Metal Anarchy

Phil Labonte (All That Remains) has shared a new tribute for the late Dave Brockie (GWAR). According to him, Brockie helped save his band in 2004 after imparting some wisdom on the late Oli Herbert.

Labonte said the following while responding to a post from 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.”