So, we all know what happened when Barbie first hit the theaters. It was chaos but for all the right reasons. Because at the same time, the highly anticipated premier, Oppenhimer made its debut. Fans couldn’t decide what to watch first, and most ended up watching both in the same day. Theaters were packed and barbie-himer merchandise lined every corner store. Both movies were an absolute hit, but barbie stood out especially for it’s bold statements on patriarchy and of course the epic musical numbers.
But who knew that out of the two, Barbie would be the one to ressurect the heavy metal band Gwar. Thats right, after being silent for seven long years, the american band made a big comeback with a unique take on “I’m just ken”, from Barbie at their first AV Undercover concert. One would expect their comeback to start off with their classic songs like “If You Want Blood” or “Let Us Slay”, but instead they chose to make a bold statement, that they too are in fact ‘Kenough.’
Gwar’s Epic Cover of “I’m Just Ken” Goes Viral
Gwar didn’t just sing this ‘international anthem for men’ instead they created a heavy metal masterpiece. They made it their own with futuristic sounds and super-fast guitar solos, making them sound fierce and otherworldly. Their cover blew up online, getting over a million views in just a few months!
But why is the cover so special? I mean, a lot of other artists tried their hands at barbie’s single ‘I’m Just Ken’, like Pete Davinson who sang his “I’m Just Pete” for an SNL skit. And admittedly, that was hilarious but Gwar didn’t just copy the original song’s smooth pop feel. They mixed it up with their funny metal style and crazy stage effects. It’s like they took the song’s message about explaining yourself and gave it a hardcore twist: “Doesn’t seem to matter what we do, we’re still the band that spews too gross, too much for most: f*** you!” Classic Gwar—bold, funny, and totally outrageous.
Now, if you’re not familiar with Gwar, let me fill you in. They’ve been rocking the metal scene since the mid-1980s, mixing serious music skills with over-the-top, devilish performances. Think of them like Slipknot but even more intense, with each band member wearing amazing and wild masks that turn them into sci-fi monsters and mythical creatures. It’s a crazy mix with the Barbie theme, but both are super exciting and unique, just like the 2023 Barbie movie.
Gwar: Masters of Comedic Metal Since the Mid-80s
Over their 40-year history, Gwar has had many changes in their band members. The current team in this viral video includes vocalist Mike Bishop, guitarist Mike Derks, drummer Brad Roberts, bassist Casey Orr, and the newest guitarist, Tommy Meehan. Brad Roberts even uses pink cymbals to add a little Barbie touch to their fantastic medieval-meets-alien show. Plus, Mike Derks has a Barbie-style hairstyle and plays with a plastic Ken doll before diving into their powerful version of the song. These small details make their performance unforgettable.
Fans can’t get enough of this unexpected twist. People are leaving comments like “weirdly comforting” and “these guys don’t make music for money, they make music because music is awesome.” It’s clear that Gwar’s fresh approach not only makes the song better but also shows why they’re still such beloved metal legends. They’re not just about shocking people—they want to surprise and entertain their audience every time they perform. Gwar just gets so creative with things. Their cover respects the original while adding their own unique flair.
Can’t wait to see more from Gwar? Don’t miss out! Watch their latest videos on their you tube Channel. Catch up with them on Instagram and Facebook, and at their official website for news and upcoming events. Believe me, you won’t want to miss what these stellar metal stars have in store next!