Sad news in the metal scene tonight. Cory Smooth, guitarist for Gwar (Flattus Maximus) was found dead today. The band has been on tour and played NYC a week or two ago, and just appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. No word on what will happen with the tour now but Oderus (Dave Brockie) said in a statement that “at this point we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother.” Rest in peace Flattus Maximus!

The lead guitarist for the heavy metal band GWAR was found dead Thursday on its tour bus following a concert in Minneapolis, the band’s manager and record label said.

Manager Jack Flanagan and record label Metal Blade said Cory Smoot’s body was discovered Thursday before the bus crossed into Canada on the Richmond, Va.-based band’s tour.

It’s unclear what caused Smoot’s death or how old he was. A person who answered the phone at the Smoot family residence in Richmond declined to comment. Flanagan and Metal Blade’s Kelli Malella, vice president of publicity, said they had no further information to release about Smoot.
[AP]