Angel’s Rock Report–GWAR Guitarist Found Dead [AUDIO]

Sad news to report: GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot (aka Flattus Maximus) was found dead yesterday morning by his bandmates as the group prepared to cross the Canadian border on their current tour. MetalSucks.net shared the following statement from GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus):

 “It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their long time guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot,  also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus. Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing. There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred. At this point there is no word on arrangements and the disposition of the remainder of GWAR’s current North American tour, nor are there any details regarding long term plans. At this point we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother, one of the most talented guitar players in metal today. We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss.  A full statement will be coming in the next day or so, in the meantime please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him.

Smoot was a member of GWAR since September of 2002. Although not the first Flattus, he held the role the longest and thus was often referred to as the “true Flattus’ by GWAR enthusiasts. Also a talented producer, Smoot owned and operated Karma Productions/Slave Pit Studios.

As noted, the cause of death at this time is unknown.

The NFL announced yesterday that Nickelback will play halftime of the Green Bay Packers - Detroit Lions game on Thanksgiving in Detroit. And that has inspired some fans in the Motor City to start a petition at Change.org asking the NFL and the Lions to reconsider. The petition says, "This game is nationally televised -- do we really want the rest of the U.S. to associate Detroit with Nickelback? Detroit is home to so many great musicians and they chose Nickelback?... Is this some sort of ploy to get people to leave their seats during halftime to spend money on alcoholic beverages and concessions? This is completely unfair to those of us who purchased tickets to the game. At least the people watching at home can mute their TVs."  What??  People don’t like Nickelback??  Who knew.

Coheed and Cambria have parted ways with drummer Chris Pennie. The band has issued a statement saying, "Tough decisions were made today that will help shape this band for the coming years. We extend our deepest appreciation to Chris Pennie for an incredible journey."

Pennie, who joined the band in 2007, says, "There are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon that I feel require 100 percent of my commitment and attention. I feel that this is the right time to make that happen."

It's the second personnel move this year for Coheed. Bassist Michael Todd was fired this summer after being arrested for robbing a pharmacy in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Lindsay Lohan's fire-crotch wasn't quite enough to spark interest with Playboy's editors, who reportedly want her to re-do her nude session for the mag before checking into a Los Angeles jail.

Insiders say that the powers that be want to "go in another direction" for the spread, and have scrapped all the original pics. The reshoot is one of the reasons Lindsay was given an extra week of freedom before surrendering to authorities.  Poor little ginger.

(News gathered from Loudwire & Premiere Radio)