A guitarist for the costumed metal band GWAR was found dead on a tour bus hours after a performance Wednesday night at First Avenue. Cory Smoot's band mates discovered him while trying to wake him to cross the border into Canada. A cause of death has not been determined.
Guitarist dies after GWAR plays First Ave
Cory Smoot was discovered dead as the band tried to cross into Canada on its tour bus.
November 4, 2011 at 2:07PM
First Avenue stage manager Conrad Sverkerson, who has worked closely with the band at its many local gigs for 20-plus years, said there was nothing unusual about Wednesday's show. He said the band's bus left the club about 1:45 a.m.
"They're actually not the kind of guys known as partiers; they're really solid guys," Sverkerson said. First Avenue staff sent out on Twitter a note that read, "Our thoughts are with our friends GWAR."
Known as Flattus Maximus to fans of the shock-and-gore band, Smoot, 34, joined GWAR in 2002. The group was a week into a monthlong tour and due to play Friday in Edmonton.
"The members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated," band leader Dave Brockie, a k a Oderus Urungus, said in a statement.
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