Well this is a shitty way to end the working week – Cory Smoot, who has played guitar in GWAR as Flattus Maximus (pictured above) since 2002, was found deceased on the band’s tourbus yesterday morning as the band crossed over the US/Canada border. He was just 34 years old, and at the time of writing there is no indication of what Smoot’s cause of death was.

Dave Brockie, aka Oderus Urungus, issued the following statement to Metal Sucks, with whom he has a regular column:

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. 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.

-Dave Brockie-

Somewhat bizarrely, Blabbermouth have noted that the Edmonton Journal is reporting that GWAR still intend to play their scheduled show in Edmonton tonight despite Smoot’s death, but how much this is true and how much of this is a bullshit crossed-wires situation is presently unclear, especially given Brockie’s statement above.

**UPDATED** Dave Brockie has since made a further, expanded statement (which you can read in full here) regarding the circumstances surrounding Cory Smoot’s death, and explaining GWAR’s decision to carry on their North American tour.

As with all such tragic deaths, the thoughts and condolences of everyone at Thrash Hits are with Cory Smoot’s friends, family and bandmates.