Frontman for one of the most iconic acts in metal has died at the age of 48. The cause of death is still unknown at this time.
While the cause is still undetermined, Static-X’s publicist has confirmed that singer Wayne Static has died.
Wayne Static (who was born Wayne Richard Wells), is famous for fronting one of industrial metal’s most influential bands. He was set to perform as a co-headliner with Powerman 5000 for their November United States tour. It is unclear whether the upcoming tour will be affected following Wayne’s death.
His death has already sparked an outpouring of comments from fellow musicians on social media.
Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach said:
“RIP Wayne…. This is so sad. Too many musicians are dying from overdoses. I’m serious, addiction is real and takes fools out. No one is invincible. So glad I live a sober life today. The number of friends that I have lost to addiction is crazy. If you are struggling witn addiction, get some help before it’s too late. I know drugs and partying are part of the ‘rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle,’ but damn, how many more gotta die??? Fuck the lifestyle, I want life!!!! See you on the other side, Wayne….”
Similarly, Fear Factory’s Dino Cazares said:
“He’s a legend, a great guy and songwriter. It sucks to lose a friend to something that you wish you could’ve helped him for. R.I.P. Wayne Static.”
David Ellefson of Megadeth said:
“This is just horribly sad news. I have such great memories of our tours together over the years. Wayne was truly an originator, innovator and milestone contributor to metal music. My condolences to the STATIC-X organization and family.”
Despite no conclusive evidence about the cause of his death, many of Wayne Static’s friends have talked about the possibility of a drug overdose. This report has not been confirmed by an autopsy or by Wayne’s publicist.
UPDATE
Wayne Static’s wife Tera Wray released statement claiming that her husband did not die from a drug overdose. She said:
It has come to my attention that many have questions and opinions about the cause of the death of my husband in which I now find is necessary to further respond. Wayne was not taking drugs. If anything, he was a drinker, and did not OD.
Wray did admit that she and her husband had abused narcotics and alcohol in the past, but she says she does not believe her husband overdosed. In her statement, she said that she’s sure drugs and alcohol “took a toll on his body, heart and soul.”
Wray said she is disgusted by comments she has seen online suggesting her husband died of an overdose.
For Wayne’s music peers to take it upon themselves to make comments about us when they are not part of our daily lives or know us outside of tour and music, just to grab a headline to get themselves at the top of the gossip page, is disgusting.
The two were packing their things to go on tour, and were ready to leave the night that Wayne Static died. They decided to postpone the trip until morning so that they could travel with their pets. Wray said she regrets this decision.
“I wish we had traveled that night then maybe had he fallen ill we could have gotten to the hospital,” Wray said. “I will never know.”
Officials will likely do an autopsy this weekend at the earliest, according to Wray. Official bloodwork from the autopsy can take up to six months to get finalized, so family, friends and fans of the late singer might have to wait until then for answers.
Check here for updates as more information becomes available on Wayne Static’s sudden passing.
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