Our pathetic human words fail to describe the loss of GWAR mastermind and frontman Dave Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus, who passed away last weekend at age 50. Though we couldn't consider ourselves formal acquaintances of the shock rock god, we did bathe in his blood, bile and other bodily fluids at many a GWAR show. Though we're still left with so much confusion, frustration and sadness regarding his death, we've also seen an unbelievable amount of praise for Brockie and his legacy from various members of the metal community.
We took the opportunity over the last week to gather remembrances of Oderus from bands who either offered us statements or wrote them publicly. Hell, we even found out Moby was a fan. Here are some of the best quotes we gathered. So long, Oderus…hopefully you're busy taking over another planet's inhabitants, disemboweling their celebrities, staining their t-shirts, and making their ear drums bleed profusely.
See also: [Photos] GWAR at the Observatory
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Tony Foresta (Vocalist of Municipal Waste)
“The first time I saw GWAR was at this little club in Richmond called Twisters. I was super young. When GWAR was playing I was so stoked, I jumped on stage and while he wasn't looking, grabbed Odurus' sword and stage dove with it. The crowd caught me and pushed me back toward the stage. Casey (Beefcake) kicked me so hard in the head that I lost all consciousness and woke up in the back of the room a bit later. I'm pretty sure Dave got his sword back that night, haha. I would have never thought that nearly 20 years later I would have traveled this continent for months and months on end multiple times and have done the things we have done together over the years. I have had some of the greatest times of my life with Dave and his insanity. His support for my music and love for Richmond is a huge part of the reason why I am the person I am today. I'll never forget him and everything he has taught me and my bandmates. Also, I will always root for the Redskins from here on out. He would have been stoked about that. Thanks for everything brother. I'm going to miss you so fucking much.”
Mike Entin (Guitarist for Speaking the King's)
“The first time I truly encountered GWAR was when they made their cameo in the movie Empire Records. One of the employees has a dream that he is killed on stage by Dave Brockie a.k.a Oderus Urungus, which is their usual tradition, and then wakes up to find himself still intact. I always thought it was so hilarious, but it fit. The scene was a perfect representation of the band, it was so out of this world crazy but yet, it still fit perfectly. You will be missed Dave.”
Zain Smith (Guitarist for Anti-Mortem):
“It's sad to see him go. Glad to say I saw them live in Oklahoma! Rest in peace. ”
Nevada Romo (Bassist for Anti-Mortem):
“I saw my first GWAR show when I was sixteen I have never – and will never – see a show like that again. He leaves behind a musical legacy. He will be missed.”
Andrea Ferro (Singer for Lacuna Coil):
I never met Dave in person but I will always remember when I saw GWAR for the first time in a skateboard video. I was blown' away by the crazy gimmick and the unique sound. Since then every time I've been reading or watching something GWAR related I felt a great positive energy and a special connection, a band I truly respected! Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave their footprints and we are never, ever the same.
See also: Wally George Interviews from the Hot Seat–includes interviews with Oderus
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A recent interview with Brockie after the death of guitarist Cory Smoot
From Cam Pipes (Lead Singer for 3 Inches of Blood):
GWAR was such a big part of my formative years as a teenager and especially during my early years playing in my first bands. I really loved the GWAR mythos and backstory of a galactic rock-n-roll band that claimed to be millions of years old and crashed landed in Antarctica. GWAR's lyrics always fascinated me as an impressionable young lad. They were shocking and disgusting but at the same time, imaginative and thought provoking. Dave (as Oderus) sure could weave a story that struck a chord with the listener and made us all gasp, laugh, or groan and sometimes all three. We have truly lost a creative musical talent and I hope everyone will look past the costumes and see how unique Dave was as a metal musician.
Cristina Scabbia (Singer for Lacuna Coil):
I had the chance to meet Dave when we both took part at the Metal Hammer awards in London. I was performing on stage as a guest and he was hosting the night as Oderus, introducing bands and awards. We also played some festivals together. I didn't meet him too many times but he seemed to be a very funny and down to earth person. His artistic creativity and stage presence will surely be missed in a music scene that is often lacking a lighter and fun oriented approach to live performances.
The Red Chord via Facebook:
Dave Brockie was an all around amazing man. We were honored with spending 20+ combined weeks on tour with GWAR. Such an incredible and talented entertainer. Dave and everyone in that camp have always been so good to all of us. What a terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, band and friends down in Richmond.
Thy Will be Done via Facebook:
The world doesn't always get to know creative genius in an artist's lifetime. Lucky we were! Love&Light to your loved ones.
Shai Hulud via Facebook:
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and countless fans of Dave Brockie. He gave us all something unique that will truly never be forgotten. As lifelong GWAR fanatics, Shai Hulud collectively mourns the loss. Dave Brockie, you are loved and will be missed.
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Goodnight, Oderus…
Insane Clown Posse via Facebook:
It's a sad sad day today. But let's remember that not only did GWAR put on one of the most amazing stage shows in history…but they were also great musicians.
Ben Falgoust via Facebook (Vocalist for Goatwhore)
Right now my heart is wedged in my throat and I have this overwhelmed feeling of loss. My words can't, and never will describe this. We have lost someone that has been a mentor, a great friend, an inspiration and an overall down to earth incredible person. Our good friend Dave Brockie has left us behind and it pains us as we offer our condolences to his family, friends, bandmates and the masses of people that have adored him. It is an honor to have been a part of his life in music. Hail the Legions Of GWAR! Long Live Oderus!! Dave will forever be with everyone that has crossed his path.
Moby via Twitter:
Oderus Urungus has gone to Valhalla. The best live band ever has lost it's front person. The world is a poorer place.
Cradle of Filth via Facebook:
R.I.P Oderus Urungus
Cradle Of Filth would like to acknowledge the honour of knowing one Dave Brockie, aka Gwar front barbarian-alien Oderus Urungus, who was found dead at his home only a few days ago. The Mighty Gwar came out with us on the Viva La Bands tour of the States in 2007, whereupon we had such an amazing fucking time together. He was a really nice guy in and out of his alter-ego, and wicked lots of fun to be around. He will be sorely missed from the rot and roll world. Our thoughts are with his family and band colleagues at this time. Have fun wherever you're going mate!
Randy Blythe (Vocalist for Lamb of God) via Facebook:
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, AKA Oderus Urungus, the singer of GWAR, has left the building & 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 & 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 Oderous 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, VA 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. Oderous, enjoy your trip back home.
See also
Top 10 Shock Rock Bands of All Time
10 Goriest Album Covers
10 Most Satanic Metal Bands
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