Gwar Frontman Found Dead at 50

Dave Brockie—or Oderus Urungus, as he was known onstage as frontman for heavy metal band Gwar—was found dead in his home last night. He was 50. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but foul play is not suspected, Style Weekly reports. Police were called to the residence in Richmond, Va., for a report of a dead person; Pitchfork reports that a bandmate found him.

"Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I've known," former Gwar bassist Mike Bishop tells Style. "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." Brockie founded Gwar, known for its vulgar lyrics and over-the-top costumes, 30 years ago. The band's lead guitarist died on its tour bus in 2011, adds People. (More GWAR stories.)