GWAR are facing backlash after beheading an Elon Musk dummy live on stage during their performance at Riot Fest.
GWAR is facing backlash after beheading a dummy of Elon Musk at their recent performance at Riot Fest on Saturday (September 20).
In the now viral video, GWAR can be seen bringing out a chainsaw-wielding Musk mannequin, dressed in his famous ‘D.O.G.E’ t-shirt. The dummy would quickly be beheaded by a member of the band, spraying fake blood everywhere onto members in the front row.
While this is not outside the realm for GWAR, the act has caught wider attention from critics, who say the act is going too far.
Fans of the group have rallied online, pointing out that beheading notorious political figures has been part of GWAR’s live show for years. Historically, the band has brought out dummies of former U.S. President Joe Biden and current President Donald Trump on stage to behead them. Much like the name of their 1999 album, We Kill Everything, they do just that, even on stage.
The controversy is more surprising given that GWAR has beheaded Elon Musk multiple times on stage already. The dummy has been making its appearance on stage for the skit as early as May this year during their 40th anniversary tour.
However, with the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, critics have been saying the act normalises violence.
“That’s not edgy, it’s grotesque and reckless and normalises violence against a real person. This is not okay. Riot Fest and GWAR crossed a major line,” one X user wrote, reposting the video.
Riot Fest would respond to the viral clip of the original Musk stunt writing, “Like I know this is a rage bait engagement farming Twitter account, but ‘GWAR crossed a major line’ is one of the funniest f**king things I’ve ever heard,” in response on X.
It’s unclear if the original account that posted it was just ragebaiting, as they changed their bio to “GWAR’s biggest fan” and have the username @hottakekaren.
It’s always an event whenever GWAR breaks containment and the wider public suddenly becomes aware of the shock rock group. In 1990, the band’s British tour was cancelled after MPs decided the simulation of bestiality during their show was too offensive. The group has always flirted with pushing boundaries right to their breaking point and perseveres despite it.
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