GWAR Frontman Pays Tribute To MIKE SCACCIA

GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (a.k.a. Oderus Urungus) has posted the following message regarding the passing of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitarist Mike Scaccia:

"The metal and music world in general lost a true legend this past week after the unexpected death of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitar player Mike Scaccia. Mike collapsed during a RIGOR MORTIS gig in Dallas and never regained consciousness.

"We are stunned by this terrible, gut-wrenching event that unfortunately we are all-too-familiar with, having lost our brother, Cory Smoot, a little over a year ago. Our hearts go out to Mike's family and friends.

"Mike was a friend of ours and practically a brother to our longtime bass player, Casey Orr. He had tried to get Mike to play for GWAR a couple of times and Mike was always smart enough to turn him down. I completely understand why someone wouldn't want to subject themselves to what we go through, but still I always wondered what GWAR would have sounded like with Mike. But then we found Cory... then lost Cory... Ain't life a fucking bitch.

"If there is one thing I have realized in this last year, it's that the life we are given is incredibly precious and can be snatched away from us at any moment. You have to savor every drop and get every molecule of sweetness you can...and you have to protect and cherish all of your loved ones with every bit of strength your heart can muster. An easy task? No. But in order to give life meaning, it is one we must essay, endure, and triumph over.

"I don't think many would argue that Mike's trademark guitar sound jumpstarted MINISTRY and forged some of the most memorable sounds that legendary band ever created. The hugeness of MINISTRY made many miss Mike's groundbreaking work with RIGOR MORTIS, one of the seminal thrash metal acts to ever spurn the face of this bloody clod we call Earth. He was, quite simply, a guitar God.

"The GWAR family grieves deeply with the many friends, fans, and family that Mike left behind.

"Again our hearts go out to all who are suffering through this incredible loss, and I ask the GWAR family to help, if they can."

The official memorial for Mike Scaccia will be held today (Sunday, December 30) at 3:00 p.m. at Aristide Event Center in Mansfield, Texas. The event is open to the public.

Aristide Event Center
570 North Walnut Creek Drive
Mansfield, TX 76063

Scaccia died on December 22 while performing with RIGOR MORTIS at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas at RIGOR MORTIS frontman Bruce Corbitt's 50th-birthday celebration.

Scaccia, who is also known for his work with REVOLTING COCKS, died of a sudden heart attack brought on by a heart disease (official cause of death: atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease),according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. Officials ruled it a natural death. He was 47 years old.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, police responded to a call from the club at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, and Sciacca was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

His daughter Sarah posted a message on his Facebook page at 3 a.m. Dallas time on Sunday, saying, "I love you so much dad. I love you so much."

Mike is survived by his wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia, with whom he has two toddlers, and daughters Sarah Scaccia and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins.