Early Thursday morning, the AP Press reported that Cory Smoot, the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band GWAR had been found dead, as the band was about to cross the US Canadian border after a show in Minneapolis.
Smoot was used to perform under the name ‘Flattus Maximus’ and produced GWAR's last two albums.
I am not really familiar with them but of course the band was known for its crazy science-fiction-horror costumes, its stage antics and vulgar lyrics.
They just had played a show in Chicago for Halloween, the appropriate night for them, having fun with fake blood and guts and other horrors on stage.
The cause of death was still unclear when I was writing this.
GWAR frontman Dave Brockie, made this statement via Metal Sucks:
‘It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their long time guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot… The members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated… 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.’