Heavens No! Gwar Guitarist Cory Smoot Dies on Tour

Gary Wolstenholme/Getty Images

 

RIP, Flattus Maximus.

Cory Smoot, lead guitarist for satirical costumed headbangers Gwar, was found dead Thursday after a concert in Minneapolis in the midst of a six-week tour.

Here's what we know...
RELATED: Amy Winehouse Found Dead in London

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.

 

According to Fox News, Smoot's body was discovered on the Virginia-based heavy metal band's tour bus just before it was due to cross into Canada.

"It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of Gwar must announce the passing of their longtime guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot," Gwar's frontman, David Brockie, said in a statement yesterday. "Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing."

A cause of death has yet to be determined for Smoot, whose age is unknown.

"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," continued the singer, who goes by the handle Oderus Urungus and founded the act back in 1984.

MORE: Warrant Rocker Jani Lane Found Dead in Los Angeles Hotel
Smoot assumed the onstage alias of Flattus Maximus when he joined the Intergalactic Mutant Overlords in 2002 and had been with them ever since.

Just before Halloween, Gwar—famed for its freaky sci fi/horror-themed costumes, metal anthems and stage antics like dousing their fans in fake blood—played Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

Despite Smoot's unexpected passing, his bandmates say the show must go on. Gwar plans to remain out on the road and will play its scheduled gig Friday night in Edmonton, Canada.