There's only one band that matters in rock today. Their music is loud and offensive. They appear to be murdering cartoon characters. They appear to be invading the planet. They're funny and fast and have horrible songs, but you will never go to a Gwar show and come out of the pit unscathed without a smile on your face. Pearl Jam doesn't have the balls to let them open for them which is another reason to love them. Gwar plays tonight at the Gibson (the Universal Amphitheatre for those who have a hard time keeping up with the constant name-changing of arenas who continually sell the naming rights to corporations) with As I Lay Dying, Cannibal Corpse, and more bands than you can shake a bloody axe at.

Mike Jones, George Clinton, Warren G, Mack 10 @ Arrowhead Credit Union Park
L.A. Guns @ Vine Street Lounge
The Crowd @ Anarchy Library
Ben Harper, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley @ Greek
Donita Sparks, The Amadans @ The Scene
Margaret Cho @ Largo
Harvey Danger @ Spaceland
Hello Stranger, Los Super Elegantes @ Safari Sam's

photo of Gwar by blue xkimo via flickr