## GWAR Unleashes Thrash Metal Cover of Chappell Roan’s ‘Pink Pony Club’
GWAR, the iconic costumed metal band, has surprised fans with a ferocious cover of Chappell Roan’s 2023 hit, “Pink Pony Club.” The unexpected rendition arrived as part of the latest season of *A.V. Undercover* from the A.V. Club, recorded at Chelsea Studios in New York City .The band transformed the pop anthem into a blistering thrash metal track, staying true to their signature over-the-top style. GWAR vocalist, the Berserker Blóthar, explained the song’s appeal, stating, “‘Pink Pony Club’ is about embracing exile from a boring, shitty world and remaking yourself into whatever you want — be who you are, be who you aren’t, piss people off, we don’t care!” .
This isn’t the first time GWAR has tackled an unlikely cover. In 2024, the band delivered an “intergalactic metal” version of ‘I’m Just Ken’ from the *barbie* movie .
Beyond their musical endeavors, GWAR and Chappell Roan share a common ground in their outspoken values. In November, Blöthar the Berserker auctioned off a signed bidet to benefit public broadcasting, following his vocal criticism of proposed funding cuts to NPR and PBS . This action followed a Trump administration executive order threatening federal funding for these organizations .
GWAR recently faced controversy following their Riot Fest performance in September, where they enacted their traditional mock execution, this time targeting Donald Trump and Elon Musk . The act drew criticism online, with some accusing the band of normalizing violence.
However, GWAR defended their performance, asserting that it is a form of absurdist art and satire. In a statement to *Billboard*, the band argued that the idea they are normalizing violence is “absurd,” emphasizing the theatrical and cartoonish nature of their stage show . “It’s a cartoon, it’s *Looney Tunes*… It’s trying to make violence into a spectacle and show humanity’s absolute absurdity,” Blóthar explained .
The band, formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, has a long history of targeting political figures in their performances, including joe Biden, Barack Obama, and past presidents, as well as cultural icons like Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson [[3]]. GWAR continues to push boundaries with their unique blend of music and theatrical performance, solidifying their place as a provocative force in the metal world.
