Metal Musicians React To GWAR Frontman DAVE BROCKIE A.K.A. ODERUS URUNGUS' Death

Members of DISTURBED, TESTAMENT, LAMB OF GOD, HATEBREED, MACHINE HEAD, SHADOWS FALL and DEVILDRIVER are among the musicians who have reacted to the passing of Dave Brockie, better known as Oderus Urungus, the founder and lead singer of renowned Richmond, Virginia metal band GWAR. Roommates reportedly found Brockie's body at his home Sunday evening (March 23). Detectives do not suspect foul play at this time and the Medical Examiner's Office will determine cause of death.

Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT):

"Waking up 2 news of the loss of my friend Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus). In shock, sad."

Chris Kael (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH):

"Just read about the passing of Dave Brockie — Oderus Urungus from GWAR. We had the privilege of playing with GWAR just one month ago at Soundwave festival in Australia. Dave was always right there on the side of the stage that FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH were playing on — watching every band, laughing and enjoying life. As he entertained us in life, may his death remind us that life is short. Tell the ones around you that they are loved. Live life with a smile and a laugh. Just as Dave and I shared a laugh while talking at Soundwave. We love you. Each and every one of you. R.I.P. Dave Brockie — Oderus Urungus."

David Draiman (DISTURBED):

"SADDENED TO HEAR, RIP; GWAR Frontman Dave Brockie A.K.A. Oderus Urungus Dead At 50."

Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD):

"Much love and respect out to the Brockie family and GWAR camp. Sad loss."

Chris Beattie (HATEBREED):

"R.I.P. Dave Brockie"

Kevin Skaff (A DAY TO REMEMBER):

"Sad to hear about GWAR's singer Dave Brockie passing. He was such a nice guy to all of us in ADTR. RIP Oderus."

Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD):

"I'm so lucky to have known Dave Brockie. Godspeed my friend. We love you."

THE AGONIST:

"THE AGONIST never had the privilege of touring with GWAR but we know from many friends that Dave was as unique and entertaining a person in real life as he was on stage. A true talent. RIP Dave Brockie."

ORIGIN:

"Sad day. RIP Dave Brockie aka Oderus Urungus of GWAR."

Brad Fickeisen (ex-THE RED CHORD):

"I can't believe it. Dave Brockie, you will be missed. An inch of a mile in time, I spent over 6 months of my life with you and the GWAR family. You are one of the most genuinely honest and caring people I've met along the way. I will miss your comedic genius. Safe travels back home. Sending my best to the rest of GWAR and friends."

RINGWORM:

"Sad news. Whether you liked GWAR or not, here's no denying the great talent, creativity, humor and unabashed social commentary that Dave contributed to this shitty planet. He's going to be missed by many. RIP Dave."

James Monteith (TESSERACT):

"RIP Dave Brockie, without a doubt one of the biggest characters in metal. The beheading of Tony Abbott will be with me forever."

Violent J (INSANE CLOWN POSSE, via Billboard.com):

"I am devastated to hear of the passing of Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie). GWAR are true pioneers of the underground and without them there would have been no blueprint on how to do-it-yourself in the world of music. Oderus was one of our true heroes and he recently appeared on 'ICP Theater' and we had plans to do a Halloween tour together. His passing is a terrible loss to the world and we will miss our friend greatly."

DARKEST HOUR:

"By now to many people have posted this info, and as much as we want this to be a joke, it must not be. Our heart is with the good dudes in GWAR and the rock community in RVA, This is just devastating. Dave was one of the most badass OGs we have ever toured with. No words can contain his awesomeness and his memory will live on with us and his music. So honored to have been able to share the stage with him and the boys. On to the next dimension Dave… but those of us here we will miss you for eternity!"

CANCER BATS:

"RIP, Dave Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus. We were so fortunate to have toured with Brockie and GWAR a year an a half ago. Day one of tour he walked into our dressing room, and welcomed us into the GWAR camp with a huge grin and open arms. We bonded together about him being Canadian like us and we were shocked at how friendly and down to earth someone who's been in such a legendary band for 30 years could be. It's crazy to think, when you can remember being about 11 years old and hearing this amazing band for the first time and then 20 years later we were touring together and hanging out as friends! Our minds were blown! GWAR and Dave Brockie have always represented the best parts about music to us. The kind of band that cut through all the horseshit of mainstream pop culture and pushed all the boundaries while always teaching us not to take ourselves too seriously. At our hometown show with GWAR, Oderus came up on stage and performed 'Sabotage' with us that night! What an awesome moment that was for us and a special memory we will always cherish. Thank you, Brockie, you made 4 kids from Canada beyond happy that night! We will miss you brother! You are one of a kind! Scumdogs forever!"

Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD):

"I got a very sad call tonight from my buddy Chris Bopst, who was one of the original members of GWAR. My friend Dave Brockie, a.k.a. Oderus Urungus, the singer of GWAR, has left the building and taken off back to his home planet. He was 50 years old.

"I do not know details of why he died yet, just that he passed away at home and his roommates found him.

"When someone dies, a lot of the time people will say, 'Oh, he was a unique person, really one of a kind, a true original.' Most of these people no idea of what they are talking about; they obviously had never met Dave.

"Dave TRULY WAS ONE OF A KIND. I can't think of ANYONE even remotely like him. That's VERY HARD TO SAY.

"My band learned how to become a real touring band from GWAR. They gave us out first shot at this thing.

"I learned many things from Dave, many of which I am eternally grateful for, and some of which I am deeply ashamed of.

"I took this picture at his birthday party a few months ago — Dave kissing his Oderus birthday cake.

"Right now, if I were to truly honor Dave in the way HE would do it if it were ME that had died, I would make a completely tasteless joke about his death. But I do not have the stomach for that — Dave would, but not me. He never put much stock in 'limits.'

"Richmond has lost one of its most creative people.

"This is a crying shame to me.

"Thank you, Brockie, for all the crazy shit you did. Thank God you existed, so you could do it and I didn't have to. It was an honor to know you, to be your Shaky Slave, to serve in the Blood Vomits along side you (let's ride!),and to be soaked by your sweet cuttlefish.

"RIP Dave Brockie. Oderus, enjoy your trip back home."

Tony Foresta (MUNICIPAL WASTE):

"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."

Dez Fafara (DEVILDRIVER, COAL CHAMBER):

"Rest in peace, my brother!"

EMMURE:

"We are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow comrade passing away. Dave was a admired individual amongst us. He spoke highly of EMMURE and whether he knew it or not, we were very passionate about him as well. R.I.P., Oderus Urungus. GWAR FOREVER."

Ben Orum (ex-ALL SHALL PERISH):

"Dave, You were a creative genius. Thank you for bringing so much joy to me and my friends as we grew up with GWAR. RIP."

Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL):

"RIP Oderus (Dave Brockie) from GWAR. You will be missed by all of us in SHADOWS FALL."

Mark Holcomb (PERIPHERY):

"Sad to hear about Dave Brockie's passing. 50 is far too young. RIP."

Danko Jones:

"RIP Oderus Urungus a.k.a. Dave Brockie of GWAR. Someone I always wanted to meet. Born in Ottawa, he was Canada's greatest Canadian."

Jeff Kendrick (DEVILDRIVER):

"RIP Dave Brockie, I am going to miss you, Oderus Urungus."

VALIENT THORR:

"Oh no. Just heard terrible terrible news. RIP Dave Brockie. I don't know what to say right now."

Devin Townsend:

"Ah shit... R.I.P. Dave Brockie. One of my favorite people ever, and a good friend. :( Person closest to his primal nature of all times."

Brendon Small (DETHKLOK):

"RIP Dave Brockie. I can't believe it. Hilarious, satirical, creative pioneer. He made the genre so much fun. God dammit."

Philip Labonte (ALL THAT REMAINS):

"My timeline is awash in memories. I'm a really sad dude today. I'm sure Dave would be touched. But then Oderus would touch you, with a sword, and feed you to a giant worm."

Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (MISFITS):

"Dave Brockie…one of the most genuine people in this business who I have ever met...I've toured with him many, many times with the MISFITS… We were going to do our first DOYLE tour with him and our GWAR family. Dave was actually one of the funniest, nicest, most insane and talented human beings I have ever met. It was always a pleasure to be around him and all those guys. When we toured with them, it was like an army of insane monsters. They are all my family and my heart is broken today. Hail Oderus Urungus!!! A dear friend…"