Lesser bands might have gone into the grief mode where everything was put on hold for all intents and purposes. That is not the case with Gwar as they have decided that they are going to continue with their rock concerts. Had they withdrawn it would have been entirely understandable. Their guitarist was found dead and that shock is enough to affect any artist no matter how serious they are. The masked rockers have revealed that their North American tour will be ongoing despite the death of Cory Smoot who used to work as their guitarist. He passed away on the 3rd of November. The deceased musician was also known as Flattus Maximus. His bandmates discovered him dead as they made preparations for a Canadian tour. Despite the personal trauma the band released a statement on Friday the 4th stating that they would continue with the tour. The band leader is Dave Brockie who is also known as Oderus Urungus. He released a statement to the effect that the band had given a lot of thought to the situation and decided to go ahead with their tours.
Dealing with a personal loss within the band
It would be very traumatic for members of any singing group to find their colleague dead and yet continue with the concerts. Some might consider it heartless but in reality the band is probably hoping not to disappoint fans who have been waiting for them. On the other hand there is also the fact that they would be the greatest tribute to their fallen colleague by remembering him with a concert. The statements read that the band would not go home and curl up in a foetal position because that is not what Cory was about. Gwar has decided to continue with their work despite the obvious sorrow and sense of loss for someone who was a very close part of their lives. The full details of the tragedy have not yet been released and this has prompted a lot of speculation in the media. Brockie said that he found his friend unresponsive in the tour bus and immediately knew that he was dead. Although the police and ambulance arrived, there was very little they could do for the dead guitarist.
The deceased’s body will be taken to Virginia in Richmond where his home is. He was only 34 years of age and had just finished a gig in Minneapolis. The band is understandably shocked and devastated by this sudden loss which they are unable to explain. Cory had been with the band for nine years and had taken on the role of a Sci-Fi character in a lighthearted mood that was quite in keeping with the general attitude of the group. He was a particularly talented record producer and was credited with projects such as Lust in Space. The band will have to cope without him for the rest of the tour and will probably come up with a replacement at some point. It is a very sad end to a great career.
