Cory Smoot took over the role of Flattus Maximus in 2002 after it had been portrayed by other guitarists over the years. His body was discovered on the band’s tour bus in Pembina, N.D. Nov. 3, 2011. The state’s medical examiner said Smoot died of “coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease.”

One day after Smoot’s death, the band announced it was retiring the Flattus Maximus character.

Now the band is launching the spring leg of its “Return Of The Maggot World Tour” with a special tribute show. Proceeds from the March 16 gig in Richmond, Va., at The National will benefit the Smoot Family Fund created to help out the deceased guitarist’s widow and unborn child.

Other dates include Millvale, Pa., at Mr. Small’s March 17; Syracuse, N.Y., at Westcott Theatre March 22; Tulsa, Okla., at Cain’s Ballroom March 28; Boulder, Colo., at Fox Theatre March 31; San Diego’s House Of Blues April 3; Magna, Utah, at The Great Salt Air April 10 and Fort Collins, Colo., at Aggie Theatre April 11.

As with all Gwar tour announcements, today’s message includes a few words of wisdom from Slave Pit spokesman / personal slave to Oderus Urungus, Dave Brockie:

“We will continue as a four-piece, with the special tribute to Flattus at the end of the show, in order to give our fans a chance to say goodbye to our fallen Scumdog brother in true Gwar fashion – covered in blood and rocking the fuck out! After this tour is over we can start looking to the future and begin to put this tragedy behind us. But for now we are still in ‘Hail Flattus’ mode!”

A fan club presale began today and tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday. Visit Gwar.net for more information.