Gwar have launched a fundraising campaign in support of founding member and former vocalist Chuck Varga, who is currently facing an ongoing battle with cancer.
The band announced the initiative alongside exclusive merchandise and a special auction centred around one of the most recognisable pieces in Gwar history, The Sexecutioner’s axe, used by Varga’s iconic character for nearly four decades.
Funds raised through the campaign will go directly toward helping cover medical and living costs as Varga and his wife Bambi navigate treatment and care (per Lambgoat).
According to the band, support raised will assist with expenses including cancer treatments, hospice care, specialised medical equipment, nursing support and day to day financial pressures while Bambi steps away from work to care for him full time.
In a statement released with the campaign, the band said:
“Chuck Varga, a founding member of GWAR and the man behind The Sexecutioner frofrom 1985 to 2022, is currently battling cancer. Chuck and his wife, Bambi, are facing tremendous medical, financial, and persopersonal challenges as tthey navigate this difficult chapter together.
GWAR has created a fundraiser to help cover the mounting expenses associated with Chuck’s care, including cancer treatments, hospice care, specialized medical equipment, and additional nursing support. It will also help offset the cost of maintaining their Brooklyn apartment while Bambi has stepped away from work to care for Chuck full-time.
Funds raised will help ensure Chuck recieves the care, comfort, and dignity he deserves while also providing the much-needed support to Bambi as she manages the financial burdens that have come with Chuck’s illness and the challenges that lie ahead.
As part of the fundraiser, fans will have access to exclusive Chuck Varga merchandise created specifically for this campaign, incuding a brand new t-shirt featuring artwork by Chuck himself. These limited edition items give supporters a chance to contribute directly while owning a unique piece of GWAR history.
In addition, fans will have the oppurtunity to bid on The Sexecutioner’s Axe, the legendary weapon wielded by Chuck’s iconic GWAR character for nearly four decades. This one-of-a-kind piece of GWAR history will be offered to the highest bidder, with all proceeds benefiting Chuck and Bambi.
For more than four decades, Chuck has been an integral part of the GWAR family and helped shape the band’s legacy from it’s earliest days. Through his work as a performer, artist, creator, and founding member, he helped build one of the most unique and enduring acts in heavy music history. His creativity, humor, and dedictation have left an indelible mark on generations of fans, artists, and misfits around the world.
Chuck Varga’s contribution to the GWAR and Slave Pit collective are enormous. The influence of his illustrations, character designs, performances, and artistic vision can still be felt throughout GWAR today. Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world. His legacy will remain with us forever, and we hope this fundraiser not only helps support Chuck and Bambi during this difficult time but also serves as a celebration of everything Chuck has given to GWAR and its community”
Limited merchandise
Alongside the fundraiser, fans can purchase limited run campaign merchandise including a new shirt featuring artwork created by Varga himself.
The auction for The Sexecutioner’s axe is expected to become a significant piece of memorabilia for long time followers of the band, with all proceeds contributing directly to supporting Chuck and Bambi.
For a band built on community, chaos and decades of underground culture, this campaign is a chance for fans to give something back to one of the people who helped create the world of Gwar.
MORE IN News
