Wayne Richard Wells, better known as Wayne Static, the driving force behind defunct Los Angeles metal band Static-X, had died aged 48.
The official Wayne Static Facebook page posted a brief statement a short time ago confirming the news. “Platinum selling musician Wayne Richard Wells, better known as Wayne Static, passed away at the age of 48,” reads the statement. “No additional information is available at this time.”
The sad news of Wells’ death was made public when friend Micah Electric, drummer for LA rockers 9ELECTRIC, posted a brief eulogy to his own Facebook page.
“So glad to have known him, recorded with him, toured with him, partied with him and had MANY real conversations with him,” said Electric. “He was a good soul who chose the wrong path.”
Korn’s Jonathan Davis said, “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.”
Wells was best known as the former frontman, vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, and producer for Static-X. The band released six albums between 1999 and 2009. Static-X went on hiatus after their last Australian tour in 2009, and reformed with a new lineup in 2012.
Wells officially retired the Static-X name last year, but continued to perform as Wayne Static, releasing debut solo effort Pighammer in 2011.
As the official statement notes, Wayne Static was scheduled to co-headline a tour with Powerman 5000, due to start in just 5 days’ time, and had another co-headline tour with Drowning Pool lined up over the next several months.
No details about the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death have been released at this time. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans.
UPDATE 03/11/14: A press release published by various US metal blogs claims Wells’ death was “not a drug-related incident or O.D.” — more here.
