All That Remains vocalist Phil Labonte has reflected on the lasting impact late GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (Oderus Urungus) had on the band’s early trajectory, sharing a personal story about advice Brockie once gave guitarist Oli Herbert that ultimately helped shape the group’s future.
Labonte revisited the memory on March 23rd — the anniversary of Brockie’s passing in 2014 following a heroin overdose — responding to a tribute post shared online by Rock Feed. Rather than simply honoring Brockie’s legacy, Labonte detailed a pivotal moment during All That Remains’ formative years that he believes changed the band’s course entirely.
Advice That Changed Everything
According to Labonte, the moment took place in fall 2004 while All That Remains were touring as support for GWAR on what he described as the band’s first legitimate tour run. Despite being newcomers, the group was performing in front of packed crowds each night.
Midway through the tour, however, Herbert faced a personal crisis that nearly forced him to leave the road altogether.
Labonte recalled that Herbert received an ultimatum from his wife at the time, who had quit her job and demanded he return home or risk the end of their marriage. Torn between personal obligations and his musical ambitions, Herbert initially felt he had no choice but to leave the tour.
That’s when Brockie stepped in.
“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.”
Labonte explained that Brockie — despite fronting the headlining act — took the time to personally connect with Herbert after a show, inviting him out to talk late into the night.
“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.”
Following that conversation, Herbert returned with a renewed sense of clarity and determination.
“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.’”
Labonte said Brockie’s advice centered on standing firm in pursuing one’s goals — a message that deeply resonated with Herbert at a critical moment.
“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.”
Remembering Brockie — And Herbert
Labonte credited that tour experience as a turning point not only for All That Remains professionally, but personally for Herbert as well.
“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 himself passed away in 2018 under circumstances that prompted a police investigation. Allegations circulated online at the time involving his wife, Beth Herbert, though she strongly denied those claims. Years later, a legal dispute over royalties between the band and Herbert’s estate surfaced in 2023.
More than a decade after that 2004 tour, Labonte’s story highlights the lasting influence Brockie had behind the scenes — not just as a performer, but as a mentor figure whose advice helped keep a rising band together during a defining moment.
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