Wayne Richard Wells was born on November 4th, 1965 in Muskegon, MI to Richard and Darlene Wells. His love of music started early: as a youngster, he was enthralled by the band KISS. By the age of twelve, he had started his first band with a group of neighbourhood friends. It was these first exposures to music that shaped young Wayne and cemented his determination to make music his career.
Wayne would burst onto the world stage with Static-X in 1999 with the band’s iconic debut album Wisconsin Death Trip, leaving a lasting impression on music history. During an era full of change and innovation in the industry (and in the metal scene in particular), Static-X stood out among their peers. Their unique take on the metal genre was something Wayne dubbed “evil disco”, a term now synonymous with the band.
His work with Static-X spanned six studio albums, producing hits like “Cold”, “I’m With Stupid” and “Push It”. Wayne’s solo album Pighammer further cemented his place as the King of Evil Disco.
Wayne Static was never one to go with the crowd. He always set trends but never followed them. Known for his distinctive look and instantly recognizable vocal style, Wayne quickly established himself as a unique and charismatic frontman. His larger than life personality thrilled his fans, and his passion for his music was clear in every performance he gave.
Wayne left this world far too soon aged 48. His impact on the music industry was immense, and his legacy continues to this day. Part of his last recordings with Static-X were released with the band’s Project Regeneration Vol I in 2020, with one reviewer writing: “Static-X were ahead of their time and perhaps a little underrated. Through this cathartic process, the album serves as a love letter to Static and their loyal fan base, a respectful tribute that both honors his legacy and adds an unexpected new chapter to their discography.” Project Regeneration Vol. 2 was released in January of 2024, and continues this tribute to Wayne and his lasting impact on the music world.