The metal world was shocked on Monday with the announcement that David Brockie, who performed as Oderus Utungus in GWAR, had been found dead in his Richmond apartment.
At this time, there is no information on the reason for his passing. Brockie was 50.
Jack Flanagan, the band’s manager, issued a statement saying:
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.
Brockie was originally the vocalist and bassist for the group Death Piggy. While practicing with the band at a local abandoned dairy, he met Hunter Jackson and Chuck Varga who were also using the space to make a film, Scumdogs of the Universe. The three decided to use costumes that were made for the film on stage in a side project called Gwaaarrrgghhlllgh, normally opening for Death Piggy. The three found that people were coming for the opening band’s set and leaving before Death Piggy hit the stage, so they took the GWAR formula forward.
Through a revolving door of musicians, the band managed to record their debut album, Hell-O, in 1988 and followed two years later with Scumdogs of the Universe. It was the latter album that put them on the metal radar.
While their music sold relatively well in metal circles (2001’s Violence Has Arrived was their most successful album, topping out at number 62), they were very well known for their live shows where they performed in full costume as their alter egos, in the case of Brockie as Oderus Utungus.
In total, the band released thirteen studio albums between 1988 and 2013’s Battle Maximus, along with EP’s, live albums, compilations and, to date, 23 video releases.
Over the years, the band has had over forty different members and slaves, 26 of which were officially given one of the 18 character names. Brockie was there when GWAR formed in 1984 and has been the only member to remain through the entire thirty year history of the band.
Read more at VVNmusic.com
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Stay updated with news on Gwar and other music news with your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to the Noise11 Music Newsletter here
Follow Noise11.com on Facebook and Twitter
