As I’m sure everyone already knows Cory Smoot, known to his fans as the true Flattus Maximus, has passed away.  Over the last few years I’ve had the honor of working with Cory and GWAR.  As a fan, it is an honor I never took lightly; I always understood what a privilege it was to be allowed into The Slave Pit every time I entered.  So I’m writing this elegy as a fan, a fan that had the supreme honor of standing so close giants.

Richmond Virginia is the most unlikely epicenter for metal you’ll ever find.  You’d never guess that the Capital of the Confederacy and tobacoo, could also be heart of modern metal.  But it is truly an important and nurturing place for artists and the practitioners of grindcore, speedcore, deathcore, metalcore, “insert your core here”.  Cory was an important part of that community, a part of that community that will be greatly missed.

Although those who knew him better will remember a much different man, I, like most fans will remember the performer.  I will remember that behind the theatrics and behind the mask of Maximus, was an 8-string master and a brilliant artist.  In the world of metal, Cory stood out amongst the best of his peers and he held the respect of the entire community.

Cory’s skill as a guitarist pushed GWAR beyond just a stage show.  GWAR’s many studio albums are a product of extreme talent and heart for the simple reason that they love and respect their fans too much to give them anything less.  No other contemporary has  band has garnered so much fan dedication and created a loyal family out of its fans.  

And all of us, friends and the faithful have lost a member of our family.  Cory, you will be missed but your legacy will live on in our hearts, the legion of GWAR fans, us Bohabs, us Slaves, us GWARriors,  for generations to come.  

Rest easy, dear Flattus Maximus....

---

News - Latest