In March of 2014, the heavy metal world was dealt a huge blow by the sudden passing of GWAR founder/lead singer/songwriter Dave “Oderus Urungus” Brockie. As a long time GWAR fan, I was in absolute shock over this and what we all thought was just a big ass joke never came with a punchline. It was true. Dave was dead and all we were left with were the stories, the memories, and the random forms of medium that GWAR left behind. Only a few weeks after Dave’s passing a video emerged on YouTube of GWAR performing unmasked as RAWG.
Zombies, March!, Storm Is Coming, Jagermonsta, Crack In The Egg, Bring Back The Bomb, Immortal Corrupter, Tormentor, Metal Metal Land, The Salaminizer, Let Us Slay, Sick Of You
Seven months after the the passing of Corey “Flattus Maximus” Smoot, the remaining member of GWAR performed unmasked as RAWG on July 14, 2012 as part of the 519 Punk Reunion/Food Bank Fundraiser at Riverside Park in Guelph Ontario. RAWG was in top form and really showed signs of healing. They also showed that beneath all the latex, prosthetics, and masks was an extremely talented and fun heavy metal band. I really wish they would’ve done more shows like this because GWAR’s songs were just as strong if not stronger than their over top stage performances.
After watching this video, I couldn’t help but feel that this is how Dave would love to be remembered. Dave was Oderus and Dave was GWAR. He loved being Oderus and he loved being in GWAR but Dave also loved being held in high regard as a musician and as an artist with talent. This video is a testament to that very thought and I will always remember Dave as being not just an over the top character but a person who lead a band who was sadly underrated for the talent that they all possessed.
RIP Dave “Oderus Urungus” Brockie!
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