Heavy metal shock rockers GWAR packed the house at Emo’s last night, Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Currently on its Gor-Gor Strikes Back Tour, the band and wonderfully grotesque satirical art collective performed a set of 17 songs, including a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” in the encore.
Openers King Parrot and Soulfly played brief but riotous sets to a healthily sized, enthusiastic crowd of metalheads. The energy of the room was consistent all night, and everyone was absolutely ready when GWAR hit the stage around 9:30 p.m., complete with fake blood shooters and their signature stage set of sci-fi dystopia.
The band took satirical shots at everyone from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to former U.S. Security of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and, of course, President Donald Trump. Each quip was met with loud cheers from the capitol city crowd. It of course all culminated in the third act with the song, “El Presidente,” in which GWAR bloodily disemboweled and dismembered a fake President Trump.
The band continues its tour in Houston, TX, tonight, Friday, April 24, and in Mobile, AL on Saturday, April 25.
