Jack Flanagan, manager of GWAR, has released a statement following last night’s shocking news that the GWAR frontman Dave Brockie was found dead in his Viginia home. The news initially broke via Richmond outlet Style Weekly and has now been officially confirmed by GWAR management.
“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,” reads the statement. “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.”
While the exact cause of death has not yet been announced, Flanagan has confirmed a full autoposy will be performed on the 50-year-old shock rock innovator, known to fans as his alter ego, Oderus Urungus. “My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family,” writes Flanagan. “More information regarding his death shall be released as the details are confirmed.”
As the news of the untimely death began to spread yesterday, trubutes from fellow musicians began flowing in. Bassist Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch said, “We had the privilege of playing with GWAR just one month ago at Soundwave festival in Australia. Dave was always right there on the side of the stage that Five Finger Death Punch were playing on — watching every band, laughing and enjoying life.”
Vocalist Tony Foresta of another Richmond, Virginia band, Municipal Waste, who toured with GWAR in 2012, wrote on Instagram, “I’m so devastated right now. One of the most fun, brilliant, inspirational and creative people I’ve ever had the privilege to call a friend has passed. I’m going to miss you so much, pal.”
Deathcore band Emmure also paid tribute to Brockie. “We are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow comrade passing away. Dave was a admired individual amongst us,” read a post on the band’s Facebook page. “He spoke highly of Emmure and whether he knew it or not we were very passionate about him as well. R.I.P Oderus Urungus. GWAR FOREVER.”
Gerard Way, former lead singer of My Chemical Romance called Brockie a “creative force” and mourned his loss. “Rest in peace Dave Brockie,” he wrote on Twitter. “Thank you for influencing my young and pliable brain cells. The world loses a creative force.”
According to GWAR’s mythology, Oderus Urungus is 43 billion years old, and was created on a planet called Scumdogia. He is the only character to appear in every Gwar line-up, beginning as guitar player, then bassist, then vocalist. Gwar released their 13th album in 2013 and mark their 30th anniversary this year.
Rest in peace Dave Brockie. Thank you for influencing my young and pliable brain cells. The world loses a creative force.
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) March 24, 2014
