Archive · 23 Sep 2025
GWAR's Riot Fest Stunt Sparks Outrage, Divides Fans
At Riot Fest, the band GWAR performed shocking acts.
They mock-beheaded an Elon Musk mannequin and staged the murder of a Donald Trump figure.
The band is known for wild costumes, and shocking performances.
The violent act caused some controversy.
Some online critics felt GWAR went too far, while others saw it as typical GWAR theater.
GWAR stated their act was just an absurd spectacle and Riot Fest also dismissed the criticism.
GWAR performed a mock beheading of an Elon Musk mannequin at Riot Fest.
The band also staged a mock murder of a Donald Trump figure.
The performance took place at Riot Fest in Chicago.
Some online users felt the band crossed a line.
GWAR and Riot Fest have responded to the criticism.
- Who
- Heavy metal band GWAR
- What
- Performed mock beheading of Elon Musk and staged murder of Donald Trump
- When
- This past weekend
- Where
- Riot Fest in Chicago
- Why
- GWAR is known for over-the-top violent stunts.
Critics
GWAR & Fans
Nature of Act
Critics
The band's actions normalize violence.
GWAR & Fans
The performance is an absurd spectacle.
Appropriateness
Critics
GWAR crossed a major line with the violence.
GWAR & Fans
This is typical GWAR behavior.
- Band
- GWAR
- Event
- Riot Fest
- Controversial Act
- Mock beheading of Elon Musk and mock killing of Donald Trump
- GWAR's Stance
- Absurdist spectacle
- Riot Fest's Response
- Dismissed criticism
- Band's Known For
- Shock value and outrageous stunts
