Chuck Varga, founding member of shock metal band GWAR who played the character “Sexecutioner,” has died at the age of 68.
Varga’s death was announced Friday by GWAR bassist Casey “Beefcake The Mighty” Orr; in June, the group launched a fundraiser to support Varga as he battled cancer.
“Chuck Varga has left this earthly realm. He passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Bambi holding his hand,” Orr wrote. “He was one of a kind. As an artist, as a performer; as a scholar and a gentleman. I am better for having known him and the world is a lesser place since he left. He is most likely being welcomed to Valhalla right now by (singer Dave) Brockie and (guitarist Cory Smoot) and all those who came before him. Raise your glass and tell his stories. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!”
Although Varga was not one of the original musicians of the Richmond, Virginia-based GWAR, he was an invaluable founding member of the band’s Slave Pit Inc., who designed the band’s famous stage costumes as well as their artwork and overall design.
Known for helping create the costume for singer Dave “Oderus Urungus” Brockie, among others, Varga took on the stage role of “the Sexecutioner” in 1987 and held the role in concert for over a decade, performing lead vocals on the track named after the character:
Varga’s “Sexecutioner” also provided lead vocals on GWAR’s “RagNaRok,” the title track from the group’s 1995 album of the same name:
Varga remained in GWAR’s orbit even after his departure as a full-time member, occasionally appearing on stage while contributing to the long-running metal band’s visual side.
“Chuck Varga’s contributions to the GWAR and Slave Pit collective are enormous,” Bob “Bone Snapper” Gorman, another GWAR and Slave Pit member, said in a statement after the group announced its fundraiser in support of Varga.
“The influence of his artwork, characters, performances, and artistic vision is still felt in 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. His legacy will stay 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 gave to GWAR and its community.”
Gn entert
