The first concert I attended was Static-X with Dope and Powerman 5000. That show, and Static-X in particular, would spark my interest in heavier music and attending live concerts. My first and only appearance on television was with Static-X as they walked through the parking lot alongside patrons on line to the Family Values 2001 concert at Continental Airlines Arena. 143 shows later I attended Wayne Static's tribute tour, also celebrating 20 years since the release of their platinum album, Wisconsin Death Trip. Some have criticized this tour as a cash grab, but I think the evidence shows that the band members are honoring Wayne with this tour. First of all, they asked for the blessing of Wayne's family to do this. Next, all three original members (Tony Campos, bassist; Koichi Fukuda, lead guitar; Ken Jay, drums) have all been in successful bands since, most notably Tony being in Soulfly, Fear Factory, and Ministry. The lead singer for the current tour hasn't been named a permanent replacement, and in fact, hasn't been named at all. He goes by the name Xer0, and wears a mask and big hair in the style of Wayne. At first I thought it might be Dez (Devildriver, Coal Chamber) because he could pull off the vocals and it would be easy, though a demanding job, if he was already on tour with them. The prevailing public theory is that it is Edsel Dope behind the mask, however, he doesn't have the same vocal range and Xer0 looks taller than Edsel. Finally, I don't think it is just a reunion for money because an album, Project Regeneration, was planning to be released at the beginning of 2019 featuring several guest singers, but when more studio recordings of Wayne Static were uncovered, the band pushed back the release to late summer and rewrote songs to incorporate Wayne's vocals. It seems as if they are doing everything they can to honor Wayne. The future of the band is unclear. Here's my recap of a special evening.
First up was a local, unsigned, New Jersey band called Gathering After Ashes. They have three guitarists along with the bassist, drummer, and singer. The multiple guitars gives them a full sound. However, I didn't hear a shredding soloist, nor a dual or triple guitar attack like that in some heavy metal bands. This band was straightforward hard rock. They have some elements of blues, grunge, and modern rock. The singer is solid, although I think at times he puts on a style which at times reminded me of Scott Stapp or Scott Weiland. Their set got the crowd banging their heads and pumping their fists. I would definitely see these guys again.
Next up was Raven Black, a dark metal theatrical band out of California that has been around since 2012. Lead singer Raven is said to be half-human and half doll; she can croon and growl with equal command. A Voodoo "Doctor," demon "Muppet," and guitarist "Stitches" round out the group. They all have painted faces and certainly have the ability to command a stage. They are seasoned and well produced, working with Grammy nominated producer Ulrich Wild since 2014. I don't think their songs are as strong as female-fronted bands like Stitched Up Heart, nor are they as theatrical as In This Moment. However, I was still entertained and they could remain a fun opening act or even get bigger if they work on song construction.
Third was Wednesday 13, featuring the eponymous lead singer, formerly of Murderdolls. I have wanted to see Wednesday's solo band since the Murderdolls broke up. I have also read reviews that spoke very highly of his shows. The band looked and sounded great. Wednesday was covered in black body paint with flourescent glow-in-the-dark face paint. The set only lasted 20 minutes, though. Before they finished up Wednesday apologized for the delay getting started saying "We had some issues getting the sound right; shit happens."
After another set change came Dope. They were officially the first band that I ever saw live, at Roseland Ballroom on February 28, 2000. That honor should have gone to Chevelle, but due to extremely long lines outside the venue, and security that moved us to the other side of the building after people started filling the streets, we missed the opener that night. My friend warned me that Dope was "dirty, like, scuzzy dirty." He wasn't wrong, but tongue-in-cheek songs like "Everything Sux" and their industrialized cover versions of "F**k tha Police and You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) were pretty fun. I think their 2005 and 2009 albums were their heaviest and strongest. Fast forward to 2019, and after several lineup changes, Edsel's twin, Simon, has not returned since 2002, but guitarists Acey Slade and Virus have returned. This night they played several of their better known songs including Blood Money, 6-6-Sick, Addiction, and You Spin Me Round.
I had previously seen the co-headliners, Devildriver, on Ozzfest 2004 and 2007, however, that was a long time ago and in a much different setting. Being in a small concert hall instead of an open air festival was awesome. The band's power punches you in the face. I remember them being good, but on this night I felt that they were truly something special. Dez had his long locks dyed blond and looked like a rock God on stage as they ripped through their set. In addition to some heavy hitters of their own, during their hour long set they also played "Loco" and "Fiend" to delight of the crowd and me.
Headliners Static-X played for over an hour, and while Wisconsin Death Trip was heavily featured in the set, they also included hits "Get to the Gone, Black and White, This Is Not, and Start A War." As previously stated, the singer's identity has not been confirmed. He definitely looked taller than either Dez or Edsel and in an interview he said he knew Wayne for about 15 years while Edsel would have known him for 20. He certainly did a good job and sounded like a good fit. I have to say that his voice didn't quite match the rasp and grit of Wayne's, and I definitely missed Wayne's mannerisms like the way he would strum his guitar or the way he would subtly tilt his head with the song melody. The rest of the band is not very charismatic, although Tony and Koichi were smiling and gesturing to the crowd, and looked to be having a lot of fun. Ken does not draw much attention to himself behind the kit, but the playing was solid. The LED screens on stage flashed the band's insignia, lyrics, and several pictures of Wayne and the other band members. Before the last song, Tony expressed his thanks for the crowd showing up and supporting them over the years. He said that he missed Wayne and believes that he was with us in spirit and having fun watching us celebrate his life and music.
Personally, I was grateful to be able to see this tour, especially having just come back into the country after a trip to the Azores. It brought back a lot of fond memories of my past concert experiences as well as adding to them. I don't think Static-X should continue under that name. It could be done tastefully if they keep all three remaining original members and unmask the lead singer.
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