Comedy rock

GWAR (stylized as GWAR) is a Richmond, Virginia-bred heavy metal band forged in 1984. Known for its ever-evolving roster of musicians, artists, and filmmakers—collectively known as Slave Pit Inc.—the band has continued to create and perform even after the 2014 death of frontman Dave Brockie, with none of its original members remaining.

Their signature grotesque costumes are integral to GWAR's elaborate science fiction mythology. Band members portray barbaric warriors—a mix of medieval Nordic, mythological, biblical, and interplanetary figures—a narrative driving their albums, live shows, and media presence. Their over-the-top violent, sexual, and scatological humor, often laced with sharp social and political satire, has garnered both praise and controversy. Infamous for their live shows, which feature graphic violence and drench the audience in copious amounts of fake blood, urine, and semen, GWAR is often categorized as "shock rock."

Since their inception, GWAR has unleashed 15 studio albums, two live albums, numerous singles, and other recordings, selling over 820,000 records in the US alone. The controversies surrounding their concerts fueled a brief period of mainstream notoriety in the early 1990s, earning them MTV airplay and in-character appearances on daytime talk shows, where they satirized censorship and media violence. While their mainstream popularity waned by the late 1990s, GWAR maintains a fiercely dedicated cult following.

Their extensive videography includes live recordings and feature films, most notably 1992's Phallus in Wonderland, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video. Beyond music, the GWAR brand has expanded into books, comic books, board games, beer, whiskey, barbecue sauce, CBD products, e-liquids, collectible toys, and even sex toys—a testament to their enduring, if unconventional, influence.

Second Hand Rose: A Chinese Rock Band Breaking Boundaries

Second Hand Rose (Chinese: 二手玫瑰; pinyin: èrshǒu méiguī), hailing from Beijing, China, is a rock band that burst onto the scene in 1999, founded by the charismatic musician Liang Long. They've carved a unique niche in the Chinese rock industry by blending traditional Chinese instruments with Western rock and roll, creating a vibrant, theatrical experience. Their shows are known for their exaggerated stage design, dazzling visual effects, and humorous lyrics, adding a touch of magic and whimsy to their performances.

A Fusion of East and West:

Second Hand Rose's music is a captivating blend of traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) and the pipa (a four-stringed lute) with the energy and power of Western rock. This unique fusion allows them to explore a broad range of musical styles, from traditional Chinese folk melodies to hard-hitting rock anthems. Their debut album, released in 2004, garnered widespread acclaim in China and positive reviews from music critics in the United States, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the Chinese rock scene.

Liang Long's Journey: A Passion for Rock:

Liang Long, the band's lead vocalist, has a captivating story of unwavering dedication to his musical passion. Growing up in a family connected to a Chinese state-owned enterprise, he encountered resistance to his love for rock and roll, which was seen as unconventional and "backward." Despite these challenges, Liang Long's desire to create music was unyielding. He left his hometown to pursue his dreams in the vibrant city of Beijing, facing hardships and financial struggles along the way. He worked as a security guard in Harbin to save money for music lessons and eventually formed a band called "Black Lens" with fellow musicians.

From Black Lens to Second Hand Rose:

Although "Black Lens" disbanded due to financial difficulties, Liang Long's passion never wavered. He relocated to Beijing, determined to succeed in the music industry. After enduring numerous setbacks and financial difficulties, he persevered, constantly striving to showcase his musical talent. In 2000, the seeds of Second Hand Rose were sown, and the band evolved into a formidable force in the Chinese rock scene.

Breaking the Mold:

Second Hand Rose stands out for its unique approach to rock music, refusing to conform to conventional styles. The band is known for its sharp social commentary, addressing topics like modern psychological disorders and Taoist philosophy within their music. Their bold and unapologetic approach has made them a symbol of defiance and individuality within the Chinese music industry.

A Legacy of Innovation:

Second Hand Rose's impact goes beyond their musical talent. Their theatrical performances, blending vibrant costumes with traditional Chinese instruments, have redefined the concept of a rock show in China. They have become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of Chinese musicians to embrace their unique voices and push boundaries.

Second Hand Rose's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the courage to break free from conventional expectations. Their music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the vibrant diversity of Chinese rock and proving that innovation and creativity can thrive even amidst challenges.

Won Fu (English band name: Won Fu) is a Taiwanese band with four members. Officially formed in October 1998, the band's name came from member Twiggy and his friend's name for a dog at school. They have participated in many large-scale music events such as Spring Scream, Wild Stage, Gongliao Ocean Music Festival, and performed at live houses such as Taipei Vibe, Underground Society, Riverside Message, and Saint Realm. They are unique for their childish innocence, simple humor and unique creativity. They gradually gained recognition after participating in Rolling Stone's "Half-Adult Collection". They currently belong to Won Fu Love You Co., Ltd. Won Fu won the Jury Award at the 2002 Ocean Music Festival and was nominated for Best Band at the 16th, 17th, 19th, 27th and 30th Golden Melody Awards. They were nominated for Best Band at the 13th Golden Melody Awards and won.

== Members ==

=== Current Members ===

=== Former Members ===

== Music Works ==

=== Albums === 2003: Same Name, Same Surname Album 2004: Won Fu 2005: Won Fu Chronicle 2007: Youth Dance Music (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2008: The Wonderful World of Wonfu (Japanese Version Compilation) 2009: Won Fu Love You (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2010: Flying Towards You, Flying Towards Me 2013: Won De Fu (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2015: Dad, I Want to Be a Singer (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2018: Won Love Song (Chinese Version) 2021: Hello Me, Hello You, Hello Everyone (Chinese Version)

=== Singles === 2001: Little Sheep Going to Market included in Young Patriot (Angle Head Records) 2002: Shinkansen included in Red Voice Rock Vol. 5 (Sony Music) / Half-Adult Statement (Rolling Stone Records) 2003: When I Was Little, I Went to Spin included in Ocean Award Band Compilation (Angle Head Records) 2003: Rudolph's Revenge 2004: ByeBye X'mas 2007: Kiss, Clear Heart, Have a Good Year (Council for Cultural Affairs '2007 Clear Heart Have a Good Year') 2008: Love ING 2008 (7-11 OPEN Little General Compilation) 2011: Gentle Little Certainty (Kao Depend Gentle Declaration Commercial Song) 2011: Little Bit of Gentleness (Kao Depend Gentle Declaration Commercial Song) 2012: Backpacker 2014: Wang Wang Call 2014: Have some Fun 2016: Let's Party (LihPao Land 2016 Annual Spokesperson Theme Song Commercial Song) 2017: Ah Niang Ha Xi Yao 2018: Rough Level Give Power (Uni-President Sunshine Brown Rice Milk Spokesperson Theme Song) 2019: Half Each (The Making of a Normal Woman Theme Song) 2021: This World Record - Brave Version 2021: Pearl Taro Balls 2021: Sayonara Sayonara (The Making of a Normal Woman 2 Theme Song)

== Film Works ==

=== Films ===

== Award Records ==

== Publications == Won Fu (Softcover Publishing Co., Ltd., 2003) ISBN: 9789578034365 Letter to My Daughter: Rock Dad Loves You One Trillion Years (City State Culture Publishing: Family Media City State Branch Publishing, 2015 City State Culture Publishing: 2015) ISBN: 9789863061946

== Personal Life == On July 16, 2013, after the filming of the Love You One Trillion Years MV was completed, lead singer Xiao Min proposed to bassist Tui Ji, who is also in the band. They registered their marriage on December 25, 2013, and held a wedding ceremony and reception on June 11, 2014. Bandmates Du Pi and MAMI served as best man and maid of honor. On July 12, 2014, Won Fu announced a "six-month graduation" to allow Xiao Min and Tui Ji to prepare for parenthood, while MAMI studied abroad in France. On January 16, 2015, Xiao Min and Tui Ji welcomed their daughter, Duo An. MAMI returned to Taiwan.