” and performed the title track from their 2008 album, “Hail Destroyer.”
As the evening progressed, anticipation reached a fever pitch among the restless crowd eagerly awaiting the main act. Excitement crackled through the air as the lights dimmed, casting a menacing red glow onto the stage. Emerging from the shadows like cosmic warriors, the Scumdogs of the Universe descended upon Worcester, MA, assuming their roles as agents of chaos, ready to unleash a sonic onslaught upon the unsuspecting masses.
Leading the charge was Grodius Maximus, a newcomer to the ranks of Gwar, defiantly wielding his neon pink guitar as he strode across the stage, offering a bold gesture to the crowd before taking his place on the right. Following closely were BälSäc the Jaws ‘o Death on guitar, Beefcake the formidable bassist, JiZMak da Gusha on drums, and The Berserker Blóthar lending his thunderous vocals to the ensemble. With the opening chords of “Battle-Lust” from their acclaimed 2001 album “Violence Has Arrived,” they ignited the crowd with an explosion of raw energy.
As the performance unfolded, the intensity only intensified, fueled by tracks like “Hail, Genocide” and “I, Bonesnapper.” The pinnacle came as Bonesnapper the Troll clashed with SawBorg Destructor in a savage onstage duel, splattering the audience with the first droplets of blood.
Undeterred, Gwar pressed on with their mission of mayhem, the audience proudly sporting their Gwar blood-soaked white shirts as they surfed the crowd and thrashed in the mosh pit. Meanwhile, once-pristine white towels lay soaked in Gwar’s signature magenta blood, while security guards, drenched from head to toe, struggled to contain the onslaught of crowd surfers descending upon the bar.
Grodius Maximus proved to be a stellar addition to the lineup, venturing into the crowd to offer fans an up-close look at the alien…demon…warrior… depends on what Gwar fan you talk to. While Gwar‘s interaction with the crowd is legendary, Maximus’s presence added an extra layer of excitement. The band also treated fans to selections from their newest album, “The New Dark Ages,” released in 2022, including the crowd favorite “Mother Fking Liar.”
And then, as swiftly as it commenced, the concert concluded. The stage lay in ruins, the audience drenched in sweat and splattered with blood, yet a palpable sense of euphoria hung in the air. The highlight of the night was witnessing the shock and smiles as everyone compared how much their once-white shirts had transformed into shades of magenta. Even I departed the Palladium with blood stains on my gear bag; what was once white in my photo pass now bore the hue of magenta. Amidst the chaos, GWAR had provided a glimpse into a world where possibilities knew no bounds, where the constraints of reality dissolved, leaving only the raw power of music.
As the crowd staggered into the night, their ears still reverberating and their minds spinning from the onslaught, one thing remained certain: they had experienced something truly extraordinary. In the realm of GWAR, rules and limits cease to exist; there is only the relentless pursuit of sonic annihilation. And may their reign endure indefinitely.
GWAR continues The Age of Befuddlement Tour until the end of March.
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