Home / Arts and Entertainment / GWAR Vocalist Chuck Varga Dies at 68 After Cancer Battle
GWAR Vocalist Chuck Varga Dies at 68 After Cancer Battle
26 Sep
Summary
- GWAR founding member Chuck Varga, known as Sexicutioner, has died at 68.
- Varga's death follows a public battle with cancer announced last April.
- He was instrumental in GWAR's rise, known for unique costumes and music.
Chuck Varga, a pioneering vocalist and founding member of the iconic heavy metal band GWAR, passed away at 68 following a fight with cancer. His death was confirmed by fellow band members, who shared that he died peacefully with his wife by his side.
Varga, who sometimes performed as the character Sexicutioner, had publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in April of the current year. In response, GWAR launched a nationwide blood donation drive to honor him, with donors receiving a custom shirt designed by Varga.
Born in 1958, Varga was a crucial figure in the formation of GWAR. He met Hunter Jackson at Virginia Commonwealth University, and together they established The Slave Pit, a creative hub for filmmakers and artists that would evolve into the band. GWAR gained fame for their fusion of heavy metal with elaborate, grotesque costumes and mythological themes.
During his tenure, Varga performed vocals with GWAR from 1986 to 1996, during their initial breakthrough period, and returned for intermittent stints between 2000 and 2017. The band received Grammy nominations for their music video "Phallus in Wonderland" and the song "S.F.W." in the 1990s.
Varga departed GWAR in 1997 to explore opportunities in film, television, and Broadway, eventually founding Hyperreal Productions, a company specializing in costume and set design.
