facebookEven sadder news for Gwar fans.
Dave Brockie, the late frontman for the Virginia-born metal band, died of an accidental heroin overdose, the state office of the chief medical examiner confirmed to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
"The cause of death was acute heroin toxicity, which means the manner of death was accidental," office spokesman Arkuie Williams said.
The 50-year-old rocker was found dead in his Richmond home on March 23.
After his passing, Gwar set up the Dave Brockie Fund as a support system for struggling artists to allow them to continue practicing their craft, as well as to raise money to build a memorial in Richmond for the late singer and preserve his archive of music, writings and artwork.
Per the band's website, through which you can donate, the foundation was formed with "the mission of promoting the advancement of music, images, letters and performances in the arts. It will endeavor to encourage promising talents, as well as preserving the legacy of Dave's body of works. It intends to be a support system to those who have dedicated their lives in pursuit of creativity."
A public memorial is scheduled for Aug. 15, the day before the annual GWAR-B-Q at Hadad's Lake.
The band, known for its elaborate stage costumes as well as tunes like "Phallus in Wonderland," also has plans to open a restaurant, GWARbar, in the area.