Static-X Frontman Wayne Static Dies Aged 48 Wayne Static, the former frontman of the metal band Static-X, has died aged 48. A message posted on the band's Facebook page on Saturday night announced that the guitarist had passed away in his sleep at his California home. "Platinum selling musician Wayne Richard Wells, better known as WAYNE STATIC, passed away at the age of 48," it read. 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. Static-X was founded in 1994 and released six albums with Warner Bros Records. The band rose to fame with their debut album Wisconsin Death Trip, which went platinum in 2001. Static released his debut solo album, Pighammer, in 2011 after announcing he was on a hiatus from the band. In 2012 he decided to reform Static-X, but none of the original members would join him. The band broke up a second time the following year. Tributes have been paid to the musician with Billy Corgan, from the Smashing Pumpkins, writing: "I am shocked to hear that Wayne Wells (Wayne Static) has passed away. I played with him in his first band, Deep Blue Dream, in 1987/88. He was a real gentleman, and loved music (and KISS, Ace in particular). Even had the hood of his car painted with the KISS logo. It is not known how Static, who was married to adult film actress Tera Wray, died.