Cory Smoot, guitarist in the shock-rock band Gwar, was found dead in Minnesota Thursday.

The band is currently on tour, and Smoot's body was found as the band's tour bus was about to cross into Canada after a concert in Minneapolis. Smoot was better known to the band's fans by his stage name, Flattus Maximus.

In a statement, Gwar frontman David Brockie said, There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of Gwar are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred.

Gwar were formed in 1984, following in the steps of Alice Cooper and Kiss, becoming quickly known for their gory stage antics.

The character of Flattus Maximus has been portrayed in Gwar by numerous musicians over the years, and Smoot joined the band in 2002.

The loss of Cory Smoot is a huge one, not just for Gwar, but for the metal fan community as well.

Here is a video of Flattus Maximus

Canada