GWAR have revealed that founding member Chuck Varga, aka The Sexecutioner, is battling cancer, and the band has launched a blood donation campaign in his honor.
Varga was a member of GWAR from 1986 to 1997 (occasionally making special appearances in the years that followed). He provided vocals, created special effects, sculpted set pieces and costumes, and illustrated band artwork while appearing on GWAR’s first five albums, including 1990’s seminal Scumdogs of the Universe.
He left GWAR in 1997 to pursue a career in theater, film, and television in New York City.
GWAR announced Varga’s cancer battle and the blood donation campaign with the following statement:
“The GWAR family is coming together to support one of their own. Chuck Varga, known to fans as The Sexecutioner and one of the founding members of GWAR, is currently battling cancer. In response, the band and their extended community have launched a nationwide blood donation campaign in his honor.
Fans are encouraged to find a blood bank near them and either register as donors or give blood in Chuck’s name. As a thank you, participants will receive a free exclusive T-shirt designed by Chuck himself.
This campaign gives the GWAR faithful a way to show up in a real and meaningful way, helping save lives while honoring a character and creator who has given so much to the band’s world.”
Fans interested in donating blood and receving a free T-shirt designed by Varga can find out more information here.
GWAR are currently finishing up a spring US tour, with tickets available to the remaining shows here. You can also grab GWAR/Bud of Gods goodies below.
