We had hoped that the rumours swirling around yesterday would be proved false, but both Richmond, Virginia police and GWAR manager Jack Flanagan have confirmed that lead singer Dave Brockie has died.
Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, was found in his home by an as-yet unnamed band member on Sunday evening. Police were called but found Brockie dead at approximately 6.50pm local time. No foul play is suspected and the Medical Examiner will rule on the cause of death shortly.
Flanagan issued 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 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.”
A brilliant and fearless inconoclast with a wicked sense of humour and zero regard for propriety, Brockie was recently in our neck of the woods as part of the Soundwave Festival, where he had his GWAR bandmates cheerfully decapitated an effigy of Tony Abbott live on stage, much to the delight of their fans. A truly unique voice in music, culture and art, he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones.
