Gwar frontman David Brockie, also known by his stage name Oderus Urungus, died in his home on March 23. He was 50 years old. On Tuesday, officials from the medical examiner’s office released a statement that Brockie’s cause of death was acute heroin toxicity. Administrator Arkuie Williams said that his death was an accident.
Gwar, a 1980’s heavy metal rock band, is best known for their elaborate costumes while performing on stage. Brockie was with the band from the very beginning, although they have changed their lineup several times through the years.
After Brockie’s death, his friends told the world how much they admire him. Former bassist of the band, Mike Bishop said “Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I’ve known.” Bishop said that Brockie was always crass and hilarious, but he was also an intelligent man who was interested in art, politics, history, and life.
The death of Brockie prompted Gwar to establish a charity called the Dave Brockie fund. The charity aims to promote the advancement of performing arts and music. They are encouraging talented individuals who lack the funding to pursue what they love doing.
In addition, the band is opening their own restaurant called the GWARbar, which will open in Richmond, VA. The band said that the restaurant was one of Brockie’s dreams.
According to the restaurant’s press release, visitors at the restaurant will be able to taste a wide selection of dishes from the menu, which was designed by Balsac the Jaws of Death, the rhythm guitarist of Gwar. The band launched an IndieGoGo project to raise funds for GWARbar.
With the death of Brockie, Gwar is left without any of its original founding members. The band will still be performing as scheduled at the Riot Fest in Chicago in September.
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