GWAR have shared a tribute to founding member Chuck Varga following his death after a battle with cancer.
Varga, the artist and performer behind GWAR’s Sexecutioner character, died a few days ago with his wife, Bambi, by his side. His passing was initially announced in a statement shared by Beefcake the Mighty.
Now, GWAR have reflected on Varga’s role in the band’s earliest days and the lasting impact he had on both its music and visual identity.
“There are some losses that hit harder than others. The world lost Chuck Varga a few days ago, and GWAR lost one of its own,” the band wrote.
“Chuck was the Sexecutioner and was one of the founding members of GWAR. He was there when this strange, disgusting, beautiful thing was being born, helping create the world that would become GWAR.”
GWAR highlighted Varga’s contributions beyond his role onstage, noting that his illustrations and costume designs helped establish the band’s distinctive visual style. Varga later continued working as a scenic artist in film, theater and other visual mediums.
“As Sexecutioner, Chuck brought an unforgettable presence to the stage and helped establish the larger-than-life mythology, chaos and depravity that would come to define the band,” GWAR said.
The band also paid tribute to Varga on a personal level, remembering him as more than the character he portrayed.
“For those of us who knew Chuck, he was more than a character in a monster suit, he was an artist, a vocalist, a true performer and most importantly a brother to everyone in the band. He was one of the people who helped make GWAR possible.”
GWAR concluded by sending their condolences to Varga’s wife, family and friends before signing off, “Hail Sexecutioner! Hail Chuck Varga!”
Varga had been publicly battling cancer throughout 2026. Earlier this year, GWAR launched a blood donation campaign in his honor, followed by a fundraiser to help Varga and his wife with expenses related to his treatment and hospice care.
