According to various reports, GWAR frontman Dave Brockie, also known as Oderus Urungus, has been found dead in his home. He was fifty years old. Chris Bopst, a former Gwar bassist and current writer for Style Weekly stated: “I wish it was a joke. Everyone is in shock.”

“Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I’ve known,” another former Gwar bassist Mike Bishop added. “He was brash sometimes, always crass, irreverent, he was hilarious in every way. But he was also deeply intelligent and interested in life, history, politics and art.”

“His penchant for scatological humors belied a lucid wit. He was a criminally underrated lyricist and hard rock vocalist, one of the best, ever! A great front man, a great painter, writer, he was also a hell of a bass guitarist. I loved him. He was capable of great empathy and had a real sense of justice.”

Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe also weighed in on Brockie’s passing, saying: “Got a very sad call tonight from my buddy Chris Bopst, who was one of the original members of GWAR- my friend Dave Brockie, AKA Oderus Urungus, the singer of GWAR, has left the building & taken off back to his home planet. He was 50 years old. I do not know details of why he died yet, just that he passed away at home & his roommates found him.”

Gwar’s management is expected to comment on the situation at 1pm EST today.

“Madness At The Core Of Time”, the new video from GWAR, is taken from the band’s new album, “Battle Maximus”:

Cruzar Media and intergalactic shock rockers GWAR have teamed up to bring you a tribute to the DAYGLO ABORTIONS 1993 anti-censorship anthem “Isn’t This Disgusting”. The single will be included on the upcoming DAYGLO ABORTIONS tribute compilation, due next year.

“Isn’t This Disgusting” was recorded by the late GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot (a.k.a. Flattus Maximus) at his Karma Productions studio in Virginia and was mixed by Rob Shallcross (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD,ZIMMERS HOLE). The track is being released in memory of Smoot. All proceeds from the single will go to the Smoot Family Fund.

Commented DAYGLO ABORTIONS guitarist/vocalist The Cretin: “This makes me feel like I have accomplished something with my life. It is a bigger compliment than any industry award or anything else I can think of. Bigger than recognition from peers. A pat on the back from the big boys. I believe proceeds from this go to Cory Smoot‘s family fund. So shell out the buck 99, then e-mail me a copy, ‘cuz I can’t afford it. Cheers toGWAR.”

Added GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus: “The DAYGLOs have always been one of my favorite bands ever since we played a show with them 25 years ago. So when we heard about this project we were completely stoked, not just with the idea, but the song selected for us. It pretty much sums up my whole attitude. But I had no idea it would the last time I worked with Cory Smoot in the studio. This track has Cory‘s last studio leads, and as usual, they fucking rip. Cory may have left us but his music will live forever. CRANK IT!”

“Isn’t This Disgusting” is available now on iTunes.

The Smoot family and Slave Pit Inc. have released a statement regarding the official cause of death of GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot. Cory had played the character of Flattus Maximus for over ten years, and was discovered dead on the band’s tour bus on Nov. 3rd of this year. He was 34.

Stated North Dakota coroner William Masselo, MD:

“We have finalized the autopsy report and death certificate. I have determined that Cory died from a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease.”

The band, which will continue as a four-piece until the current tour schedule is complete, has officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus, and has announced no plans regarding a new GWAR-tarist.

Metal Blade and GWAR have since set-up the Smoot Family Foundation to raise funds for Cory’s wife, Jaime, and their unborn child. Donations can be made here. Also, at The Canal Club in Richmond, Va. on January 7th there will be a record release show (featuring Mensrea, Cannabis Corpse, DBX and more) for Cory’s solo record, “When Worlds Collide,” which he had completed working on just prior to his death. The album will be released early next year, with all proceeds going to the Smoot Family Fund.

GWAR founding member and vocalist Dave Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, has posted the following statement online regarding the passing of GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot.

“It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their longtime 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.”

Cory Smoot handled production duties on Gwar’s latest two albums “Lust In Space” and “Bloody Pit of Horror.” He also owned and operated his own recording studio, Karma Studios, where several of GWAR’s albums had been recorded.

“Zombies, March!”, the new video from GWAR, can be viewed below (courtesy of Fangoria.com). The clip shot on location at The National in Richmond, Virginia by acclaimed Fangoria director Dave Kendry.