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The lead guitarist for the heavy metal band GWAR was found dead (http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/gwar-guitarist-cory-smoot-found-dead-on-tour-bus-as-band-prepared-to-cross-into-canada/2011/11/03/gIQAehzfjM_story.html - broken link)
Classic GWAR style.... Nobody knows how old he was or what he died from. They just found his body on the tour bus as they were crossing into another country. Another Rock 'n Roll death in all its glory!
There is a new press release out there by singer Dave Brockie, which describes more fully what has happened and what happens next. By the way, it was just the particular press you caught that didn't know his age, although no one knows cause of death for sure yet. He was 34. He died very unexpectedly in his sleep. And while no one may believe this who doesn't know these guys, I can almost guarantee that drugs were not a factor in this. He was a happily married and very down to earth person under the costume. In fact all the people in the band are extremely regular working-class sorta guys, and they treat the fans like family. They don't go wild like "rockstars" on tour, I've hung out with em lots of times. Out of character, they are easy to meet and easier to like. And Cory had tremendous talent, he was taking the band in a great direction. He will be missed.
Life is fragile. You could be happy, healthy one day, with plans to wake up and do stuff the next...and never come back to this world tomorrow. A reminder to all of us: Live each day like it could be our last, avoid petty aggravations and try not to waste the time we have, another day is guaranteed to no one.
I'm resurrecting this for a moment, please bear with...
When Cory passed, he left behind a young wife pregnant with their first child. The bandmates and family of friends and fans of GWAR have been on a mission since then to raise money to help the widow and her daughter, and the band has not shirked to provide much incentive for people to lend their support. In my opinion, these guys have always earned their keep, I am acquainted with them and know them to be humble and hardworking. So if anyone is wondering why a "rockstar's" widow needs help...they are more like starving artists than rockstars, they always have been, and they are really good people despite the shtick.
Anyways, there is an auction for an exact replica, signed by the current band and supporting cast, of Cory's guitar on Ebay right now, all proceeds going to the Smoot Family Fund. It's a beautiful guitar. If you're interested, the link is below, and if you're not personally interested, please tell anyone who is. Also, donations large or small can be made.
Thanks for any support you can give, even if it's just telling others.
The Smoot Family Fund page at Metalblade Records, with donation via Paypal: SMOOT FAMILY FUND
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