Cory Smoot, guitarist for the costumed heavy metal band Gwar, was found dead Thursday after a concert in Minneapolis in the midst of a six-week tour.
According to Fox News, Cory Smoot's body was discovered on the rock group's tour bus just before it was due to cross the border north into Canada.
Here's Smoot and Gwar playing what would be his final show Nov. 2:
Gwar's frontman, David Brockie, said in a statement:
"It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of Gwar announce the passing of their longtime guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot."
"Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing. At this point we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother, one of the most talented guitar players in metal today."
Smoot, who was 34, assumed the onstage alias of Flattus Maximus when he joined the Intergalactic Mutant Overlords in 2002 and had been with them since.
Famed for its freaky horror costumes, metal anthems and stage antics like dousing fans in fake blood since 1984, Gwar played Late Night last week.
Despite Smoot's unexpected passing, his bandmates say the show must go on. Gwar plans to remain out on the road and play Friday in Edmonton.