
Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Gwar lead singer Dave Brockie died Sunday, March 23, at 50, his manager said. His heavy metal group formed in 1984, billing itself as "Earth's only openly extraterrestrial rock band." Brockie, Gwar's frontman, performed in the persona of Oderus Urungus.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
The band is based on a mythology of an "elite group of chaos warriors" who "ravaged the galaxy" until they were "banished to the most insignificant planet in the universe ... the seething mud ball known as Earth."

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Mike Derks performs as Balsac the Jaws of Death, the group's rhythm guitarist. He has a face resembling a bear trap.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
The Grammy-nominated band built a cult following with its elaborate costumes and obscene stage show.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Bassist Jamison Land performs as Beefcake the Mighty, left, alongside lead guitarist Cory Smoot, or Flattus Maximus. While on tour in November 2011, Smoot died of a coronary artery thrombosis brought on by a heart condition, the coroner said. He was 34.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
A simulated decapitation takes place on stage.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Drummer Brad Roberts performs as the dog-headed Jizmak Da Gusha.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Gwar servant Bonesnapper the Cave Troll sprays fake blood on the audience.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Devoted fans revel in the opportunity to be covered in fake blood at a Gwar performance.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
The band's resident dinosaur, Gor-Gor, wreaks havoc on stage.

Gwar, masters of 'shock rock' —
Gwar's 13th album, "Battle Maximus," was released in 2013.



