Just heard this story about Cory Smoot (aka Flattus Maximus) being dead :(
The Short Story:
Played a show on Wednesday, then died somehow on the bus while traveling up to Canada for another show. The band found discovered it when they tried to wake him when they were crossing the border. As of this point there’s still no explanation for what’s the cause of death.
Update:: 11/28:
We still haven’t heard any cause for what caused Cory Smoot’s unexpected death, but have seen that there will be a benefit concert in January to help raise money for his family. The benefit event will be held on Saturday, January 7 at the Canal Club in Richmond, VA with performances from Mensrea, Cannabis Corpse, Antietam 1862 and many more. All proceeds with go to the Cory Smoot Family Fund.
Updated:: Statement from Dave Brockie 11/4:
“After a restless night spent hurtling through the desolate Canadian wilderness, I crawled from my bunk on the tour bus to face reality, grudgingly aware that the the dark dream that gripped us would not fade with the day. We have lost a brother, a husband, a son, and one of the most talented musicians that ever slung an ax. Cory Smoot, longtime lead guitar player for the band GWAR, has passed at the age of 34.
As the singer of GWAR and one of his best friends, I feel it is my duty to try and answer some of the questions that surround his tragic and untimely death. I know the sense of loss and pain is far greater in scope than in the insulated environment of a band on tour, and I will do my best to provide what clarity and comfort I can.
The most glaring question is how? And unfortunately that is the hardest question to answer. The truth will not be known until the medical officials have finished their work. All I can do is relate what we saw with our own eyes.
The last time I saw Cory was after our show in Minneapolis on Weds. night. It was a great show at First Avenue in Minneapolis, one of our favorite places to play. Cory was happy. He was excited about the band and especially the new studio he was building in the Slave Pit back in Richmond. He was deeply in love with his wife, Jamie, and was busily planning their family and future in the beautiful home they had. As usual, after some autographs and banter, I was probably the first person in their bunk as we got ready for a big drive into Canada, and Cory and the rest of the guys were not far behind. As I fell into the slumber that only playing GWAR shows can induce, everything seemed right in the world.
We found Cory the next morning as we collected passports for a border crossing. He was in his bunk, unresponsive, and it quickly was clear that he was dead. It was without a doubt the most horrible moment of my life. That’s all I can say about it.
Within moments everybody was off the bus, standing in a wind-swept parking lot in the middle of nowhere, trying to come to grips with the shock of it. First the ambulance arrived, and then the police, but there was nothing that could be done other than fully investigate the scene and remove Cory with care and respect.
We are completely devastated and shocked beyond belief. One night we had our friend and colleague, happy and healthy in the middle of our best tour in years- and the next morning, so suddenly, he was gone. Never have I seen starker proof of the fragility of life.”
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Original Stories below:
Here’s what I’ve found so far. Let RollingStone’s article take the lead on this set:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwar-guitarist-found-dead-20111103
http://www.tmz.com/2011/11/03/gwar-guitar-player-found-dead-cory-smoot-dies-metal-band-tour/#.TrMwvlZB7vQ
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gwar-guitarist-found-dead-257337
