GWAR has launched a new fundraising campaign to support their ex-vocalist Chuck Varga, who is currently battling cancer. As part of the campaign, the band is auctioning off The Sexecutioner’s Axe, the iconic stage prop used by Varga’s GWAR character for nearly four decades.
The band issued a detailed press release outlining the challenges Varga and his wife are facing, as well as the scope of the fundraiser and what supporters can expect.
“Chuck Varga, a founding member of GWAR and the man behind The Sexecutioner from 1985 to 2022, is currently battling cancer,” the press release read. “Chuck and his wife, Bambi, are facing tremendous medical, financial, and personal challenges as they navigate this difficult chapter together.”
The release went on to describe how the funds raised will be used to support the couple during this period.
“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 continued. “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.”
The band also detailed the exclusive merchandise and auction items available to fans who wish to contribute.
“Funds raised will help ensure Chuck receives the care, comfort, and dignity he deserves while also providing much-needed support to Bambi as she manages the financial burdens that have come with Chuck’s illness and the challenges that lie ahead,” the statement read. “As part of the fundraiser, fans will have access to exclusive Chuck Varga merchandise created specifically for this campaign, including 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 opportunity 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.”
The press release also paid tribute to Varga’s lasting contributions to the band and its community. Bob Gorman, aka Bonesnapper, offered a personal reflection on Varga’s legacy.
“For more than four decades, Chuck has been an integral part of the GWAR family and helped shape the band’s legacy from its earliest days,” the statement read. “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 dedication have left an indelible mark on generations of fans, artists, and misfits around the world.”
“Chuck Varga’s contributions to the GWAR and Slave Pit collective are enormous,” said Bob Gorman, aka Bonesnapper. “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.”
The current campaign is not the first time the GWAR community has rallied around Varga since his diagnosis. When his cancer battle was first made public in April 2026, the band called upon their fanbase — known as Bohabs — to donate blood in his honor. The gesture reflected the tight-knit, do-it-yourself ethos that has long defined the GWAR collective.
Varga’s connection to GWAR stretches back to the band’s earliest days. He portrayed The Sexecutioner from 1985 to 2022, making him one of the longest-serving members in the group’s history. His voice can be heard on several GWAR recordings, including “Sexecutioner” from the 1990 album Scumdogs of the Universe, the spoken word piece “Pussy Planet” from America Must Be Destroyed in 1992, and “Rag Na Rok” from the 1995 release Ragnarok.
Beyond his performances, Varga’s impact on GWAR was deeply visual and artistic. His illustrations and character designs helped shape the band’s grotesque, theatrical universe from the ground up. His influence on the group’s aesthetic identity remains visible in their work to this day, cementing his place as one of the most creatively significant figures in the band’s four-decade history.
Fans wishing to support Varga and his wife Bambi have multiple options available through GWAR’s official website. They can purchase the limited-edition t-shirt featuring Varga’s own artwork, place a bid on The Sexecutioner’s Axe, or make a direct cash donation. All proceeds from the merchandise and auction go entirely toward covering the couple’s medical and living expenses.
The fundraiser remains active as of late June 2026, with GWAR continuing to invite their community to participate. The campaign stands as both a practical lifeline for Varga and his family and a broader tribute to a founding member whose creative vision helped build one of heavy music’s most enduring and distinctive acts.
