Gwar to perform in Canada despite guitarist's death

04 November 2011

by Poppy Reid

Satirical hardcore band Gwar have announced they will still perform their scheduled performance in Canada tonight despite the death of their guitarist yesterday.

As reported by the Edmunton Journal, the band will play Edmunton Event Centre with Every Time I Die, Ghoul and Warbeast who have been supporting Gwar for the past two weeks on their six-week tour of North America.

According to a statement released by frontman Dave Brokie, Cory Smoot was found dead Thursday morning on the band's tour bus as they were about to enter Canada from the U.S.

“It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their long time guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot,  also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus.  Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing.  There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred.  At this point there is no word on arrangements and the disposition of the remainder of GWAR’s current North American tour, nor are there any details regarding long term plans.  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.  We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss.  A full statement will be coming in the next day or so, in the meantime please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him.” -Dave Brockie-

Gwar brought their outlandish monster costumes and fake blood to Australia last year when they performed No Sleep Til Festival.