Dave Brockie (50), better known as Oderus Urungus, the founder and lead singer of renowned Richmond, Virginia metal band GWAR, has died. Roommates found Brockie‘s body at his home Sunday evening (March 23).
“At approximately 6:53 p.m. on Sunday, Richmond Police were called to a residence in the 4800 block of West Seminary Avenue for a report of a deceased individual,” Richmond Police spokeswoman Dionne Waugh said in a statement. “When officers arrived, they found David M. Brockie, 50, deceased inside the home. Detectives do not suspect foul play at this time and the Medical Examiner’s Office will determine cause of death.”
At 10:22 a.m. Jack Flanagan, manager of GWAR Â issued an official statement:Â
“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.Â
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.”
GWAR’s latest album, “Battle Maximus”, sold around 3,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 109 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD — the band’s first full-length studio effort since the loss of Flattus Maximus — was issued on September 17, 2013 on Metal Blade Records.
In an audio interview with SickRick of RockRevolt just a few days prior to the album release, Oderus talked about how the band was continuing in its 30th year with a special homage to Cory Smoot (Flattus). It’s a ominus ten minutes, as Oderus talks of big plans in 2014 for the band.
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That interview caused what shall forever be known as “THE GWARING” of RockRevolt Magazine.  Within 30 minutes of the band posting to their official Facebook page and Twitter, tens of thousands of GWAR fans took down the site.  We understood then, and now, how beloved Oderus was to his fans.  He will be truly missed by everyone.
“I wish it was a joke,” former GWAR bassist Chris Bopst, a music writer for Style Weekly, told the site. “Everyone is in shock.”  As of 8:21 this morning, detectives with Richmond Police say they “do not suspect foul play at this time,” department spokeswoman Dionne Waugh told Style.
“Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I’ve known,” former GWAR bassist Mike Bishop told Style Weekly. “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 frontman, 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.”
Across social media, friends of Dave have shared their sentiments and personal stories and remembrances of Brockie…
Fellow Richmand, Virginia metaler and Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe , who toured with GWAR in 2009, wrote on Instagram:
I got a very sad call tonight from my buddy Chris Bopst, who was one of the original members of GWAR. My friend Dave Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus, the singer of GWAR, has left the building and 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 and his roommates found him.
“When someone dies, a lot of the time people will say, ‘Oh, he was a unique person, really one of a kind, a true original.’ Most of these people no idea of what they are talking about; they obviously had never met Dave.
“Dave TRULY WAS ONE OF A KIND. I can’t think of ANYONE even remotely like him. That’s VERY HARD TO SAY.
“My band learned how to become a real touring band from GWAR. They gave us out first shot at this thing.
“I learned many things from Dave, many of which I am eternally grateful for, and some of which I am deeply ashamed of.
“I took this picture*at his birthday party a few months ago — Dave kissing his Oderus birthday cake.
“Right now, if I were to truly honor Dave in the way HE would do it if it were ME that had died, I would make a completely tasteless joke about his death. But I do not have the stomach for that — Dave would, but not me. He never put much stock in ‘limits.’
“Richmond has lost one of its most creative people.
“This is a crying shame to me.
“Thank you, Brockie, for all the crazy shit you did. Thank God you existed, so you could do it and I didn’t have to. It was an honor to know you, to be your Shaky Slave, to serve in the Blood Vomits along side you (let’s ride!), and to be soaked by your sweet cuttlefish.
“RIP Dave Brockie. Oderus, enjoy your trip back home.”
*the picture that Randy took is what GWAR’s management sent with the official press release.
Bassist Chris Kael of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH said:
“Just read about the passing of Dave Brockie — Oderus Urungus from GWAR. We had the privilege of playing with GWAR just one month ago at Soundwave festival in Australia. Dave was always right there on the side of the stage that FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH were playing on — watching every band, laughing and enjoying life. As he entertained us in life, may his death remind us that life is short. Tell the ones around you that they are loved. Live life with a smile and a laugh. Just as Dave and I shared a laugh while talking at Soundwave. We love you. Each and every one of you. R.I.P. Dave Brockie — Oderus Urungus.”
Vocalist Tony Foresta of another Richmond, Virginia band, MUNICIPAL WASTE, which toured with GWAR in 2012, wrote on Instagram:
“I’m so devastated right now. One of the most fun, brilliant, inspirational and creative people I’ve ever had the privilege to call a friend has passed. I’m going to miss you so much, pal.”
Dez Fafara (DEVILDRIVER, COAL CHAMBER):
“Rest in peace, my brother!”
EMMURE:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow comrade passing away. Dave was an admired individual amongst us. He spoke highly of EMMURE and whether he knew it or not, we were very passionate about him as well. R.I.P., Oderus Urungus. GWAR FOREVER.”
Ben Orum (ex-ALL SHALL PERISH):
“Dave, You were a creative genius. Thank you for bringing so much joy to me and my friends as we grew up with GWAR. RIP.”
GWARÂ just got back from playing Australia’s Soundwave Festival, and announced that the annual GWAR-BQ would be held on August 16, 2014. Â There are some fantastic pictures and a great video interview with Oderus on Music Feeds.
