On today's exciting episode we sit down with Balsac the Jaws 'o Death (Mike Derks) and new lead guitarist Grodius Maximus (Tommy Meehan) from RVA's most famous metal band GWAR!
Mike has been with the band since 1988 making him the longest serving member. On stage he appears as a humanoid creature with a face resembling a bear-trap, usually portrayed wielding an enormous battle ax. Derks has been a featured vocalist on several GWAR songs as well as writing and producing a large number of GWAR’s catalog of music.
Tommy, guitarist from the bands Cancer Christ and Squid Pisser, joined GWAR early this year replacing Brent "Pustulus Maximus" Pergason who exited the band after 11 years. Grodius will look similar to Pustulus on stage as they are related in GWAR's mythical backstory.
We talk early years, band history, VCU, Death Piggy, film, cat poop, theatrics, punk rock, killing politicians, the "Stoned Age Tour", costumes, GWAR Bar, GWAR-B-Q (it might come back!), X-Cops, Taylor Swift, and Lisa Marie Presley keeping her son on dry ice. Big Daddy also also wraps up his Richmond True Crime series and discusses the Briley Brothers' murder spree.
DOCUMENTARY: Check out "This is GWAR" Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/This-GWAR-Weird-Al-Yankovic/dp/B0B5LTSWWF
TOUR: GWAR is playing November 9th at 7PM at The National with Squid Pisser: https://www.thenationalva.com/events/detail/?event_id=594224
Band of the week: GWAR (DUH!)
Business of the week: GWAR Bar
217 W Clay St, 4-10PM dinner, 10-whenever for late night menu
Their 10th anniversary is on NYE this year. The best drunk food in the world! The band makes appearances there often.
We recommend their Chicken McDuckets, Demoned Eggs, White Trash Garbage Fries, and their Scumdogs. The have lots of vegan options too.
Local Events:
Oct 24th and 31st: Fever Halloween String Quartet @Bolling Haxall House
Oct 25-27th @Greater Richmond Convention Center, Roller Derby Tournament
Oct 26, 3-7PM Off The Rails Beer Festival
Nov 9th, 7PM, GWAR at the National
Nov 15th: Pets On Parade
