Biography
Mike Derks is an American guitarist and performer, best known as the rhythm guitarist in the heavy metal band GWAR since 1988. He portrays the character Balsac the Jaws of Death (also styled BälSäc the Jaws 'o Death), a humanoid figure with a bear-trap face who typically wields a battleaxe on stage.
Derks joined GWAR shortly after the release of the band's debut album Hell-O (1988), replacing an earlier performer of the role. He has contributed to the majority of the band's studio albums and is the longest-serving member following the death of vocalist Dave Brockie in 2014. Derks has also appeared in GWAR videos and related projects.
In 2026 he appeared as BalSac the Jaws of Death in the segment 'Frame Narrative' of the anthology film V/H/S/Mixtape.
