Chuck Varga, a founding member of the shock metal band GWAR, has died aged 68. His bandmate Casey Orr confirmed the news, adding that Varga died peacefully with his wife, Bambi, at his side.
Varga was best known for performing as the character 'the Sexecutioner' with GWAR. In 1993, the band was Grammy-nominated for its music video Phallus in Wonderland, losing to Annie Lennox. Three years later, they received another Grammy nomination in the Best Metal Performance category for the single “S.F.W.”, losing to Nine Inch Nails.
Bandmate's tribute
Orr shared the news on Facebook, writing in a statement: "He was one of a kind. As an artist, as a performer, as a scholar and a gentleman. I’m better for having known him, and the world is lesser for his leaving. He is most likely being welcomed into Valhalla right now by Brockie and Smooty and all who went before. Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!"
Tributes quickly poured in from fans. One said: "Chuck was one of my favorite of the his era- his art, his fabrication, his character( sexilent) and we shared a birthday. Join Oderus and Flattus in the eternal battleground. You will be missed...rip." Another added: "Sleep well, Sir. The world is a little darker today but the next step is shaping up to be a hell of a ride!"
Cancer diagnosis and blood donation campaign
While Varga's cause of death has not been confirmed, he shared his cancer diagnosis last April, with his GWAR bandmates launching a nationwide blood donation campaign in his honour.
In a statement to announce the fundraiser, Bob “Bone Snapper” Gorman, another GWAR member, said: "Chuck Varga’s contributions to the GWAR and Slave Pit collective are enormous. The influence of his illustrations, character designs, performances, and artistic vision can still be felt throughout GWAR today. Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world."
Gorman added: "His legacy will remain with us forever, and we hope this fundraiser not only helps support Chuck and Bambi during this difficult time but also serves as a celebration of everything Chuck has given to GWAR and its community."
