Gwargasm at SXSW

Welcome to the strangest Rat Pack tribute show ever: Gwar at SXSW (Photo by Richard Whittaker)

It's always interesting to hear what one Grammy nominee has to say about another. So when the issue of Lady Gaga was raised during Gwar's SXSW panel on March 19, bassist Beefcake the Mighty opined, "If you like that shit, may the shackles weigh heavy upon you."

Yes, the definitive costumed shock rockers put themselves out there for a genial discussion prior to their sole Austin appearance at the Mess With Texas day party. Once it was established that, as the host put it, "Everyone has a microphone and a dead baby," the band held forth on the state of the music industry, their 25 year career, and how ugly the crowd was ("Ugliest fucking humans ever," according to guitarist Flattus Maximus.) They even took time to consider the history of the festival. "Do you remember when SXSW was a venue," asked Beefcake, "instead of a big butt-sniffing party for the gold cards?"

"The wonderful thing about the festival," vocalist Oderus Urungus added in its defense, "is that its name is also its location. Which is useful for musicians. They're not the brightest people."

Nominally, the band was there to discuss that they are actually, well, a band – something they proved with a brief, ebullient and beer-fueled a cappella rendition of "The Greatest Love of All." Ultimately, and costumes aside, their musicianship has played an undeniable role in their success (think costumes are enough? Ask Mushroomhead about that.) "I challenge all the bands out there," bragged Beefcake. "Sixty-two percent, we'll smoke 'em."

However, there was no getting around the large amount of space junk on display on stage. "I wouldn't call it 'junk,'" Urungus replied proudly to a questioner. "That's a finely sculpted tool."

So what about the future of the band. "We're trying to push our clothing line," said Beefcake. "Violently. Up someone's anus."