In a recent candid interview on the Go With Elmo Lovano podcast, Mike "Bløthar The Berserker" Bishop, a foundational figure in the legendary shock-rock band GWAR, offered a profound look back at his unexpected re-entry into the GWAR fold in 2014. This pivotal moment in the band’s history was precipitated by the tragic and untimely death of GWAR’s iconic frontman and visionary, Dave "Oderus Urungus" Brockie. Bishop, who had previously contributed his bass-playing prowess to GWAR during significant periods in the 1980s and 1990s, detailed the emotional and practical journey that led him back to the blood-splattered stages of the intergalactic warriors.
The Unforeseen Return: A World Without Oderus Urungus
The passing of Dave Brockie in March 2014 sent shockwaves through the music community and irrevocably altered the landscape of GWAR. Bishop described the profound impact of Brockie’s death, characterizing it as a "horrible" event that left a void impossible to fill. He revealed that discussions about his potential return to the band had occurred intermittently even when Brockie was alive, but for various reasons, these collaborations never materialized. Bishop recounted the stark reality of receiving the call that announced Brockie’s death. "I knew as soon as I picked it up," he stated, reflecting on the somber nature of such calls that arrive with age. The call came from Bob Gorman, a long-standing member and artist integral to GWAR’s visual identity, and Bishop immediately understood the gravity of the situation. The ensuing period was marked by deep sorrow and a collective eulogy for Brockie, with Bishop acknowledging the immense loss, not just for the band but for the broader artistic world.
Bishop emphasized the often-underestimated talent of Dave Brockie, comparing his comedic genius and creative force to that of Buster Keaton. He posited that Brockie possessed the aptitude for a successful career in stand-up comedy or acting, yet he chose to channel his boundless creative energy into the unique and often outrageous world of GWAR, and his other punk rock endeavors. This dedication to his artistic vision, even in its most outlandish forms, defined Brockie’s legacy. "He wanted to clown around with mayonnaise in his pants on stage with GWAR," Bishop recalled, highlighting the uninhibited spirit that characterized Brockie’s performances.
A Viking Funeral Like No Other: GWAR’s Farewell to Oderus
The interview also shed light on the elaborate and distinctly GWAR-esque Viking funeral held for Dave Brockie. Bishop described the event as "fun," albeit with the characteristic chaos and absurdity that defined the band. In a poignant, yet ultimately flawed, tribute, Brockie’s final GWAR costume was placed on a boat and set ablaze on an outdoor lake. However, in a testament to GWAR’s often unconventional approach to even their most solemn rituals, a fiberglass boat was used instead of a traditional wooden one. This resulted in a spectacle that was less a fiery inferno and more a slow, smoky melt. "It didn’t burn. It just kind of melted and smelled really bad, with a plume of black smoke going up in the air," Bishop recounted with a touch of dark humor.
The scene that unfolded was a microcosm of GWAR’s chaotic charm. As the boat, untethered, drifted perilously close to the assembled crowd of hundreds, if not a thousand, mourners, the six-foot flames began to create a panicked retreat. The spectacle even drew the attention of the local fire department, who observed the unusual inferno from the highway. Despite the unconventional outcome, the funeral served as a powerful, albeit messy, symbol of the band’s enduring camaraderie and their unique way of honoring their fallen comrade.
The Grocery Store Call: A Serendipitous Re-Recruitment
Bishop’s return to GWAR was not a meticulously planned reunion but rather a serendipitous event that occurred while he was contemplating a different career path. At the time, he was employed as a teacher, and his contract was nearing its end, prompting him to explore new professional avenues. He was actively applying for jobs, even considering a position at William & Mary, a college in Virginia. It was during a mundane trip to the grocery store that his life took an unexpected turn.
Matt Maguire, the art director for GWAR and a key figure in the band’s operations, called Bishop. The initial assumption was that the offer would involve a limited role, perhaps singing the songs he had previously performed and a few classic hits. However, the band had a more ambitious vision. "No, we wanna do this material," Maguire reportedly stated, referring to the need to perform with a full bassist. Bishop found himself unexpectedly thrust back into the demanding role of a GWAR bassist. He humorously described the moment he received the call in the grocery store as a realization that he had been "sucked back in" by the band’s gravitational pull. "You son of a bitch. Now I have to do this," he mused, laughing at the irony of being drawn back into the GWAR universe while trying to forge a new path.
The Brockie Legacy: A Creative Force Unmatched
Dave Brockie’s death at the age of 50 marked the end of an era for GWAR, leaving him as the last remaining original member of the band, which had been founded 42 years prior. His passing was attributed to acute heroin toxicity, an accidental overdose, as confirmed by Virginia’s State Medical Examiner’s Office. Brockie’s influence extended far beyond his role as a vocalist; he was the primary architect of GWAR’s elaborate mythology, grotesque costumes, and notoriously offensive lyrical content.
GWAR’s unique brand of satirical metal, characterized by its macabre aesthetics and theatrical performances, cultivated a devoted following. The band members embodied alien warriors bent on the enslavement and slaughter of humanity, a concept that Brockie masterfully brought to life through his creative vision and uninhibited performance style. His ability to blend profound artistic expression with a raucous and often shocking sense of humor was a hallmark of his career. The band’s live shows were legendary for their graphic displays of simulated violence, dismemberment, and copious amounts of fake blood and gore, all orchestrated with Brockie at the helm.
The Enduring Impact of GWAR and Brockie’s Vision
The return of Mike Bishop to GWAR in the wake of Dave Brockie’s death was not merely a continuation of the band’s performance schedule; it was a testament to the enduring power of Brockie’s creative legacy and the deep bonds forged within the GWAR collective. Bishop’s re-engagement with the band ensured that GWAR’s unique brand of commentary and entertainment could continue to resonate with their fanbase, albeit with a new dynamic.
The implications of Brockie’s passing were significant for the future of GWAR. As the primary creative force and visionary, his absence posed a considerable challenge. However, the band’s commitment to his artistic principles, coupled with the dedication of members like Bishop and Maguire, allowed them to navigate this difficult period. The decision to continue performing and creating under the GWAR banner was a powerful tribute to Brockie’s spirit and his unwavering dedication to his art.
GWAR’s enduring appeal lies in their ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through their theatricality and subversive humor. Dave Brockie was the driving force behind this ethos, and his influence continues to be felt within the band and among their devoted followers. The story of Mike Bishop’s return is a poignant reminder of the collaborative spirit that defines GWAR and the profound impact that one individual’s creative vision can have on a lasting cultural phenomenon. The band’s ability to persevere, adapt, and continue to deliver their signature brand of mayhem is a testament to the strength of their collective will and the indelible mark left by Dave "Oderus Urungus" Brockie. The ongoing narrative of GWAR, now shaped by Bishop’s renewed presence and the memory of Brockie’s unparalleled genius, promises to continue captivating and provoking audiences for years to come. The legacy of Oderus Urungus, the alien warlord and master of mayhem, lives on through the continued sonic and visual onslaught of GWAR, a band that has consistently defied expectations and carved a unique niche in the annals of heavy music history.
