Gwar are down one intergalactic barbarian, as lead guitarist Brent Purgason — better known as Pustulus Maximus — has left the band.
Purgason had been a member of Gwar since 2012, taking over the role left vacant by Cory Smoot (aka Flattus Maximus), who died in 2011. He played on the albums Battle Maximus, The Blood of Gods, and The New Dark Ages.
In an Instagram post, the guitarist didn’t give a specific reason for his exit, but did say that “people grow and priorities change.” His full statement reads as follows:
“11 years ago I had the privilege of joining the greatest shock rock and roll band in the world. Today, I announce my departure from it.
Playing and performing as Pustulus Maximus has been quite the experience and I’ll be forever grateful for it. I want to extend my utmost appreciation for all the support given to me by the fans over the years.
Purgason had been a member of Gwar since 2012, taking over the role left vacant by Cory Smoot (aka Flattus Maximus), who died in 2011. He played on the albums Battle Maximus, The Blood of Gods, and The New Dark Ages.
In an Instagram post, the guitarist didn’t give a specific reason for his exit, but did say that “people grow and priorities change.” His full statement reads as follows:
“11 years ago I had the privilege of joining the greatest shock rock and roll band in the world. Today, I announce my departure from it.
Playing and performing as Pustulus Maximus has been quite the experience and I’ll be forever grateful for it. I want to extend my utmost appreciation for all the support given to me by the fans over the years.
- 11/6/2023
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
Gwar are revisiting their 2013 album Battle Maximus with a new 10th anniversary expanded reissue. A remixed and remastered version of the track “Falling” can be heard now ahead of the reissue’s September 1st release date.
Battle Maximus stands as the final Gwar album to feature late band mastermind Dave Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, and the 10th anniversary edition features his final vocal performance on the previously unreleased bonus track “Tammy, the Swine King.”
“Ten years after its initial release, the wounds are just as fresh,” commented guitarist BälSäc, the Jaws ‘o Death. “The words that Oderus wrote as a tribute to his fallen Scumdog brother, Flattus Maximus, gain new meaning when heard as the final lyrics he would ever sing. The songs echo in stereo through the twin holes that were left in our hearts by the absence of Oderus and Flattus. This new remix of Battle Maximus breathes...
Battle Maximus stands as the final Gwar album to feature late band mastermind Dave Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, and the 10th anniversary edition features his final vocal performance on the previously unreleased bonus track “Tammy, the Swine King.”
“Ten years after its initial release, the wounds are just as fresh,” commented guitarist BälSäc, the Jaws ‘o Death. “The words that Oderus wrote as a tribute to his fallen Scumdog brother, Flattus Maximus, gain new meaning when heard as the final lyrics he would ever sing. The songs echo in stereo through the twin holes that were left in our hearts by the absence of Oderus and Flattus. This new remix of Battle Maximus breathes...
- 6/8/2023
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
Dave Brockie -- lead singer and founding member of legendary metal band Gwar -- died of a heroin overdose ... and officials tell TMZ it was accidental.Brockie -- a.k.a Oderus Urungus -- was found dead sitting in a chair at home back in March.A rep for the Virginia medical examiner's office tell us the official cause of death is acute heroin toxicity ... and the death is being ruled an accident.Brockie is...
- 6/3/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Richmond, Va. (AP) — Dave Brockie, who as "Oderus Urungus" fronted the alien-costumed heavy metal band Gwar during graphic and fake-blood-soaked stage shows for more than three decades, has died. He was 50. Officers were called to Brockie's home Sunday evening and found the singer dead inside the home, Richmond police spokeswoman Dionne Waugh said Monday. Detectives don't suspect foul play at this time and the medical examiner's office will determine cause of death, Waugh said. The band founded in 1984 is known for its comically grotesque costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics. Gwar was nominated for a Grammy Award for best long-form music video in 1993 for "Phallus in Wonderland" but lost to "Diva" by Annie Lennox. It also was nominated for best metal performance for "S.F.W." in 1996 but lost to "Happiness In Slavery" by Nine Inch Nails. Randy Blythe, the lead vocalist for Virginia-based metal band Lamb of God, fondly recalled...
- 3/24/2014
- by Michael Felberbaum, AP
- Hitfix
Dave Brockie, frontman for the heavy metal band Gwar, has been found dead in his Richmond, Va., home at age 50. Richmond police spokeswoman Dionne Waugh says officers were called to home shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday for a report of a dead person. When officers arrived, Brockie - who went by the stage name Oderus Urungus - was found dead inside the home. Detectives don't suspect foul play at this time, and Waugh says the medical examiner's office will determine cause of death. The Grammy-nominated band, founded in 1984, is known for its comically grotesque costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics.
- 3/24/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
Dave Brockie, the Gwar frontman also known as Oderus Urungus, was found dead at his home in Richmond, Va., on Sunday night. He was 50.
Dave Brockie Dies
Police received a call just before 7 p.m. on Sunday that indicated a man had been found dead in his home, according to a statement from a Richmond police spokesperson. “When officers arrived, they found David M. Brockie, 50, deceased inside the home," the statement, which appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, read.
Foul play is not suspected in Brockie’s death and no drugs were reportedly uncovered at the scene. The Medical Examiner’s office will determine and reveal the official cause of death.
Brockie’s death was confirmed on Monday in a statement from the band’s manager, Jack Flanagan. "My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family," said Flanagan, who revealed that a Gwar bandmate...
Dave Brockie Dies
Police received a call just before 7 p.m. on Sunday that indicated a man had been found dead in his home, according to a statement from a Richmond police spokesperson. “When officers arrived, they found David M. Brockie, 50, deceased inside the home," the statement, which appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, read.
Foul play is not suspected in Brockie’s death and no drugs were reportedly uncovered at the scene. The Medical Examiner’s office will determine and reveal the official cause of death.
Brockie’s death was confirmed on Monday in a statement from the band’s manager, Jack Flanagan. "My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family," said Flanagan, who revealed that a Gwar bandmate...
- 3/24/2014
- Uinterview
We're always game for a new helping of horror metal from Oakland, CA “splatter thrash” unit Ghoul, who recently graced us with an awesome cover of Gwar's classic track “Americanized” on the compilation Intermediate Level Hard-Core. We're still hanging on for a full-length sequel to their awesome record Transmission Zero, but in the meantime they've thrown us another gore-drenched bone, joining forces with satirical stoner-metallers Cannabis Corpse for the tasty 12” split album Splatterhash. Thematically, it's exactly what the title implies: a short, controlled burst of gory horror thrash and weed-metal insanity. What better way to kick off the new year in music? Oddly enough, the Gwar connection continues in Splatterhash, being the first Cannabis Corpse recording to feature lead guitarist Brent Purgason – whom you may already know as Pustulus Maximus, who assumed Gwar's lead axe role from the late, great Cory Smoot (a.k.a. Flattus Maximus) last year, and...
- 1/8/2014
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
In the realm of dark musical delights, 2013 has been quite a historic year: legends in their respective genres returned and/or reunited, while others marked the swan songs of their careers; iconic artists turned out some of their finest work, while some innovative up-and-comers set loose fresh and evil earworms on our collective brains. Honestly, it was damn near impossible for me to narrow the list down to just thirteen entries – a mere Top 10 was out of the question – and cutting names felt like chopping off my own extremities (which I'll admit would be an impressive journalistic statement, but could lead to unpleasant side effects I'd rather not deal with). Still, I found a way to make it work. Well... okay, I cheated, actually. More on that later. But for now, let's cycle back through 2013 – definitely a banner year for scary sounds! [Be sure to click on the titles for full album reviews.] 1. Maniac: Original Soundtrack If you associate old-school...
- 12/20/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
Considering today is Friday the 13th, I couldn't imagine a more fitting date to serve up a review of Gwar's thirteenth studio album... which also happens to sport thirteen tracks. Battle Maximus marks a major turning point for the Scumdogs of the Universe in nearly three decades of debauchery on Planet Earth: as you probably know, it's the first Gwar album recorded after the passing of lead guitarist Cory Smoot, alias Flattus Maximus, who served as one of the band's core members for years (in fact, he first joined them thirteen years ago... again, that magic number) and a fan favorite. While his supreme talent cannot be replaced, his musical duties have been ably assumed by another skilled axe-man, Brent Purgason of Cannabis Corpse. Brent has also officially been assimilated into the vast Gwar canon, taking on the stage role of Pustulus Maximus (a relative of Flattus, of course...
- 9/13/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
The intergalactic monsters of rock are about to unleash Battle Maximus, Gwar's much-awaited follow-up to Bloody Pit of Horror and their thirteenth full-length studio album. This will also be the first Gwar album recorded after the passing of long-time guitarist Cory Smoot in late 2011, and is not only titled in honor of Smoot's legendary Gwar persona Flattus Maximus, but also heralds the arrival of the band's new guitarist, Pustulus Maximus (alias Brent Purgason). A concept album depicting Gwar's epic clash with super-villain “Mr. Perfect,” Battle Maximus will feature the following tracks: “Madness at the Core of Time” “Bloodbath” “Nothing Left Alive” “They Swallowed the Sun” “Torture” “Raped at Birth” “I, Bonesnapper” “Mr. Perfect” “Battle Maximus” “Triumph of the Pig Children” “Falling” “Fly Now” Once again seizing the spotlight (along with other things we can't mention here), Gwar overlord Oderus Urungus announced that Battle Maximus “should satisfy even the most hardcore...
- 7/23/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
After legendary Gwar guitarist Cory Smoot – aka Flattus Maximus – was sadly taken from us last year (read his bandmates' tribute to him here), the legendary mutant metallers vowed to continue on in his honor. While they have been touring as a four-piece band, they have also been actively seeking a worthy successor, and it was finally announced today that Flattus's cousin, Pustulus Maximus, would join Gwar's mighty ranks, in time for their upcoming “Fate or Chaos” tour.
Never passing up an opportunity to hog the microphone, Gwar overlord Oderus Urungus offered some backstory on the new recruit. "What people didn't know about Flattus was that was is part of a huge tribe of brutish warriors, The Maximus Clan. Many of the tribe had fought and even played in bands with Flattus, and we began to get messages from across the stars. Soon the War-Barges of Maximus tribe members began to appear in Earth's orbit.
Never passing up an opportunity to hog the microphone, Gwar overlord Oderus Urungus offered some backstory on the new recruit. "What people didn't know about Flattus was that was is part of a huge tribe of brutish warriors, The Maximus Clan. Many of the tribe had fought and even played in bands with Flattus, and we began to get messages from across the stars. Soon the War-Barges of Maximus tribe members began to appear in Earth's orbit.
- 10/1/2012
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
Writing this piece is a bittersweet experience for me, considering that the talented artist behind this project – former Gwar lead guitarist Cory Smoot, also known by his stage name Flattus Maximus – was tragically taken from this world while on tour with the band last November, and therefore unable to witness the release of the first studio album comprised of his own solo work. While it's a worthy album in itself, with all proceeds going to Smoot's family, it's just as significant that the twelve tracks on When Worlds Collide showcase an impressive range of talent that reflects not only elements of Gwar's outrageous, larger-than-life sense of entertainment, but reveal a darker, more serious side to the...
- 6/18/2012
- FEARnet
From where I've been listening (the exact location is classified, of course), 2011 has been a banner year for the darker shades of the music spectrum. It brought us the sequel to one of the greatest shock-rock albums of all time; it saw that album's creator, Alice Cooper, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; it marked the surprise reformation of industrial metal legends Ministry; and it finally freed the newest masterpiece from electronic music pioneers Skinny Puppy after years of financial purgatory. On a sad note, we also lost one of horror music's finest talents with the passing of guitarist Cory Smoot, aka Gwar axe-master Flattus Maximus... but it's at least good to know Gwar has resolved to continue on in...
- 12/12/2011
- FEARnet
Cory Smoot suffered a heart attack. That's the official word from a North Dakota coroner who issued an autopsy report which the Gwar guitarist's family subsequently made public Tuesday to dispel suggestions that Smoot may have gone the way of other rock stars who lived hard and died young. Smoot died Nov. 3 from a "coronary artery thrombrosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease," wrote Dr. William Massello III, the state's medical examiner, who added that "the formation of such blood clots can result in a heart attack." Related: Amy Winehouse Found Dead in London The costumed headbanger's bandmates were relieved by the coroner's...
- 12/7/2011
- E! Online
Despite the tragic loss of long-time guitarist Cory Smoot – best known among fans as Flattus Maximus – monster metallers Gwar have decided that they would be doing his memory a disservice if they did not continue on the upcoming European leg of their "Return of the World Maggot Tour." Frontman David Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus, made a statement declaring that the tour would continue as planned, so that fans around the world could pay their respects to the fallen warrior. Read more of the announcement after the jump... "When Cory died, we all wanted to go home and take care of the family and our own grief," Brockie said. "But the best way to do that is by playing all the shows we have planned....
- 11/21/2011
- FEARnet
As we reported last Thursday, David Brockie, better known to Gwar fans as Oderus Urungus, reported the sudden and untimely passing of the band's lead guitarist Cory Smoot, who played with the band since 2002 under the stage name Flattus Maximus. Over the weekend, Brockie issued an official press statement, paying a farewell tribute to his bandmate and good friend. Brockie set aside his outrageous stage persona to honor Smoot's memory, and addressed questions about the band's future plans. Read the entire statement below the fold... Photo by Carmelo Espanola Smoot, 34, was found dead in his bunk on the band's tour bus last Thursday morning, just before the band was scheduled to head for their next...
- 11/7/2011
- FEARnet
As I’m sure everyone already knows Cory Smoot, known to his fans as the true Flattus Maximus, has passed away. Over the last few years I’ve had the honor of working with Cory and Gwar. As a fan, it is an honor I never took lightly; I always understood what a privilege it was to be allowed into The Slave Pit every time I entered. So I’m writing this elegy as a fan, a fan that had the supreme honor of standing so close giants.
Read more...
Read more...
- 11/4/2011
- by justin@fangoria.com (Dave McKendry)
- Fangoria
As I’m sure everyone already knows Cory Smoot, known to his fans as the true Flattus Maximus, has passed away. Over the last few years I’ve had the honor of working with Cory and Gwar. As a fan, it is an honor I never took lightly; I always understood what a privilege it was to be allowed into The Slave Pit every time I entered. So I’m writing this elegy as a fan, a fan that had the supreme honor of standing so close giants.
Read more...
Read more...
- 11/4/2011
- by justin@fangoria.com (Dave McKendry)
- Fangoria
Cory Smoot died on the band's tour bus on Thursday.
By Gil Kaufman
Gwar lead guitarist Cory Smoot
Photo: Getty Images
Theatrical costume rockers Gwar will soldier on and continue their tour in support of Lust in Space despite the death Thursday of their 34-year-old guitarist "Flattus Maximus" (born Cory Smoot).
According to reports, Smoot's body was found on the band's tour bus early Thursday morning as the band crossed from Canada into the U.S. for a tour date. The Edmonton Journal reported that the long-running group is still slated to play in Edmonton, Alberta, at the Edmonton Event Centre on Friday night (November 4).
"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, also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus," band leader Oderus Urungus (born Dave Brockie) said in a statement.
By Gil Kaufman
Gwar lead guitarist Cory Smoot
Photo: Getty Images
Theatrical costume rockers Gwar will soldier on and continue their tour in support of Lust in Space despite the death Thursday of their 34-year-old guitarist "Flattus Maximus" (born Cory Smoot).
According to reports, Smoot's body was found on the band's tour bus early Thursday morning as the band crossed from Canada into the U.S. for a tour date. The Edmonton Journal reported that the long-running group is still slated to play in Edmonton, Alberta, at the Edmonton Event Centre on Friday night (November 4).
"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, also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus," band leader Oderus Urungus (born Dave Brockie) said in a statement.
- 11/4/2011
- MTV Music News
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... 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...
- 11/4/2011
- E! Online
Minneapolis — The lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Gwar was found dead Thursday on its tour bus following a concert in Minneapolis, the band's manager and record label said.
Manager Jack Flanagan and record label Metal Blade said Cory Smoot's body was discovered Thursday before the bus crossed into Canada on the Richmond, Va.-based band's tour.
It's unclear what caused Smoot's death or how old he was. A person who answered the phone at the Smoot family residence in Richmond declined to comment. Flanagan and Metal Blade's Kelli Malella, vice president of publicity, said they had no further information to release about Smoot.
Smoot performed since 2002 under the name "Flattus Maximus" with the band known for its comically grotesque sci-fi/fantasy-based costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics. He produced Gwar's last two albums.
Flanagan says there's no word yet on funeral arrangements or the rest of the tour.
Manager Jack Flanagan and record label Metal Blade said Cory Smoot's body was discovered Thursday before the bus crossed into Canada on the Richmond, Va.-based band's tour.
It's unclear what caused Smoot's death or how old he was. A person who answered the phone at the Smoot family residence in Richmond declined to comment. Flanagan and Metal Blade's Kelli Malella, vice president of publicity, said they had no further information to release about Smoot.
Smoot performed since 2002 under the name "Flattus Maximus" with the band known for its comically grotesque sci-fi/fantasy-based costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics. He produced Gwar's last two albums.
Flanagan says there's no word yet on funeral arrangements or the rest of the tour.
- 11/4/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Cory Smoot, guitarist in the shock-rock band Gwar, was found dead Thursday, TMZ reports. The band is currently on tour, and Smoot's body was found as the band traveled from Minneapolis to Edmonton, Ontario, for its next show. The cause of Smoot's death is currently unknown. Smoot was perhaps better known to the band's fans by his stage name, Flattus Maximus. In a statement, Gwar frontman David Brockie said, "There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of Gwar are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred." The...
- 11/4/2011
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Minneapolis (AP) — The lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Gwar has been found dead on their tour bus. Manager Jack Flanagan and record label Metal Blade say Cory Smoot was found early Thursday before crossing into Canada following a show in Minneapolis. It's unclear what caused Smoot's death or how old he was. Smoot performed since 2002 under the name "Flattus Maximus" with the Richmond, Va.-based band known for its comically grotesque costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics. Flanagan says there's no word yet on funeral arrangements or the rest of the tour. Lead singer Dave Brockie, also known...
- 11/3/2011
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
The sad news just came down this afternoon that Cory Smoot, long-time guitarist and frequent co-producer for world-famous heavy metal monsters Gwar (under the stage name Flattus Maximus), passed away earlier today. Band frontman David Brockie, who has entertained us for years in his persona as frontman Oderus Urungus, stepped appropriately out of character to make a brief but heartfelt statement to the music site MetalSucks, and you can read his comments below the fold... "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," Brockie announced to MetalSucks. "Cory was found deceased this morning as the band...
- 11/3/2011
- FEARnet
Really sad news coming in today for fans of music and mayhem - guitarist Cory Smoot, better known as Flattus Maximus in the genre favorite band Gwar, has passed on.
According to website Metal Sucks his band members found him deceased this morning as they prepared to cross the Canadian Border.
Below you'll find the following statement by Gwar mastermind Dave Brockie directly from the band’s camp:
"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...
According to website Metal Sucks his band members found him deceased this morning as they prepared to cross the Canadian Border.
Below you'll find the following statement by Gwar mastermind Dave Brockie directly from the band’s camp:
"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...
- 11/3/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Last week I featured our first quiz in almost six months asking questions about Pixar Animation Studios and to my surprise only three people got all ten questions correct so far. However, I have a feeling a few people will do a little better with our latest brain teaser as we celebrate this weekend's release of Universal's Land of the Lost with a ten question quiz focused on funny man Will Ferrell. The questions range from his days as a star on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" to his career in feature films. Some of the questions are really easy and some will actually test your knowledge. Check out the sample question below or click here to get started: Will Ferrell played a fashion mogul in Zoolander, what was his name? Hansel Maury Ballstein Jacobim Mugatu Meekus Flattus Maximus Land of the Lost hits theaters on June 5, for more information click here.
- 6/2/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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