Gwar
This theatrical shock-rock heavy metal quintet emerged from Richmond, Virginia, USA. Assuming bizarre pseudonyms, they comprised Oderus Urungus (vocals), Balsac, The Jaws Of Death (guitar), Flattus Maximus (guitar), Beefcake The Mighty (bass) and Nippleus Erectus (drums). They are primarily enowned for an outrageous live show which involves the band adorning themselves in hideous papier mâché masks and blood- splattered torture implements, with set-pieces including the feigned buggery of a priest with a crucifix. Consequently their UK tour ground to a halt after just three dates due to the resulting moral panic. Taken to court in the US over allegedly displaying a penis as a stage-prop (the band suggested, bizarrely, that it was some form of fish), it would come as little surprise to learn that the origins of GWAR (apparently God What A Racket) lie in an art school collective. The music, which is no more than rudimentary thrash, complete with unintelligible vocals, takes second place to the visuals. Without the visual back-up, their albums are anti-climactic.