David Brockie, frontman of the satirical thrash metal band Gwar — who was known to fans as Oderus Urungus — has died at 50, Style Weekly first reported.
Police were called to Brockie's residence in Richmond, Va., at approximately 6:53 p.m. on Sunday and found Brockie dead, Richmond Police Department spokeswoman Dionne Waugh said.
A member of the Richmond Police Department said on Monday that the musician was found by his roommate sometime between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Detectives said that no "foul play" is suspected at this time.
The medical examiner's office will later determine the cause of death, and the band will release an official statement at 1 p.m. ET.
The band is known for its messy live shows, outlandish costumes and personas, and horror-style stage theatrics, including beheadings.
Former Gwar bassist Mike Bishop expressed his sadness to Style Weekly.
"Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I've known," he said. Bishop continued:
He was brash sometimes, always crass, irreverent, he was hilarious in every way. But he was also deeply intelligent and interested in life, history, politics and art.
His penchant for scatological humors belied a lucid wit. He was a criminally underrated lyricist and hard rock vocalist, one of the best, ever! A great front man, a great painter, writer, he was also a hell of a bass guitarist. I loved him. He was capable of great empathy and had a real sense of justice.
Brockie in and out of costume.
The Grammy-nominated band recently marked its 30th anniversary, and just returned from its first performance in Japan. Gwar also recently announced that it would hold its fifth Gwar-B-Q concert Aug. 16 at Hadad's Water Park in Virginia.
Brockie made many public appearances in character, including this interview last month in which "Oderus Urungus" talked about what made him tick:
View this video on YouTube
On Gwar's official website, band manager Jack Flanagan posted this photo and official statement:
It is with a saddened heart, that I confirm my dear friend Dave Brockie, artist, musician, and lead singer of GWAR passed away at approximately 6:50 PM EST Sunday March 23,2014. His body was found Sunday by his band mate at his home in Richmond, VA. Richmond authorities have confirmed his death and next of kin has been notified. A full autopsy will be performed. He was 50 years old, born August 30, 1963.
My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family. More information regarding his death shall be released as the details are confirmed."