Mike Derks

Rhythm guitarist of GWAR, Michael Derks has portrayed Balsac The Jaws Of Death since 1988. He was also rhythm guitarist in X-Cops and Dave Brockie Experience. Despite being the third person to portray Balsac The Jaws Of Death, Derks is often considered to be the “true” Balsac, due to his longevity as the character.

As Balsac, Mike Derks is the current longest serving member of GWAR and is in some ways considered the “mascot” of the band, appearing on more album covers than any other member. The rarely referenced GWAR hand sign, made by interlocking one’s middle knuckles and sticking out the thumb and pinkie on a designated top hand, is intended to resemble Balsac’s jaws.

In contrast with the other members of GWAR, Balsac is portrayed as a soft-spoken sophisticate whose “council is wise”, providing advice whenever it is needed. Balsac is intermittently characterized as speaking in a haughty British accent, though there are many instances where he speaks with Derks’s normal voice.