Metalhead Ned’s Tribute to Scumdog ‘Oderus Urungus’ [Video]
Today is a very sad day. I really am trying to come to terms with the news I heard when I turned on my phone and saw a Facebook message that readd, "I don't know if this is true, but check this out!"
I read the message and a terrible feeling came over me to find out that the leader of GWAR has passed on.
I have a unique history with this band.
The first time I ever heard of GWAR was in a video game back in the '90s.
I was playing Sega Genesis and was quite the fan of Beavis and Butt-head (like most 90's kids). The game was based on the two trying to get a to a GWAR show.
As a kid, I didn't really care who GWAR was, until I got older and really started listening to metal. Then, the love for GWAR began.
My true love for GWAR, honestly, didn't really start till I went and saw them in concert. I am a very big fan of showmanship, which all started when I saw KISS. More bang for the buck!
Anyone can play an instrument, but when you put on a show, then you really can sell it for me, and when it came to a 'metal show,' GWAR were the masters of the craft.
The first time I saw them live was at The Intersection with my brother. When those guys came on stage, it was just an onslaught of insanity, blood, metal and destruction. I freakin' loved it!
The amount of offensive slurs to came out of Oderus' mouth were just insane and literally defined the saying of 'I don't give a flying f*** what you think!' He made me laugh and overall showed me that metal is truly the most insane and fun music out in the world.
That was Dave Brockie, who is no longer with us.
Dave passed away Sunday, and was found by his roommate.
I had the huge privilege of talking to him over the phone, and to date, it one of the longest interviews I have ever conducted. This guy KNEW how to talk. He took the question I had written down and threw them out the window. It was no longer my interview; it quickly became his and he controlled everything. And that is exactly what you want as an interviewer.
I kind of got to meet him face-to-face. While I was buying a GWAR shirt, I saw a man come up to the booth in a ski mask, and I knew it was Dave. I put my hand out to shake his hand and he just looked at me. He then put his finger to his mouth to keep it quiet, and proceeded to shake my hand. It wasn't much, but it was good enough for me.
Today, I wear my Madness at the Core of Time Tour shirt and look at my poster at my desk in mourning.
At this point, there has been no formal announcement from the band, which I want them to take their time with. Saying goodbye to a friend of over 30 years has to be one of the most difficult th ings you would have to deal with, and it is just as hard for us to say goodbye to a scumdog that got us through the grunge years in the '90s with the slaughter that they brought to each one of their shows.
RIP Dave "Oderus Urungus" Brockie, you sick and twisted bastard (because that's how you would want me to remember you)
Here is video of GWAR's recent show at The Intersection, killing "The Pope," playing "Sick of You." You know, the usual.