Wayne Static dead : Metal icon dies aged 48, his reps confirm

Wayne Static, the lead singer and guitarist of the metal band Static-X, has died at the age of 48.

Representatives of the musician, whose real name is Wayne Richard Wells, confirmed the news, but gave no details as to the cause of death.

Static was born in Muskegon and played in various local bands before ultimately heading out to Los Angeles and founding Static-X. After his time with Static-X, he pursued a successful solo career and released one solo album, 2011’s “Pighammer.”

Static was a regular performer at The Machine Shop in Flint. My first show at The Machine Shop was actually a Static-X concert.

He spoke with me in 2009 before a Machine Shop gig about his love for Michigan.

“It’s always exciting to come back to Michigan to play,” he said. “After growing up here and playing in local bands and struggling, it’s great to get back to your home state. The family comes out, and they’re proud.”

Static married Tera Wray in 2008, and he said Static-X’s 2009 album, “Cult of Static,” was a tribute to her. “She inspired the lyrics for every song on the record, and she was there the whole time I was writing it,” he said. “We have a great time together and a great relationship, and that’s reflected in all the songs.”

Agencies/Canadajournal