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Gwar in dustup with deceased frontman's dad

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A metal band is being sued for allegedly stealing its frontman’s ashes.

But, hey, it’s only rock ’n’ roll.

The father of deceased Gwar lead singer Dave Brockie, who died in March 2014 of a heroin overdose, has accused the band’s members of illegally holding onto Mr. Brockie’s ashes, along with his musical instruments and artwork, according to news reports.

The lawsuit seeks $1 million in compensatory damages plus punitive damages, as well as the return of Mr. Brockie’s remains, for alleged breach of contract and the unauthorized use of Mr. Brockie’s image, according to reports.

The suit charges the band with trying to “capitalize on the death of Dave Brockie,” according to reports, and alleges that the band’s manager Jack Flanagan signed false documents allowing Gwar to use Brockie’s name and image for merchandising.

The elder Brockie also said the band withheld his son’s earnings from his last tour, media outlets reported.

Gwar, however, says Mr. Brockie was paid upfront, and that the personal items listed in the lawsuit have been available to attorneys for weeks, according to reports.

They further stated that after 30 years of working with Mr. Brockie, several of them overheard his wishes to have his ashes remain with the band to “keep an eye on Gwar”.

“We did not steal Dave Brockie’s ashes, or anything else that belonged to him,” the band said in a statement. “At all times, and under very trying circumstances, we have acted in good faith to honor the wishes of our dear friend. Dave left no will or instructions for final arrangements, and so we have done the best we could to honor what we believe Dave Brockie would have wanted.”

Gwar’s statement added that in the weeks following Mr. Brockie’s death, The Dave Brockie Fund and monument plans to honor Mr. Brockie in Hollywood Cemetery were halted due to issues over his estate.

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