Wayne Static’s passing in 2014 was a turning point for Static-X. It led to one of the most controversial tributes in metal history.
Wayne Static’s Death
According to Loudwire, the Industrial metal pioneer died at age 48.
Static’s death created confusion. His wife, Tera Wray, insisted that his passing wasn’t drug-related. She stated he had been clean since 2009. The official coroner’s report, released in March 2015, revealed a different truth, though it classified the manner of death as “natural.” It became more tragic when Wray herself passed away by suicide in 2016.
Xer0’s Masked Wayne Static Tribute
Billboard reported on Static-X’s 2019 worldwide tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Wisconsin Death Trip.’ The tour introduced a creepy figure – a masked vocalist known only as ‘Xer0.’ This mysterious person wore a mask resembling Wayne Static, and it immediately sparked controversy in the metal community.
The tribute generated mixed reactions from fans and critics. MetalSucks reported that journalists dubbed it a “creepy Wayne Static cosplay” and “zombie Wayne Static.” However, Louder confirmed that Static’s family had given their blessing. Band members noted that the tribute aligned with Static’s “terrifically morbid sense of humor.”
Who Was Xer0?
Speculation about Xer0’s identity started circulated widely after the show. Blabbermouth revealed that Dope frontman Edsel Dope eventually confirmed he was Xer0 and said he wanted to maintain separate identities between Dope and Xer0. It was the late Laney Chantal who crafted the mask.
