GWAR Honor Fallen Guitarist by Unmasking, Planning Benefit Shows

Less than two weeks after the death of guitarist Cory Smoot, aka Flattus Maximus, the masked shredders of GWAR have crawled back into their foam-rubber costumes and resumed their regular tour schedule. But that doesn't mean they've forgotten about their fallen comrade.

In a post Saturday on their Facebook page, GWAR announced the creation of the Smoot Family Foundation, a charity the over-the-top shock rockers plan to support with a series of benefit shows.

"[T]his week will bring not only answers to many questions, but an opportunity for you to personally contribute to a fund being set up for Cory's wife, Jamie Smoot," the post read.

"I have been blown away by the response from everyone, but we have to set this up correctly and make sure any memorial shows bear the family's seal of approval," the post continued. "The GWAR family is strong and we are honored by you!"

Smoot, 34, was found dead on the group's tour bus on Nov. 3. The band was en route to Canada following a show in Minneapolis, and in an official statement, lead singer Davie Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, revealed the pain he and his band mates were going through.

"As the singer of Gwar and one of [Smoot's] best friends, I feel it is my duty to try and answer some of the questions that surround his tragic and untimely death," Brockie said. "I know the sense of loss and pain is far greater in scope than in the insulated environment of a band on tour, and I will do my best to provide what clarity and comfort I can."

"The most glaring question is how?" he added. "And unfortunately that is the hardest question to answer. The truth will not be known until the medical officials have finished their work. All I can do is relate what we saw with our own eyes."

"We are completely devastated and shocked beyond belief," Brockie went on to say. "One night we had our friend and colleague, happy and healthy in the middle of our best tour in years- and the next morning, so suddenly, he was gone. Never have I seen starker proof of the fragility of life."

Performing last week in Portland, Ore., band members gave Smoot the GWAR equivalent of a 21-gun salute, removing their masks and holding up the late guitarist's ax.

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