Bruce Corbitt facts for kids

Bruce Kendall Corbitt (born December 22, 1962 – died January 25, 2019) was an American heavy metal singer from Dallas, Texas. He was best known for being the lead singer for the bands Rigor Mortis and Warbeast. His powerful singing style was first heard on Rigor Mortis' first album, which came out in 1988. This album is seen as a very important record in speed metal music. Rigor Mortis was one of the first bands of its kind to release music with a major record company.

About Bruce Corbitt

Rigor Mortis Band

After signing with Capitol Records, Rigor Mortis went on tour across North America. They continued to play many shows in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Their concerts were known for being very energetic, sometimes leading to arguments. At one concert in 1987, just after their record deal was made, Corbitt was seriously injured.

Bruce Corbitt left Rigor Mortis in 1989. He mostly stayed away from performing but still supported other metal bands from his area. Rigor Mortis later broke up in 1991. However, they got back together in 2005, with Corbitt as the singer again. They played at some big events, including Ozzfest in 2008. They also performed in Germany at The Keep It True Festival the next year, which was their first show outside the U.S.

The band recorded their last album with Corbitt, called Slaves to the Grave. They released it themselves in 2014. Sadly, this album became a tribute to their guitarist, Mike Scaccia. He passed away from a heart attack while performing with the band on December 22, 2012. This day was also Bruce Corbitt's 50th birthday.

Warbeast Band

After returning to the stage with Rigor Mortis, Bruce Corbitt joined up with former members of the band Gammacide in 2006. They formed a new group called Texas Metal Alliance, which later changed its name to Warbeast in 2009. Warbeast released four albums with Philip Anselmo's Housecore Records. These albums included Krush the Enemy, Destroy, and Enter the Arena. Warbeast also toured nationally, supporting well-known bands like GWAR and Down.

Wizards of Gore Band

In 2014, the remaining members of the original Rigor Mortis band, including Bruce Corbitt, bassist Casey Orr, and drummer Harden Harrison, formed a new group. They called themselves The Wizards of Gore. They played Rigor Mortis songs to honor Mike Scaccia. They performed occasionally in Texas, including at the Housecore Horror Festival in 2014.

His Life and Passing

Health and Death

In May 2017, Bruce Corbitt was diagnosed with a serious illness called stage III esophageal cancer. He received treatment, but in January 2019, he needed special care. He passed away on January 25 at the age of 56. Bruce Corbitt was the second member of Rigor Mortis to pass away, after Mike Scaccia in December 2012.

His Style and Influence

Bruce Corbitt's singing was known for being powerful and clear. Unlike many extreme metal singers, he was able to deliver even very intense lyrics in a way that was easy to understand. He also had a unique look on stage. He often wore ripped blue jeans and shirts with horror themes. He was known for his intense stare and a special "claw" hand pose. Corbitt also used a unique microphone stand made of chainlink. It could be taken apart to help him move around the stage. He used this stand with both his bands. It was painted red for Rigor Mortis shows and later became shiny for Warbeast performances.

Music Albums

Rigor Mortis

• 1986: Demo 1986
• 1988: Rigor Mortis
• 2014: Slaves to the Grave
• 2015: Welcome to Your Funeral (The Story of Rigor Mortis, Part 1) (DVD)
• 2018: The Original Unadulterated Freaks Demonstration Recordings

Warbeast

• 2010: Krush the Enemy
• 2013: War of the Gargantuas
• 2013: Destroy
• 2017: Enter the Arena

See also

In Spanish: Bruce Corbitt para niños