GWAR Frontman Dave ‘Oderus Urungus’ Brockie Discovered Dead at 50

There's sad news to report as GWAR frontman Dave Brockie is dead at the age of 50. The rocker, better known as his GWAR alter ego Oderus Urungus, was discovered dead by his roommate early Sunday evening (March 24).

As rumors began to circulate, eventually quotes began to pop up confirming the news. GWAR bassist Mike Bishop was also among the first to comment, telling Richmond's Style Weekly, "Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I've known. 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."

Bishop went on to add, "His penchant for scatological humor 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."

Lamb of God's Randy Blythe was also among the first to comment. Blythe and his bandmates came up through the Richmond, Va. scene and were aided in their rise to fame by GWAR. Blythe's full Instagram post may be seen below:

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 s--- 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.

The tragic news comes just as the band was continuing to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Earlier this month, GWAR had announced an Aug. 16 date for their fifth annual GWAR-B-Q concert.

Brockie was the only member of GWAR to be in the band from the beginning in 1984 to present day. He began as the group's guitarist, but eventually moved over to take on vocals for the band as well. During Brockie's history, GWAR released 13 studio albums, beginning with 1988's 'Hell-O' and including 1990's standout 'Scumdogs of the Universe' as well as their most recent effort, 2013's 'Battle Maximus.'

Our thoughts go out to Brockie's family. Stay tuned as we'll have more on the story throughout the day.

Update: GWAR manager Jack Flanagan has released the following official statement on Brockie's death:

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.