Family at GWAR

Some unpleasant business over at GWAR, where the surviving band members are being sued by Dave Brockie's family:

"Immediately after Dave Brockie's death, the remaining active members of GWAR, led by [drummer] Brad Roberts [a.k.a. Jizmak Da Gusha], set out on a course of action to capitalize on the death of Dave Brockie.

"Mr. Roberts and-his cohorts took certain steps to attempt to wrongfully secure Dave Brockie's property and legacy — items that rightfully belonged to his Estate."

The family claim that Brad Roberts tried to seize control of the estate; they suggest that much of Brockie's art and property has been kept by the band. Oh, and Brockie's ashes:

"To date, Mr. Roberts and Slave Pit, Inc. have retained the vast majority of Dave Brockie's remains and failed to return the ashes of Dave Brockie to his grieving father.

There's a further claim of an unauthorised memorial fund.

No official response yet, apparently.

GAWRobit: Dave Brockie

Dave Brockie, who as Oderus Urungus created and led GWAR, has died. His manager confirmed the news:

"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 p.m. EST Sunday, March 23, 2014. His body was found Sunday by his bandmate at his home in Richmond, Virginia. 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 bandmates and his family.

"More information regarding his death shall be released as the details are confirmed."

Here's GWAR appearing on The Joan Rivers show:


[Related: RIP: Cory Smoot]

GWAR manage to turn condiment range into violence against women

There's two things here. First, GWAR, even if you're launching a chilli sauce - even a hot chilli sauce - you're still just getting into selling condiments.

That puts them in the same space as, well, this guy:

However, if you must try and stretch your brand into sauces, condiments, pickles and chutneys, try not to do it like this:

The band's guitar player Balsac, has said that Gwar-B-Q sauce "is mostly made out of the blood of really hot chicks." He adds that such a use is "a terrible waste of fine ass, but ultimately worth it because this sauce is absolutely delicious."

Ha ha ha, murdering women and making food out of them. Hilarious. I can't imagine why HP haven't brought out an Ed Gein Limited Edition flavour.

Rockobit: Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus)

Cory Smoot, who since 2002 has been playing the GWAR character Flattus Maximus, has been found dead.

Smoot had been a fan of GWAR during his high school years and, according to the Baltimore Sun, had always dreamed of joining the band. He got his chance in 2002 when the band needed someone new to take on the part of the armoured, farting alien following the departure of Zach Blair.

Although both the character and band were well-established, Smoot quickly established himself as a major part of the group - material he'd intended for a solo side project was "promoted" to be an official GWAR release and his nine years in the costume gave him "true Smoot" status.

GWAR's Dave Brockie issued a statement about Smoot's death:

It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their long time guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot, also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus. Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing.

There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred. At this point there is no word on arrangements and the disposition of the remainder of GWAR’s current North American tour, nor are there any details regarding long term plans.

At this point we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother, one of the most talented guitar players in metal today.

We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss. A full statement will be coming in the next day or so, in the meantime please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him.

Smoot had also played without elaborate costumage for Locus Factor - as a drummer - and Mensrea, in his usual guitar role.

Cory Smoot was 25 years old.