Although news of Chuck Varga’s passing was shared over the weekend by GWAR’s Beefcake the Mighty, the entire band has now released a heartfelt tribute reflecting on the loss of one of their co-founding members.

Varga, known in the band as “Sexecutioner,” passed away on Friday (Sept. 25) at the age of 68.

What Did GWAR Say About the Death of Chuck “Sexecutioner” Varga?

Through their Instagram, the band began their tribute by stating, “There are some losses that hit harder than others.”

Their acknowledgment of Varga highlighted his “unforgettable presence” and his contribution to creating the “larger-than-life mythology, chaos, and depravity that would come to define the band.”

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The post included a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos featuring Varga both in and out of costume. Their complete commentary is provided below:

There are some losses that hit harder than others. The world lost Chuck Varga a few days ago, and GWAR lost one of its own.
Chuck was the Sexecutioner and was one of the founding members of GWAR. He was there when this strange, disgusting, beautiful thing was being born, helping create the world that would become GWAR.
As Sexecutioner, Chuck brought an unforgettable presence to the stage and helped establish the larger-than-life mythology, chaos, and depravity that would come to define the band. As one of the visual artists, his illustrations and costume design helped establish GWAR’s distinct visual style. He was there at the beginning, and even before when GWAR was struggling to establish what it was going to become. Chuck went on to excel with his scenic artistic talents in movies, theatre, and other visual mediums. Sadly, now the Sexecutioner has gone back home to reunite with his Scumdog Brethren Oderus Urungus and Flattus Maximus.
For those of us who knew Chuck, he was more than a character in a monster suit; he was an artist, a vocalist, a true performer, and most importantly a brother to everyone in the band. He was one of the people who helped make GWAR possible.
Our hearts go out to Chuck’s loving wife Bambi, his family, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Hail Sexecutioner!

Hail Chuck Varga!

What Had Previously Been Said By Beefcake the Mighty?

In his own Facebook post shared last Friday, Beefcake the Mighty expressed:

Chuck Varga has left this earthly realm. He passed peacefully, his beloved wife Bambi holding his hand. He was one of a kind. As an artist, as a performer; as a scholar and a gentleman. I’m better for having known him and the world is lesser for his leaving. He is most likely being welcomed into Valhalla right now by Brockie and Smooty and all who went before. Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexecutioner!

More About Chuck “Sexecutioner” Varga

Varga was born in 1958 and met future GWAR co-founder Hunter “Techno Destructo” Jackson while they were both attending Virginia Commonwealth University. The duo started a student movie production space called “The Slave Pit,” which eventually (circa 1984) merged with punk band Death Piggy (featuring Dave Brockie) to form – you guessed it – GWAR.

Varga remained with GWAR until around 1997 (with 1995’s Ragnarök being his final LP with them). During that period, they received two Grammy Award nominations: one in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video for their Phallus in Wonderland film and another in 1996 for Best Metal Performance for “S.F.W.” However, they lost to Annie Lennox and Nine Inch Nails respectively.

The musician eventually departed from the band in 1997 while relocating to New York to pursue other opportunities in film, TV, and on Broadway. After his time with GWAR, he also founded Hyperreal Productions, a costume and set design company.

See other rockers we’ve lost in 2026 in the gallery below.