ITP V.014 EDITORIAL: DAVE BROCKIE's DEATH, NO LONGER SHOCKED, BUT DISAPPOINTED

ITP V.014 EDITORIAL: Speaking of shock rock, regarding GWAR vocalist DAVE BROCKIE's death, I'm disappointed, but no longer shocked.









JOURNALISM 101: When DAVE BROCKIE's death was announced 8 weeks ago, clarification regarding late GWAR guitarist CORY SMOOT's 2011 death also was confirmed, most likely drug related as he was found with drug paraphernalia.





PR/music industry "damage control" did NOT state SMOOT's cause of death in 2011, just a vague reference to a coronary until objective media stepped in with substantial info:
FROM HUFFINGTON POST:
"The state medical examiner said Smoot, who had performed since 2002 under the name "Flattus Maximus," died of "coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease." But records showed that investigators found on Smoot a $5 bill with a white powder residue, a prescription bottle holding eight Oxycodone-Acetaminophen pills, a lighter and two empty syringes."


Keep in mind, there is a huge difference between a press release from a band or artists label and getting toxicology reports, specific to toxicology regarding an autopsy, as that can take 8-10 weeks, and A LOT of bureaucracy and red tape as the next of kin may not always publicize autopsy and toxicology reports. 

For instance, while many do genuinely  die of "Heart attacks" your heart will stop if you die, so it's a vague reference and not considered an official cause of death (via MEDICAL EXAMINERS) until a substantial  autopsy (even if inconclusive) and more substantially TOXICOLOGY REPORTS.   

For example, WHITNEY HOUSTON's autopsy and toxicology reports were stated publically, PETER STEELE's (TYPE O NEGATIVE) were not.  With respect to the surviving family members privacy, don't think, despite what ITP PRINTS or what a press release states, that I, as a writer am totally cynical compared to what I can't prove on instinct regarding an artist's death. 

Good journalists are paid to research the TRUTH, and there's always the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, not much of a motive for me as I don't get paid to be Journalist, if I was I would be all up in that on the news bureau budget. 

AGAIN, making a distinction between PR (PUBLIC RELATIONS), advertising and OBJECTIVE  independent third party media, three different entities via three different agendas. 

Good job via WTVR and CBS in RVA, GWAR had a very cordial and friendly relationship with that media source. 


Any way, RIP to DAVE BROCKIE, as we're "Booing" in total disappointment.      
 http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/official-gwar-frontman-died-heroin-overdose-23978914

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-