Longtime GWAR guitar player Brent Purgason, a.k.a. Pustulus Maximus has quit the band after 11 years. He announced this on a post to his Instagram account last night (November 6th, 2023). Announcing it was time to move in a new direction although, he will remain connected to the band “behind the scenes.” Brent created the character of Pustulus specifically for GWAR, as a relation of Flattus Maximus, whose character was retired from GWAR after the death of Corey Smoot https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Cory_Smoot/8343 in 2011. Purgason played on five releases including three full-length albums – Battle Maximus, Blood of Gods, and 2022’s New Dark Ages (all Metal Blade). In addition to GWAR Brent is known for his own bands US Bastards, Against the Grain, Asphalt Graves, and a stint in Cannabis Corpse.
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
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