Gwar’s Dave Brockie: Rare Photos of the Alien Prankster
Gwar singer Dave Brockie died on March 23rd at the age of 50, but he leaves behind a legacy of wild antics and indelible performances. Here's proof: a series of rare photos from the band's 2012 performance at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. The photo captions were provided by photographer Nick Ray McCann.
The band grew comfortable with having me photographing and walking around. Brockie enjoyed goofing around with the various nasty props and severed limbs that lay about backstage. By the end of the night I felt like one of their own. To this day this assignment has been one of the most entertaining experiences I've ever had working with an artist. I was exhausted, beat up, soaked in fake blood, and my batteries were all dead, but the crowd was hilarious, the crew was incredibly friendly, and Brockie, as well as everyone in the group, treated me like I was unconditionally one of their own. It's truly sad to see him go.
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Alien Refuse
Gwar frontman and founder Dave Brockie displays his sweaty armor after a performance in Sayreville, New Jersey. I thought for sure I was going to get kicked out a few times while I was photographing them without their costumes.
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Kiss the Mask
Gwar's Dave Brockie backstage. The end of the night is when many of the more candid and comical pictures took place.
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Preparing to Attack
Gwar's David Brockie a.k.a. Oderus Urungus waits backstage before performing. More times than not, this was the face I'd get from Oderus, and I loved it.
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Pre-Show Planning
When Dave Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus of Gwar, came out in character the room stood still.
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Conquering Heroes
The members of Gwar jump on top of a World War II-era armored vehicle outside a VFW post in Sayreville, New Jersey. When I drove up [to photograph Gwar] that morning, I saw the tank and thought, "Damn, how the hell and I going to convince the band to dress up and pose with a giant tank?"
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Insane Selfies
Dave Brockie takes photos with fans before a performance. Despite his violent and edgy stage persona, Dave never turned down a chance to connect with fans.
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An Approachable Alien
David Brockie of Gwar spends time backstage with fans.
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Draining the Lizards
Gwar takes a bathroom break backstage at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. I was told I only had a few minute for some photographs with the entire band, so I ran all over the venue to find a good spot, which ended up being the restroom.
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Primping and Preening
Gwar founding member Dave Brockie pauses in the mirror for a moment after our bathroom photoshoot to adjust his armor.
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Combat Rock
Gwar's Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie) battles one of the many monsters that stormed onto stage during any given performance by the band.
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Blood, Sweat and Beers
Gwar fans revel in the chaotic spray of fake blood during a show in Sayreville, New Jersey. This crowd was nuts. I was prepared for the showering of fake blood and guts from the stage; I wrapped my camera in some clear trashbags. The gear was fine, I was soaked.
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Goodbye, Oderus
Gwar's late frontman, Dave Brockie, who performed as Oderus Urungus.