One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Static-X Frontman Found Dead At 48
Wayne Static on tour in 2012. (Photo by Jordan Sandifer/via Static-X on Facebook)
The frontman of nu metal band Static-X, Wayne Static (born Wayne Wells), has passed away at the age of 48.The news was announced on the band's official Facebook page on Saturday night, but no cause of death was given. According to the statement, Static-X was about to embark on a tour with fellow nu metal legacy acts Powerman 5000 and Drowning Pool.
Static-X was formed in Los Angeles in 1994, and is best known for their 1999 hit "Push It." The success of that song led to their debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip, going platinum. The band has gone through multiple lineup changes, breakups, and hiatuses since, with Static being the only member remaining of the original lineup. Static-X ultimately released six studio albums with Static releasing his own solo album in 2011.
Born Wayne Richard Wells on November 4, 1965 in Muskegon, Michigan, Static played in his first band at the age of 12. Static was known for his unusual look onstage, sporting tall, spiky hair and a long chin beard. He was married to adult film actress Tera Wray.
Though no cause of death has been given at this time, Blabbermouth reports that statements from fellow musicians and associates indicate that Static likely died of a drug overdose.
Sponsored message
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
