GWAR Guitarist Cory Smoot [AKA Flattus Maximus] Found Dead - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-03-2011, 05:33 PM

Link

The sad news just came down this afternoon that Cory Smoot, long-time guitarist and frequent co-producer for world-famous heavy metal monsters GWAR (under the stage name Flattus Maximus), passed away earlier today. Band frontman David Brockie, who has entertained us for years in his persona as frontman Oderus Urungus, stepped appropriately out of character to make a brief but heartfelt statement to the music site MetalSucks, and you can read his comments below the fold...

"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," Brockie announced to MetalSucks. "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." Brockie's role in the band since 2002 went beyond taking up the axe, and he helped produce several of the band's albums.

Brockie added that it is too early to comment on how this will impact the rest of GWAR's current North American tour. "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," he continued. "We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss."

Brockie said that a full press statement will come in a day or two. "In the meantime," he concluded, "please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him."

ABlairican Pie · 11-03-2011, 06:09 PM

RIP Flattus Maximus. I should go the upcoming Seattle GWAR show in your honor.

catlover79 · 11-03-2011, 09:09 PM

ABlairican Pie · 11-04-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABlairican Pie

RIP Flattus Maximus. I should go the upcoming Seattle GWAR show in your honor.

Oh wait, I found out the show was on Tuesday.

JamesG · 11-07-2011, 12:29 PM

Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus) Issues Statement Regarding Passing Of Cory Smoot
Posted: November 4, 2011
By: Jonny B.

"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.

Cory will be transported home to Richmond over the next few days, and an announcement regarding services will be made soon. We ask everyone to respect the families wish for privacy, and especially to keep his wife, Jamie, in your thoughts and prayers.

As we work our way through these difficult days the question is -- what will GWAR do? After a lot of consideration, we have decided to carry on with the tour. Although the great temptation would be to return home, curl into a fetal position, and mourn, we can't do that.

First off, Cory wouldn't want that. He would want us to go on and would be pissed if we didn't. Plus we know the fans don't want us to quit. They are going to want a chance to come to grips with their loss, and there is no better place to do that than at a GWAR show.

Though it's hard to believe, I think we all would feel a lot worse if we stopped. For better or worse we have to see this through.

That doesn't mean that Cory will make his final journey without us. When the arrangements have been finalized, Cory's best friend and GWAR's music tech Dave "Gibby" Gibson, and myself will return home to attend the services and pay the proper respects to our comrade.

Out of respect to Cory, we have officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus. Flattus has decided to return to his beloved "Planet Home", and will never return to this mudball planet again. And this is a sadder place for that.

Just the other day I heard Cory tell a story about how some 20 years ago he was fourteen years old, at his first GWAR show, grabbing at the rubber feet of our then- current Flattus, and how blown away he was at the fact that now HE was the one getting his feet pulled by the same kid that he used to be.

Cory was always in awe of the patterns of life and went through it with a wide-eyed amazement that translated through his playing. I've never known anyone who could pick up literally any instrument and rock it the first time he touched it, and more than that make it look easy.

Behind that rubber monster outfit, and sometimes even obscured by it, was one of the most talented and beautiful people I have ever known. I know everyone who's life was touched by Cory truly loved him, as do we, his bandmates and brothers.

There should be some kind of announcement soon regarding services, etc. It would be great to have a memorial show at some point soon, where some of the bands that Cory worked with could come together and show their love for this truly amazing man who left us all too soon and will be sorely missed by many, many people.

Dave Brockie, Nov. 4, 2011"

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/music/2262

JamesG · 12-06-2011, 06:06 PM

Coroner: Heart Disease Killed GWAR Guitarist
By: Times-Dispatch Staff
Published: December 06, 2011

Heart disease killed GWAR lead guitarist Cory Smoot, the state medical examiner of North Dakota has determined.

Smoot was found dead on the heavy metal band's tour bus as the group prepared to cross into Canada from North Dakota on Nov. 3. He was 34.

According to Dr. William Massello III, the state medical examiner of North Dakota, Smoot's death was caused by "a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease."

Coronary artery thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the blood vessels of the heart. Such clots can cause a heart attack.

Smoot had portrayed the character Flattus Maximus in the Richmond-based group since 2002.

The band, which is known for its grotesque costumes and over-the-top stage antics, has retired the character and is continuing as a quartet for the rest of its tour.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entert...st-ar-1524322/

11-03-2011, 05:33 PM	#1
Zoneboy Moderator Forum Veteran R.I.P. STEVE FORREST 1925-2013 Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 22,586	GWAR Guitarist Cory Smoot [AKA Flattus Maximus] Found Dead Link The sad news just came down this afternoon that Cory Smoot, long-time guitarist and frequent co-producer for world-famous heavy metal monsters GWAR (under the stage name Flattus Maximus), passed away earlier today. Band frontman David Brockie, who has entertained us for years in his persona as frontman Oderus Urungus, stepped appropriately out of character to make a brief but heartfelt statement to the music site MetalSucks, and you can read his comments below the fold... "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," Brockie announced to MetalSucks. "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." Brockie's role in the band since 2002 went beyond taking up the axe, and he helped produce several of the band's albums. Brockie added that it is too early to comment on how this will impact the rest of GWAR's current North American tour. "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," he continued. "We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss." Brockie said that a full press statement will come in a day or two. "In the meantime," he concluded, "please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him." __________________ *"It's the way things are. A big tree falls and a new one grows right out of the same ground. Old animals die and young ones take their places. Even people step aside when it's time."* (R.G. Armstrong as the Contractor in The Twilight Zone episode "Nothing in the Dark")

11-03-2011, 06:09 PM	#2
ABlairican Pie Forum Celebrity Viking metal rules. \m/ \m/ Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Celebrating the holiest holiday of the year, Monday, June 6, as we honor Slayer and all metal, with plenty of pizza, beer, and sacrificial goats. Life is good. Posts: 27,073	RIP Flattus Maximus. I should go the upcoming Seattle GWAR show in your honor. __________________ Weights. Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter-Banana Oatmeal. Metal. Life is good. Last edited by ABlairican Pie : 11-04-2011 at 07:22 PM.

11-03-2011, 09:09 PM	#3
catlover79 Moderator Forum Legend God Bless Val Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 67,675	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

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11-07-2011, 12:29 PM	#5
JamesG Moderator Forum Veteran Freakshow Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 22,379	Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus) Issues Statement Regarding Passing Of Cory Smoot Posted: November 4, 2011 By: Jonny B. "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. Cory will be transported home to Richmond over the next few days, and an announcement regarding services will be made soon. We ask everyone to respect the families wish for privacy, and especially to keep his wife, Jamie, in your thoughts and prayers. As we work our way through these difficult days the question is -- what will GWAR do? After a lot of consideration, we have decided to carry on with the tour. Although the great temptation would be to return home, curl into a fetal position, and mourn, we can't do that. First off, Cory wouldn't want that. He would want us to go on and would be pissed if we didn't. Plus we know the fans don't want us to quit. They are going to want a chance to come to grips with their loss, and there is no better place to do that than at a GWAR show. Though it's hard to believe, I think we all would feel a lot worse if we stopped. For better or worse we have to see this through. That doesn't mean that Cory will make his final journey without us. When the arrangements have been finalized, Cory's best friend and GWAR's music tech Dave "Gibby" Gibson, and myself will return home to attend the services and pay the proper respects to our comrade. Out of respect to Cory, we have officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus. Flattus has decided to return to his beloved "Planet Home", and will never return to this mudball planet again. And this is a sadder place for that. Just the other day I heard Cory tell a story about how some 20 years ago he was fourteen years old, at his first GWAR show, grabbing at the rubber feet of our then- current Flattus, and how blown away he was at the fact that now HE was the one getting his feet pulled by the same kid that he used to be. Cory was always in awe of the patterns of life and went through it with a wide-eyed amazement that translated through his playing. I've never known anyone who could pick up literally any instrument and rock it the first time he touched it, and more than that make it look easy. Behind that rubber monster outfit, and sometimes even obscured by it, was one of the most talented and beautiful people I have ever known. I know everyone who's life was touched by Cory truly loved him, as do we, his bandmates and brothers. There should be some kind of announcement soon regarding services, etc. It would be great to have a memorial show at some point soon, where some of the bands that Cory worked with could come together and show their love for this truly amazing man who left us all too soon and will be sorely missed by many, many people. Dave Brockie, Nov. 4, 2011" http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/music/2262

12-06-2011, 06:06 PM	#6
JamesG Moderator Forum Veteran Freakshow Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 22,379	Coroner: Heart Disease Killed GWAR Guitarist By: Times-Dispatch Staff Published: December 06, 2011 Heart disease killed GWAR lead guitarist Cory Smoot, the state medical examiner of North Dakota has determined. Smoot was found dead on the heavy metal band's tour bus as the group prepared to cross into Canada from North Dakota on Nov. 3. He was 34. According to Dr. William Massello III, the state medical examiner of North Dakota, Smoot's death was caused by "a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease." Coronary artery thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the blood vessels of the heart. Such clots can cause a heart attack. Smoot had portrayed the character Flattus Maximus in the Richmond-based group since 2002. The band, which is known for its grotesque costumes and over-the-top stage antics, has retired the character and is continuing as a quartet for the rest of its tour. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entert...st-ar-1524322/