GWAR Frontman Oderus Urungus Found Dead at 50

Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus), founder and lead singer of eccentric and renowned heavy metal band GWAR was found dead in his Richmond, Virginia home on Sunday night. Brockie was 50 years old. Richmond-based magazine, Style Weekly, first reported the late-singer's death early Monday morning. Jack Flanagan, GWAR's band Manager, confirmed his passing.

"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 p.m. EST Sunday, March 23, 2014," Flanagan said. "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. 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."

An officer from the Richmond Police Department responded to a call placed by Brockie's roommate at approximately 6:53 pm. He was found dead when the unnamed officer arrived at the scene. An official cause of death has yet to be determined, foul play has not been suspected.

"Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic [people] I've known," former GWAR bassist, Mike Bishop, told Style Weekly. "He was brash sometimes, always crass, irreverent, [and] hilarious in every way. But he was also deeply intelligent and interested in life, history, politics and art."

Many notable members and bands in the metal community have also expressed their condolences.

 "I'm so devastated right now. One of the most fun, brilliant, inspirational and creative people I've ever had the privilege to call a friend has passed. I'm going to miss you so much, pal," said Tony Foresta of Municipal Waste.  

"I'm so lucky to have known Dave Brockie. Godspeed, my friend. We love you," said Mark Morton of Lamb of God.

"Sad to hear about GWAR's singer Dave Brockie passing. He was such a nice guy to all of us in ADTR. RIP Oderus," said Kevin Skaff of A Day to Remember.

"Sad to hear about Dave Brockie's passing. 50 is far too young. RIP," said Mark Holcomb of Periphery.

"RIP Dave Brockie. I can't believe it. Hilarious, satirical, creative pioneer. He made the genre so much fun," said Brendon Small of Dethklok.

GWAR became Richmond's most-famous band and acquired a cult following in the metal world. Self-proclaimed "Scumdogs of the Universe", GWAR were known for their elaborate sci-fi/horror-themed costumes, obscene lyrics, graphic stage performances, and outlandish backstories for the characters whom the band members represented.

"We're just a bunch of guys with warped senses of humor spit-balling the most evil ideas that we could think of to hold up a twisted mirror to the culture," Brockie said in a 2012 interview with Style Weekly.

The band just marked their 30^th anniversary as a group and recently returned from touring in Japan. In addition to selling out numerous tours, their thirteenth album, Battle Maximus, was released on September 17, 2013 through Metal Blade Records. It is uncertain at this time whether or not the band will continue with the loss of Brockie.