Phil Labonte Reflects On Late GWAR Vocalist Dave Brockie's Advice To Oli Herbert 'Saving' All That Remains' Career In 2004

All That Remains vocalist Phil Labonte has reflected on the anniversary of yesterday’s (March 23rd) anniversary of the passing of late GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus.) The outspoken larger-than-life musician passed away in 2014 following a heroin overdose.

While Lamb Of God recently paid tribute to Brockie with their “Into Oblivion” track “El Vacio“, Labonte instead offered up the following advice Brockie gave to the late All That Remains guitarist Oli Herbert early on in All That Remains‘ career.

Labonte shared the story on social media yesterday in reply to a post memoralizing Brockie made by Rock Feed.

“Lemme tell ya how Dave saved ATR early in our career.

In the fall of 2004, we were on tour with GWAR. It was the first real tour we’d ever done, and every night was packed. Even as the opening act, we were playing to a full house.

Halfway through the tour, Oli‘s wife gave him an ultimatum. She’d quit her job, told him he had to come home, and threatened to leave him if he didn’t drop off the tour. Oli felt horrible. “She’s my wife,” he said. “I have to go.”

That same night, after the show, Dave Brockie pulled him aside. And understand: Dave was the lead singer of the headlining band. We were a nobody band from Massachusetts. Who were we? But Dave took Oli out with a bottle of whiskey and a joint, and they talked until bus call.

When Oli came back, he was a different man.

“Fuck her. This is my life’s dream. She knew that when she married me. If she wants to leave, she can leave. But I’m not leaving this tour, and I’m not quitting the band.”

Dave had told Oli something that really hit home. He said, “if you do this, she will push you around for the rest of your life.”

He was right.

I’m forever grateful for that Gwar tour. For what it did for All That Remains. but more importantly what it did for my friend Oli.

Thanks, Dave. Miss and love you, man.”

Herbert‘s life too was tragically cut short in 2018 under mysterious circumstances, prompting a police investigation into the matter. Many allegations surfacing online at the time pointed to Herbert‘s wife Beth being involved in his passing, claims which she vehemently disputed. A legal dispute over royalties between the band and Beth emerged in 2023.