Wayne Static, Frontman of Metal Band Static-X, Dies at 48

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Singer and guitarist Wayne Static (real name Wayne Richard Wells), frontman for metal band Static-X, has died, according to a Facebook post on the Static-X’s official page. He was 48.

“Platinum selling musician Wayne Richard Wells, better known as Wayne Static, passed away at the age of 48,” reads the message, posted Saturday night.

“Wayne Static was the enigmatic former frontman and namesake of Static-X, who later forged a successful solo career. Wayne was scheduled to co-headline tours with Powerman 5000 and Drowning Pool over the next several months. No additional information is available at this time,” continues the Facebook message.

His publicists at FiXT Publicity also issued a press release about his death.

Static founded Static-X in 1994, and the metal band signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1998. The next year, they released their debut album, “Wisconsin Death Trip,” which would go onto become a platinum-selling record and contained one of their best-known hits, “Push It.”

Static-X released five more studio albums before going on hiatus in 2010. Static forged a solo career as well, releasing his solo debut “Pighammer” in 2011.

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Big names in the rock world, including Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins and Corey Taylor of Slipknot, took to social media to mourn Static.

“RIP WAYNE…. THIS IS SO SAD,” wrote Shaddix on his Facebook page. “TOO MANY MUSICIANS ARE DYING FROM OVERDOSES. IM SERIOUS ADDICTION IS REAL AND TAKES FOOLS OUT. NO ONE IS INVINCIBLE.”

“Rest in peace Wayne I’m speechless right now I’m loosing to many of my friends I’ll see you on the other side brother,” wrote Davis.

https://twitter.com/Billy/status/528893858885926913

I am absolutely devastated to hear about Wayne Static's death. A good man and a good friend. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

— fuck your checkmark (@CoreyTaylorRock) November 2, 2014

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