Only Heavy Metal

GWAR's manager, Jack Flanagan, has released the following 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 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."

By Kory Grow
June 3, 2014 3:40 PM ET

Gwar frontman Dave Brockie, who played the group's "scumdog" character Oderus Urungus, died of an accidental heroin overdose, the Virginia State Medical Examiner's Office has said. On March 23rd, the singer was found dead in his home, where police found evidence of heroin use, according to Richmond's WTVR.

The TV station said that friends of Brockie's had told its reporters that they were worried the singer's marijuana use had escalated into harder drugs.

Since Brockie's death, Gwar have attempted to keep their momentum going. In April, they launched the Davie Brockie Foundation in his honor with the hopes of promoting "music, images, letters and performances in the arts." They also said that they planned on going through with their planned annual "Gwar-B-Q" in August, "as Dave and Oderus would have wanted," their manager said.

They also hope to open its own "Gwar Bar" in Richmond. Saying that Brockie's death has made them "more determined than ever," the members of Gwar launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $50,000 so they can serve "gourmet junk food." Part of their plans for the money were to build a smokehouse on their prospective site, so they can make "Gwar-B-Q" on premises and to open an adjoining beer garden. Indiegogo funding rewards include a free entrée at the restaurant (for $100), a cooking class with the group's metal-jawed member BalSac ($750) and a patron's very own, name-plated bar stool so he or she can "feel like Norm" (for $1,000). So far, they have raised close to $13,000, or about 25 percent of their goal.

The time has come, your Lords and Masters GWAR have unveiled the details of their latest masterpiece “The Blood of Gods“. Today the first single “Fuck This Place” is available for audio and video streaming. Watch the video, check out the song and pre-order your copy of “The Blood of Gods” at metalblade.com/gwar! Your Intergalactic Overlords demand it! Digital pre-orders include an instant gratification download of “Fuck This Place”. Limited edition special bundle packs are available for pre-order as well.

“The Blood of Gods“, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ronan Chris “Lord God” Murphy, will be released October 20th via Metal Blade Records. The album will be available in Standard CD, 2LP Colored Vinyl and Digital formats.