GWAR/CANCER BATS/XCOPS – WORCESTER PALLADIUM
By Kerri Nelson
Gwar, Cancer Bats and Xcops play the Worcester Palladium in Worcester, Ma. on 7/4/24
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 anticipating a close encounter, fans descended on the venue eagerly, forming a line that wound around the Palladium and spilled onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. long before the doors open. Their mission? To welcome none but Gwarthe legendary Scumdogs of the Universe, as they descended on Earth for a night of eerie revelry.
The Worcester Palladium is an emblem of time and tradition, a venue steeped in rich history and undeniable charm. Originally unveiled in 1928 as the Plymouth Theatre, its enduring charm remains over the centuries, despite modern improvements aimed at ensuring its longevity and enhancing the concert experience for dedicated fans. As you enter the theater, a sense of nostalgia washes over you, the echoes of past performances lingering in the air like a melodious whisper.
On any given concert night, the theater's main space reveals 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.
Waiting for the evening's headliner, Gwarfans were treated to a strange sight: walls and balconies covered in protective plastic, electronics shielded from the impending chaos, and security personnel standing by in plastic ponchos and rows of white towels, ready to ride out the storm of storm and glory. .
As the crowd streamed into the venue, ditching their dark sweatshirts for homemade white shirts emblazoned with stark black Sharpie markings that read “Gwar 2024” or “Throw blood on me,” anticipation electrified the atmosphere. In a Gwar concert, the merchandise transcends its role as mere memorabilia – it becomes a badge of honor, a blank canvas that eagerly awaits the magenta stains of the band's legendary bloodbath performance.
XCOPS kicked off the night, setting the stage for what was to come. While there is much to discuss about this band, one thing that stands out is their close ties to Gwar. If you noticed similarities between the performances of XCOPS 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, is not only his singer and bassist Gwar but also XCOPS fronts.
Dressed in police gear, XCOPS made a dramatic entrance to the song “Interloper.” The audience was treated not only to alternative metal but also to the theatrical style synonymous with it Gwar. They threw pills into the crowd and even electrocuted inmate #8048675309, their drummer, during the finale 'You Fked Up'.
Next up was Cancer Bats, a Canadian hardcore punk band from Toronto, Ontario, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Liam Cormier, guitarist Scott Middleton, drummer Mike Peters, and bassist Jaye R .Schwarzer. Renowned for their dynamic stage presence, Cancer Bats excel at blending punk rock, hardcore and metal seamlessly.
Their sensational performances have garnered them a fervent following in the underground music community. Notably, Brooklyn Doran made the trip from Canada, wowing the audience with her impressive vocal range, leaving a lasting impression on the crowd. Rounding out the night, Cancer Bats delivered a gritty punk rock cover 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 anxious crowd eagerly awaiting the main act. Excitement erupted in the air as the lights dimmed, casting a menacing red glow on the stage. Emerging from the shadows like cosmic warriors, the Scumdogs of the Universe descended on Worcester, MA, assuming their roles as agents of chaos, ready to unleash a sonic assault on the unsuspecting masses.
Leading the charge was Grodius Maximus, a newcomer to his ranks Gwar, defiantly clutching his pink neon guitar as he strode across the stage, offering a bold gesture to the crowd before taking his place on the right. This was followed by BälSäc 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 fired up the crowd with a burst of raw energy.
As the show unfolded, the tension only intensified, fueled by tracks like “Hail, Genocide” and “I, Bonesnapper.” The climax came as Bonesnapper the Troll clashed with the SawBorg Destructor in a fierce duel on stage, drenching the audience with the first drops of blood.
Undaunted, Gwar continued their mission of mayhem, the audience proudly sports Gwar white shirts soaked in blood as they crowd surfed and pounded in the mosh pit. Meanwhile, once pristine white towels were soaked gwar'His signature magenta blood while the security guards, drenched head to toe, struggled to contain the onslaught of crowd surfers descending on the bar.
Grodius Maximus proved to be a great addition to the lineup, stepping out into the crowd to give fans an up-close look at the alien… demon… warrior… it depends on what Gwar fan you're talking to. While GwarHis interaction with the crowd is legendary, Maximus' presence added an extra level of excitement. The band also treated fans to selections from their new album, 'The New Dark Ages', due in 2022, including crowd favorite 'Mother Fking Liar'.
And then, as quickly as it began, the concert was over. The stage was 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 shock and smiles as everyone compared how much their once white shirts had transformed into shades of magenta. Even I left the Palladium with blood stains on my gear bag. what was once white on my photo pass was now a shade of magenta. In the chaos, GWAR it had given 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 ran into the night, their ears still ringing and their minds reeling from the onslaught, one thing remained certain: they had experienced something truly extraordinary. In his sphere GWAR, rules and boundaries cease to exist. there is only the relentless pursuit of sonic annihilation. And may their reign last indefinitely.
GWAR continues The Age of Befuddlement tour until the end of March.
Visits: 10
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