July 5, 2007 - Normally we'll do interviews with bands in person but because Gwar is located in Antarctica and it's really cold there, we had to do this interview via email. But not to worry Gwar frontman Oderus Urungus is just as outrageous and entertaining via email as he is in person.

Oderus Urungus of Gwar

FES : How important do you feel tours such as The Sounds of The Underground are in helping to contribute to the popularity of metal as a mainstream genre of Music?

Oderus Urungus: Ummm, I guess it’s important, or something, maybe not, but probably so. Important to you, maybe, me, definitely. I don’t want to waste the summer stomping around Antarctica abusing penguins. We want to rock! And we can’t do it unless somebody gives us good directions to the show that we are supposed to play. Let’s just say that if it wasn’t for Sounds of the Underground, that GWAR wouldn’t have anything to do all summer, besides collect the colons of the damned and hold unholy communion with the Nergaloids.

FES : What can we expect from Gwar on The Sounds of The Underground tour that we might not see from Gwar when on a tour of a smaller magnitude?

Oderus Urungus: We are doing the same kinda filth that got us here to begin with, the fingering of dead dogs, the summoning of Satan, the massacre of annoying celebrities. We are adding a kind of “GWAR summary” intro so even the most brain dead metal head will understand that we are from outer space. We’ll be playing a few old hits as well as ones from the new album. There will swordplay a-plenty, and the blood shall truly fly. Lots of guts, that’s for sure! And gigantic monsters staggering about, lunging into each other. Of course, I’ll get in cheap shots whenever possible. In short, it’s pretty much a regular GWAR show, which is to say that it is the greatest show on Earth!

Gwar

FES : Gwar has a history of lampooning celebrities and figures in current events. Who will Gwar be lampooning on this summer's Sounds of the Underground tour?

Oderus Urungus: I’m not going to ruin any surprises that are in store for you but suffice to say a certain band from Finland ’s lead singers head shall be adorning a pike and vomiting blood everywhere.

FES : Can you give us your thoughts on some of the other bands who are also performing on this year's The Sounds of The Underground Tour?

Oderus Urungus: These are humans and usually we have nothing but contempt for them, but I must admit there are some bands we like. The guys in Chimera are friends, well, we know them. Well, the lead singer let me blow a load in his face on the first SOTU tour. The guys in Goat Whore are old drinking buddies we took on tour with us years ago. Somehow they survived. We tend to like bands depending on whether they are dicks or not. We don’t really care about what they sound like. The only time I hear other bands is when they open up for us. And even then I don’t listen as I am usually backstage with a fecal midget.

FES : How does Gwar decide what the first and last songs played will be and how often does the band plan on changing this up during The Sounds of The Underground Tour?

Oderus Urungus: We play the same set every night. There is nothing spontaneous about what we do. Everything is planned, staged, coordinated. Everything is a lie. As to how this lie is contrived, a gigantic computer does that for us.

FES : 'Eighth Lock' from 'Beyond Hell' was Gwar's contribution to the 2007 Sounds of The Underground album. How did the band decide to contribute this song to the album?

Oderus Urungus: Once again, a gigantic computer. Or the fact that the song is the coolest song on that album. We did a really sick video to it. From the beginning of the whole “Beyond Hell” release process, we wanted that song to be the featured song and the first video. But the label talked us into doing “Schools-Out”, a cover we did essentially as a joke to humor the label so we could do what we wanted with the “8 th Lock” video…the whole situation was very complex as I felt the choice of “Schools Out” was lame, we had all kinds of cool ideas for covers that the label wouldn’t back…as usual you have stupid labels doing stupid things and stupid bands like us getting fucked for it. At least we finally did the “8 th Lock” video and this thing is a chance to pump it and keep the interest in “Beyond Hell” rolling so we can work it as long as possible. So either one of those two reasons.

FES : When will the GWAR 7" action figures and Shockinis [which are 3" figurines] be scheduled for released by Shocker Toys LLP?

Oderus Urungus: That deal is a fraud and a lie and probably will never happen. Of course we’re pissed about that. Once again a promising project has turned to shit before our eyes. Fuck this business and the parasites that run it. Fuck rock stars in their banal regalia. So I don’t know if anyone will ever have the balls to put out a GWAR toy line. I don’t know why it’s such a fucking problem it would be the sickest toy line ever. Like Chuckie or something, like something that fucks your leg.

FES : How far in advance of The Sounds of The Underground Tour did Gwar have to plan out costume's and how many extras sets of costume are normally made?

Oderus Urungus: Your questions would be better directed to the lowly slaves that actually do all the work. Between tours I can be found stalking the corridors of my haunted fortress. I relay my commands to the various “Slave Pits” which are located around your world. Of course when I demand something for a new tour I expect it to be created overnight!

FES : Gwar has played on all three Sounds of The Underground Tour. Does Gwar plan on performing on the tour every year?

Oderus Urungus: I suppose so, bless my black heart! They seem to be the only people willing to let us do it!


Gwar is from Antarctica and tour on a regular basis. Gwar is now headlining The Sounds of the Underground tour. For a screaming good time see Gwar when they invade your city or town.

Gwar is:
Oderus Urungus - Vocals
Flattus Maximus - Guitar
Balsac the Jaws of Death - Guitar
Beefcake the Mighty - Bass
Jizmak Da Gusha - Drums

For more band information log onto the official Gwar website.

To sample music log onto the Gwar page at myspace.com.

Musician Interview by Michael Montes - Copyright © 2007 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.