GWAR

GWAR are playing AM/FM on Tuesday, November 10, with Mac Sabbath, Midnight and X-Cops opening. If you've never seen them, it's a shock-metal and punk act that started back in 1985-1986 when a group of artists and musicians at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, put it together. They've built their whole thing around a satirical, over-the-top persona: interplanetary warrior costumes and lyrics that don't hold back, drawing a lot from sci-fi and horror cinema.

The live show is where the costumes really come into play. It's as much about the theatrics, storytelling and humor as it is about the music, and it's famously messy. There's plenty of fake blood and staged violence, and the act can lean into scatology, sadomasochism, fire dancing, mock pagan rituals and mock executions. It's a full-on performance, not just a band standing on stage.

The current lineup has Pustulus Maximus on lead vocals, BälSäc the Jaws 'o Death on rhythm guitar, Beefcake the Mighty on bass and JiZMak da Gusha on drums, with Sawborg, Bonesnapper and the Annoying Nemesis rounding out the group. They're sharing the bill with Mac Sabbath, Midnight and X-Cops, so there's a full night of music leading up to the main set.

The show is at AM/FM, 1950 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207. Doors open at 5 PM, and the music starts at 6 PM. Tickets start at $74.