Heavy metal icons stage phony beheading of Musk, murder Trump in shocking performance
CHICAGO — Theatrical metal band GWAR is once again at the center of controversy following a graphic performance at Riot Fest over the weekend, which included mock executions of public figures Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.
Footage shared widely on social media shows the band decapitating a life-sized mannequin resembling Musk, dressed in sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a “D.O.G.E.” t-shirt. The stunt, part of GWAR’s long-running use of stage gore and shock theatrics, triggered a burst of fake blood and loud cheers from the audience.
Later in the performance, another prop — a caricatured, overweight version of Trump — was depicted bleeding out on stage. Critics online accused the band of “normalizing violence,” while fans defended the act as consistent with GWAR’s decades-long satirical style.
GWAR, formed in 1984 in Richmond, Virginia, is known for elaborate costumes and exaggerated onstage violence that targets political and cultural figures across the spectrum. Past performances have included mock killings of presidents, celebrities, and even the Pope. A previous show featured the beheading of a Joe Biden mannequin.
Reaction online was divided. One social media user reposted the Musk video, calling it “grotesque and reckless.” Others dismissed the criticism, pointing out the band’s long-standing history of targeting all political sides. The account associated with hacker group Anonymous weighed in with a profane defense of the band.
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