Chuck Varga, a co-founder and vocalist for the heavy metal group Gwar, died on Friday after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.
Gwar bassist Casey Orr announced the news in a Facebook statement, writing that Varga passed away peacefully with his wife, Bambi, by his side. “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 said.
Orr added that Varga would likely be welcomed into Valhalla, the Norse mythological hall for fallen warriors, by late bandmates Dave Brockie and Cory Smoot. The statement concluded with the message: “Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!”
Varga was well known for his stage persona, Sexicutioner. Gwar, recognized for its elaborate costumes and provocative lyrics, received two Grammy nominations during its run—one in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video and another in 1996 for Best Metal Performance. The band is currently preparing for an upcoming tour in October.
Varga’s illness became public in April, prompting the band to organize a blood drive and fundraiser in his support. Donors received shirts designed by Varga. Bob Gorman of Gwar noted that Varga’s illustrations, character designs, and artistic vision continue to shape the band’s aesthetic and “helped define an entire universe.”
Before forming Gwar, Varga attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he met Hunter Jackson. The two established The Slave Pit, a production space for student films, which eventually evolved into the creative foundation for the band.
Varga left Gwar in 1997 to pursue a career in film, television, and Broadway in New York City. He returned to perform with the band intermittently until 2017, when he launched Hyperreal Productions, a company focused on costume and set design.
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