According to the Richmond, Virginia based website, StyleWeekly, GWAR vocalist, Dave Brockie, has sadly passed away at the age of 50. He was found at his home by housemates on Sunday evening (March 23rd) and the cause of death, at this point, is still not known.
Brockie formed GWAR in 1984 after the demise of his former band, Death Piggy. He fronted GWAR as the character Oderus Urungas and was best known for his onstage theatrics which included just recently beheading an effigy of Australia’s prime minister, Tony Abbott, which caused much controversy across various news sites while the band were here as part of the Soundwave tour just a few short weeks ago. They had just returned home from their first ever show in Japan and were celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary.
GWAR’s latest album, Battle Maximus, was released last year in honour of guitarist, the late Cory Smoot, who played with the band under the guise of Flattus Maximus and passed away unexpectedly in 2011.
Jack Flanagan, manager of GWAR has issued an official statement:
“It is with a saddened heart, that I confirm my dear friend Dave Brockie, artist, musician, and lead singer of GWAR passed away at approximately 6:50 PM EST Sunday March 23,2014. His body was found Sunday by his band mate at his home in Richmond, VA. Richmond authorities have confirmed his death and next of kin has been notified. A full autopsy will be performed. He was 50 years old, born August 30, 1963.
My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family. More information regarding his death shall be released as the details are confirmed.”
Mr. Jack Flanagan
Issachar Entertainment/ Slave Pit Inc.
