GWAR, the satirical thrash metal band, is still presenting GWAR-B-Q this year despite the tradgic death of Dave Brockie. The band has spoken out about the incident and they are planning a private funeral and memorial to honor Brockie. They still plan to put on the festival because it’s what Dave “would have wanted.” Read more details below.

Dave Brockie, also known as Oderus Urungus by GWAR enthusiasts, was found dead on his couch in his Richmond, Virginia home on March 23, 2014. His death is suspected to be drug related, but toxicology reports won’t be available for months. Brockie will surely be missed.

GWAR was known for its intricate costumes inspired by science fiction and horror. The band formed in 1984 and was founded by 6 members, including Dave Brockie. Brockie was the last of the founders still in the band. He was a genius for helping to conceive of the idea for GWAR, which began as a joke. The band will not be the same without him, and the future of the band is uncertain without Brockie’s presence.

GWAR is still planning on playing at GWAR-B-Q on August 16th at Hadad’s Lake in Richmond, Virginia. A memorial service will be held the day before GWAR-B-Q on August 15th, also at Hadad’s Lake. Anyone is welcome to help honor Dave Brockie, who would be 50 years old.

GWAR-B-Q is a metal festival that has been held at Hadad’s lake in Richmond, Virginia for 4 years. GWAR, obviously, has performed at GWAR-B-Q for each of the 4 years it has run. This year will be a little sentimental with the memory of Dave Brockie so close. Jack Flanigan released a statement regarding GWAR’s intentions and the future of the band.

On behalf of Dave Brockie’s family, Slave Pit Inc. and GWAR, we would like to thank all the loyal fans worldwide for the outpouring of love and support shown to us over the past few days. Knowing that we have such amazing family, friends and fans is truly helping us all get through this tough time.

We are awaiting a toxicology report from the medical examiners office to confirm the cause of death. The medical examiners office has informed us that the results can take one to three months to be processed. Standard protocol exists that a toxicology procedure be performed.

We have made funeral arrangements and a private memorial has been scheduled for close friends and family.

As Dave and Oderus would have wanted, this year’s GWAR-B-Q scheduled for August 16th at Hadad’s Lake (7900 Osborne Turnpike Richmond, VA) will still take place as planned. We have scheduled the Dave Brockie public memorial to take place the day prior to the GWAR-B-Q, Friday August 15th, also at Hadad’s Lake.

More information shall be released as the details are confirmed.