The metal community lost an essential piece of its foundation in the early morning of Dec. 23 with the death of Ministry / Rigor Mortis / Revolting Cocks guitarist Mike Scaccia. While demonstrating his shredding abilities with Rigor Mortis to celebrate the 50th birthday of vocalist Bruce Corbitt, Scaccia collapsed onstage from a heart attack, later being pronounced dead at a Dallas hospital. Perhaps needing some time to collect his thoughts, GWAR singer Dave 'Oderus Urungus' Brockie has just written a long tribute to his fallen friend.

Having lost GWAR guitarist Cory 'Flattus Maximus' Smoot last year, Brockie has already dealt with the loss of one of his closest friends. As he did with the death of Smoot, Brockie shared his memories of Mike Scaccia in an emotionally charged tribute.

Brockie posted on GWAR's Facebook page on Dec. 30:

The metal and music world in general lost a true legend this past week after the unexpected death of Ministry and Rigor Mortis guitar player Mike Scaccia. Mike collapsed during a Rigor Mortis gig in Dallas and never regained consciousness. We are stunned by this terrible, gut-wrenching event that unfortunately we are all-too-familiar with, having lost our brother, Cory Smoot a little over a year ago. Our hearts go out to Mike's family and friends.

Mike was a friend of ours and practically a brother to our long-time bass player, Casey Orr. He had tried to get Mike to play for GWAR a couple of times and Mike was always smart enough to turn him down. I completely understand why someone wouldn't want to subject themselves to what we go through, but still I always wondered what GWAR would have sounded like with Mike. But then we found Cory...then lost Cory...ain't life a f---ing bitch.

If there is one thing I have realized in this last year it's that the life we are given is incredibly precious and can be snatched away from us at any moment. You have to savor every drop and get every molecule of sweetness you can...and you have to protect and cherish all of your loved ones with every bit of strength your heart can muster. An easy task? No. But in order to give life meaning it is one we must essay, endure, and triumph over.

I don't think many would argue that Mike's trademark guitar sound jump-started Ministry and forged some of the most memorable sounds that legendary band ever created. The hugeness of Ministry made many miss Mike's ground-breaking work with Rigor Mortis, one of the seminal thrash-metal acts to ever spurn the face of this bloody clod we call Earth. He was, quite simply, a guitar God. The GWAR family grieves deeply with the many friends, fans, and family that Mike left behind.

I will end this with some words from Bruce Corbitt, the lead singer of Rigor Mortis and Warbeast. Again our hearts go out to all who are suffering through this incredible loss, and I ask the GWAR family to help, if they can.

Mike Scaccia left this Earth doing what he loved to do. Tragically the music world has lost an extremely talented, gifted and unique guitar virtuoso. His music and his legend will live on forever. But a loving Husband, Father, Son and Brother etc... can never be replaced. Mike would be overwhelmed with this outpouring of emotion that has risen from his passing. But he would mainly be proud of the enormous support that everyone has shown towards his family during this devastating time in their lives.

We can and we will make sure that Mike’s Wife and his Kids are taken care of. So I would like to ask anyone that can make a donation… big or small… do it now. Please understand that this is what would mean the most to Mike.

Rest in Peace, Mike.

Brockie also provided fans with a link to the official Mike Scaccia Family Fundraiser. All proceeds will go directly to Mike's wife, Jenny Scaccia.

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