Last night, Wayne Static, former frontman of the industrial metal band Static-X, passed away at age 48. The musician’s estate released a statement shortly after his death via Facebook, stating, “Platinum-selling musician Wayne Richard Wells, better known as Wayne Static, passed away at the age of 48. Static was the enigmatic former frontman and namesake of Static-X, who later forged a successful solo career.” Static died just three days before his 49th birthday.
The message went on to share that Wayne was scheduled to go on tour over the next few months, co-headlining alongside bands Powerman 5000 and Drowning Pool. It concludes by stating that “No additional information is available at this time.” Just six hours before the news was announced, a tweet was posted via Static’s official Twitter.
Best known for his signature tall, spiked hair, the musician formed Static-X 20 years ago. The group released six albums, the first of which, entitled Wisconsin Death Trip, went Platinum in 1999. The last album the band released as a group was Cult of Static in 2009, before Static made the decision to forge a solo career.
Although — as the message released via his Facebook account states — there is no official information available about the cause of Static’s death at this time, there have been quite a few strong speculations of drug overdose circulating the web. Fellow rock musician Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach released a statement in a caption on Instagram shortly after receiving the news of Static’s death. He states, “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.”
He continues, “The number of friends I have lost to addiction is crazy. If you are struggling with 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? F– the lifestyle, I want life! See you on the other side, Wayne…” Amongst the other artists/groups who released statements in memory of Static are Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, John 5, Official Dio, Jose Mangin, Official Motorhead, David Draiman, Scott Ian, and Eddie Trunk.