Chuck Varga, Founding Member of Gwar, Dies at 68

Gwar bassist Casey Orr announced Varga’s death on Facebook, writing: “Chuck Varga has left this earthly realm. He passed peacefully, his beloved wife Bambi holding his hand. He was one of a kind. As an artist, as a performer; as a scholar and gentleman. I’m better for having known him and the world is lesser for his leaving.” Orr added that Varga would likely be welcomed into Valhalla by late bandmates Dave Brockie and Cory Smoot and concluded: “Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!”

On stage Varga frequently performed as the character Sexicutioner, a part of Gwar’s elaborate shock‑rock aesthetic built around outrageous costumes and provocative lyrics. The band, which blended theatre, satire and heavy metal, has been recognised by the industry with two Grammy nominations — in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video and in 1996 for Best Metal Performance. Variety reports the group is preparing to tour this October.

Varga’s battle with cancer was made public in April. In response, Gwar organised a blood drive and a fundraiser in his honour; donors were to receive a shirt designed by Varga. Band member Bob Gorman commented on Varga’s lasting influence, saying Varga’s “illustrations, character designs, performances and artistic vision” continue to shape the group and that his aesthetic “helped define an entire universe.”