NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

GWAR frontman Brockie found dead

RICHMOND, Va.

Dave Brockie, who as “Oderus Urungus” fronted the alien-costumed heavy metal band GWAR during graphic and fake-blood-soaked stage shows for more than three decades, has died. He was 50.

Officers were called to Brockie’s home Sunday evening and found the singer dead inside the home, Richmond police spokeswoman Dionne Waugh said Monday. Detectives don’t suspect foul play at this time, and the medical examiner’s office will determine cause of death, Waugh said.

The band founded in 1984 is known for its comically grotesque costumes, stage antics and vulgar lyrics. GWAR was nominated for a Grammy Award for best long-form music video in 1993 for “Phallus in Wonderland” but lost to “Diva” by Annie Lennox. It also was nominated for best metal performance for “S.F.W.” in 1996 but lost to “Happiness In Slavery” by Nine Inch Nails.

GWAR released its latest album, “Battle Maximus,” in September 2013 and recently toured Australia and Japan.

Illness forces Allman Bros. to postpone shows

NEW YORK

The Allman Brothers have postponed the remainder of their Beacon Theatre run this week due to Gregg Allman’s illness.

A Monday news release says Allman is recovering from a case of bronchitis that already forced the postponement of concerts over the weekend.

Michael Lehman, Allman’s manager, had said over the weekend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member was under a doctor’s care and intended to play the final four shows of the run today, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The band is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

The 66-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist has generally been in good health despite previous issues, including a 2010 liver transplant.

New dates have not yet been announced.

Associated Press