Heavy metal band GWAR stirred controversy at Riot Fest this weekend with a shocking act featuring a mock beheading of Elon Musk and a staged “murder” of President Donald Trump. Critics accused the band of “normalizing violence” through their theatrical antics.
Footage circulating online shows a mannequin of Elon Musk, dressed in sunglasses, a baseball cap, a black “D.O.G.E.” T-shirt, matching jeans, and a jacket, being decapitated by a GWAR member wielding a chainsaw-like prop. The crowd erupted as the mannequin’s head was sliced off, sending a spray of fake blood into the air.
Watch as the terrible band known as GWAR disrespects President Trump during one of their concerts. pic.twitter.com/ZjO1hk1cgW
— Brandon (@LibOrNormal) May 13, 2025
Saw a friend’s video from Riot Fest—GWAR mock-beheaded Elon Musk on stage. That’s not edgy, it’s grotesque and reckless and normalizes violence against a real person. This is not okay. Riot Fest and GWAR crossed a major line. #RiotFest #GWAR #ElonMusk @RiotFest @gwar @elonmusk @X pic.twitter.com/ngr0GRVbP9
— karen (@hottakekaren) September 20, 2025
GWAR’s History of Provocative Performances
Formed in 1984 in Richmond, Virginia, GWAR is renowned for grotesque costumes and over-the-top stunts. Their performances have previously included fake blood, urine, and other shocking elements directed at audiences.
The band has staged similar acts targeting every U.S. president from Reagan to Biden, as well as celebrities like Hillary Clinton, Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson, and even Jesus Christ.
Band Defends Theatrical Absurdity
Responding to criticism, a GWAR representative told New York Post: “Normalizing violence? Humans don’t need GWAR for that. There’s nothing normal about the Looney Toon violence performed on our stage. GWAR is an absurdist spectacle. It’s to violence what the New York Post is to journalism — ridiculous.”
Riot Fest Mocks Outrage
The festival itself also responded on X (formerly Twitter): “Like I know this is a rage bait engagement farming twitter account, but ‘GWAR crossed a major line’ is one of the funniest fucking things I’ve ever heard.”
GWAR’s performance underscores the band’s provocative, theatrical nature, blurring the line between shock rock and social commentary, while drawing viral attention online.
