GWAR are down one intergalactic barbarian, as lead guitarist Brent Purgason — better known as Pustulus Maximus — has left the band.
Purgason had been a member of GWAR since 2012, taking over the role left vacant by Cory Smoot (aka Flattus Maximus), who died in 2011. He played on the albums Battle Maximus, The Blood of Gods, and The New Dark Ages.
In an Instagram post, the guitarist didn’t give a specific reason for his exit, but did say that “people grow and priorities change.” His full statement reads as follows:
“11 years ago I had the privilege of joining the greatest shock rock and roll band in the world. Today, I announce my departure from it.
Playing and performing as PUSTULUS MAXIMUS has been quite the experience and I’ll be forever grateful for it. I want to extend my utmost appreciation for all the support given to me by the fans over the years. They have been kind, generous and enthusiastic for the band and my character throughout my tenure and I couldn’t ask to ever perform in front of a greater group of people. It has been an honor to spill blood on you.
GWAR will continue to have my support. I am leaving on good terms and will still be around to help out some behind the scenes. To what degree, I don’t know yet but our creative lives are still very much tied together. For the fans, I hope you continue to show your love and enthusiasm for the band as I’m sure the future will be filled with more blood and gore.
Leaving brings back many memories over the years and the main one that comes to mind is getting the call from Dave Brockie while driving home down Lakeside Avenue. He was screaming through the phone, “Dude! You’re in the band!”. It was a great moment to have and It breaks my heart that no one else will ever get that call again. It’s a reminder that this was a very different band when I joined and I was a very different person. People grow and priorities change.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the members of GWAR that invited me in, not only to perform but to become an owner of the band, a friend, and a brother. I am happy I was able to share many stages with you all across the world and have been supported by the hardest working crew in the industry.
There are many things I could say and reflect on but I will conclude this statement and leave you with a passage from a song, ‘A Farewell to Kings’ by Rush.
When they turn the pages of history
When these days have passed long ago
Will they read of us with sadness
For the seeds that we let grow?
We turned our gaze
From the castles in the distance
Eyes cast down
On the path of least resistance
Sincerely,
Brent Purgason”
GWAR just wrapped up their “Age of Imbeciles” fall tour, and have no upcoming shows scheduled as of now. Earlier this year, GWAR introduced its capsule of “New Dank Ages” products as part of the band’s “Bud of Gods” CBD line. The new items include Delta-9 flower, Delta-8 gummies, a Delta-8 vape pen, and more, all available here (or via the links below).
Brent Purgason’s Instagram post can be seen below, along with Heavy Consequence‘s wild interview with GWAR at the 2022 Louder Than Life festival.