Dave Brockie (a.k.a. Oderus Urungus) of Virginia metal veterans GWAR has confirmed the death of longtime GWAR guitarist CORY SMOOT (AKA: Flattus Maximus)..Cory Smoot, 34, was found dead in the bands tour bus at a border crossing on GWAR's current North American tour with EVERY TIME I DIE, WARBEAST and GHOUL.
As of press time none of GWAR's websites, promotional/social networking sites have (NOT) been updated.
FROM DAVE BROCKIE (AKA: Oderus Urungus) VIA METAL SUCKS and BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
"It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their longtime guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot, also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus. Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing. There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred.
"At this point, there is no word on arrangements and the disposition of the remainder of GWAR's current North American tour, nor are there any details regarding long-term plans.
"At this point, we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother, one of the most talented guitar players in metal today.
"We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss. A full statement will be coming in the next day or so. In the meantime, please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him."
Cory joined GWAR in September 2002. Being a talented producer, he lent his technical skills to the recording of "War Party", and co-produced, as well as co-mixed with Devin Townsend (STEVE VAI, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) GWAR's 2006 release, titled "Beyond Hell". The two albums were recorded at Karma Studios, owned and operated by Smoot.
Smoot was the longest-running Flattus and was in the videos for "War Party", "Bring Back The Bomb", "Womb With A View", "School's Out" and "Eighth Lock". Smoot was considered by GWAR fans to be the "true Flattus", as he was the longest-serving person to portray the character in GWAR history. Smoot also produced the follow-up to "Beyond Hell", "Lust In Space", along with other members of GWAR, and even sang lead vocals on the track "Release The Flies". GWAR's latest release, "Bloody Pit Of Horror", features a 12-minute epic of four songs strung together, which was largely the brainchild of Smoot. Originally he wrote the music for a solo project of his, but by the suggestion of Dave Brockie, it was reworked to become new GWAR material.
Below is a video interview with Cory Smoot conducted on August 12, 2010 at the Brutal Assault XV festival in the Czech Republic.
FROM MSNBC.COM:
The lead guitarist for the heavy metal band GWAR has been found dead on their tour bus.
Manager Jack Flanagan and record label Metal Blade say Cory Smoot was found early Thursday before crossing into Canada following a show in Minneapolis. According to Rolling Stone, it was Smoot's bandmates who found him.
It's unclear what caused Smoot's death or how old he was. A person who answered the phone at the Smoot family residence in Richmond declined to comment. Flanagan and Metal Blade's Kelli Malella, vice president of publicity, said they had no further information to release about Smoot.
Smoot has performed since 2002 under the name "Flattus Maximus" with the Virginia-based band known for its comically grotesque costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics.
Flanagan says there's no word yet on funeral arrangements or the rest of the tour. The tour had been scheduled to stop in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, on Friday and Saturday.
Lead singer Dave Brockie, also known as "Oderus Urungus," said in a statement that "at this point we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother" and asked for privacy.
He called Smoot "one of the most talented guitar players in metal today."
FROM EDMONTON JOURNAL:
EDMONTON - Gwar will still perform Friday at Edmonton Event Centre, despite the death of one of the band’s guitarists. Cory Smoot was found dead as the U.S. band was about to enter Canada on Thursday morning, according to Gwar’s frontman.
“It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their long time guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot, also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus,” David Brockie wrote in a statement for metalsucks.net.
“Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing. There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of Gwar are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred.”
The metal musicians, who dress up in alien costumes and spew fake blood and goo on fans, are two weeks into a six-week North American tour, which features three other bands — Every Time I Die, Ghoul and Warbeast.
Smoot joined Gwar in 2002. According to Wikipedia, he was the fifth guitarist to play the character of Flattus Maximus, “known by his red face, white dreadlocks, dinosaur-head shoulder pads and reptile feet.”
The band, founded by Brockie (Oderus Urungus), was formed in Virginia in 1984. Gwar has released 13 studio albums and EPs, including 2010’s Bloody Pit of Horror.
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FROM RANDY BLYTHE (LAMB OF GOD):
"I am very saddened by the passing our friend Cory Smoot (a.k.a. Flattus Maximus) of GWAR. He was an awesome dude and a great guitar player, as well as a talented engineer and producer. I recorded guest vocals for a few projects at his studio (the Kris Norris project, the [Jamey] Jasta solo record) and as a friend he refused to take my money in payment for the sessions. Last session just gave me some killer tracks of HIS solo work and asked me if I ever had time to lay down some vocals for him. I really regret now not having had the opportunity to record those sessions with him. He was always fun to tour with, hang with, and we will be deeply missed, especially in our hometown of Richmond. It was an honor to work with such a kind human being.
"My most sincere condolences to his wife, family, and the rest of the GWAR family.
"Rest in peace, brother. I'll catch you on the flip side."
FROM FRANKIE HARCHUT (DIRGE WITHIN):
This is frankie from Dirge Within I just wanted to post a comment about Corys passing. I had the great pleasure of touring with GWAR for a month last summer and I got to spend some time with Cory throughout the month just talking about bands and recording and other shit, he was truly an awesome guy and ripping guitarist, and I am truly saddened by his abrupt passing. Thanks for all the fun times and for being so cool to me and my whole band and crew. You will be missed brotha!
FROM BLACKGUARD:
I am deeply saddened by this news . Everyone needs to go rock out to some Gwar pronto! -PAUL.
FROM 3 INCHES OF BLOOD:
Such a sad day to hear that Cory of #GWAR has passed. Condolences to Cory's family, @TheRealOderus and the entire GWAR camp for their loss.
FROM SWASHBUCKLE:
Rest in Peace, Flattus. You shredded hard as fuck.
FROM IRVING PLAZA (NYC, NY):
RIP Cory Smoot -
FROM METAL REVIEW:
Our condolences go out GWAR, as well as Cory Smoot's family and friends. This is a terrible loss for the metal community and beyond.
FROM ALL SHALL PERISH:
Can't Believe it. RIP Cory
FROM MUNICIPAL WASTE:
Our hearts go out to our dear friends in Gwar and Corys family. We are devastated.
If you've ever blasted Hazardous Mutation, you should thank Cory Smoot. He helped make that record happen.
FROM BROOKLYN VEGAN:
Gwar guitarist Cory Smoot ("Flattus Maximus"), R.I.P. http://bit.ly/uCv65R
FROM JAMEY JASTA (HATEBREED):
RIP Corey Smoot. Such a good dude. Some of my best road memories are from touring w/ Gwar. This is a sad day. He will be missed.
FROM DEVIN TOWNSEND: Oh my God... Rip Corey Smoot. See you brother, peace. ...fuck.
FROM BLACK MARKET ACTIVITIES:
RIP Cory Smoot / Flattus Maximus.
FROM BRIAN FAIR (SHADOWS FALL):
ncredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Corey of GWAR. I'm glad we were able to share many stages. Much love to the Gwar family.
FROM PHILLIP LABONTE (ALL THAT REMAINS):
My condolences to the Gwar family. Cory was awesome and will be missed.
FROM BRIAN POSEHN:
Sad to hear GWAR lost their friend/guitar player Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus). My thoughts are with @TheRealOderus, Gwar and Friends/family.
FROM QUESTO (THE ROOTS):
Watching Gwar soundcheck w/o costumes. Nice blokes those guys.
FROM TERROR:
Our thoughts go out to GWAR & their whole crew / family. We had the privilege of sharing the stage w/ them many times.
FROM EDDIE TRUNK:
Condolences to friends, family and fans of Corey Smoot of Gwar who has passed away.
FROM KEY CLUB (HOLLYWOOD, CA): We've lost another great one. Guitarist Cory Smoot AKA Flattus Maximus of Gwar.
FROM DAVE NAVARRO (JANES ADDICTION, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS):
R.I.P. Cory Smoot, guitarist for GWAR... I JUST saw him play less than 2 weeks ago! Very sad.
FROM MISTRESS JULIA:
I can't beleive this!Cory Smoot of Gwar has passed. WTF??? Why are all my people dying!? I'm so sad..Im heartbroken for his band and family
FROM BRIAN SLAGEL (METAL BLADE RECORDS OWNER):
RIP Cory Smoot you were a great guy and guitar player. Thoughts are with his family and friends
FROM 9:30 CLUB (WASHINGTON DC):
Our thoughts are with the members of GWAR and the family and friends of Cory Smoot. We are saddened by the news of his passing and feel honored to have had the opportunity to see him perform many times on the 9:30 Stage.
FROM PHILLIP H. ANSELMO: (DOWN):
R.I.P. Cory Smoot - 'Flattus Maximus' Please support the band Gwar now more than ever. They are still on tour with Warbeast.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-
RIP CORY SMOOT GWAR FOREVER!!
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