Tag: Static-X

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Industry News News

The First COVID-Era Music Festival Takes Place In Wisconsin This July [VIDEO]

herd immunity music festival

Static-X is among a number of leading rock and metal bands scheduled to appear during the three-day outdoor music festival.

Coronavirus is still a problem. We shouldn’t have to say that, but every week, people everywhere express their desire to see life return to “normal.” The problem is, normal as we knew it is gone. Even if a vaccine is available in the next week or month, the world is changing, and there is nothing short of another ice age that can turn back the clock.

Some people are accepting of these changes. Others, however, are willing to fight tooth and nail to see regain a sense of control over their existence. People want to go out and see friends, eat at diners, and watch live music. They want to feel a sense of community that Zoom and Skype and other digital streaming platforms cannot duplicate.

Q & Z Expo Center in Ringle, Wisconsin, is ran by promoters who share the frustrations that many have with the current state of the world. They want events to return as well, and they’re doing their best to make that happen with a recently announced three-day event set to take place July 16-18. The so-called ‘mini-fest’ will feature performances from rock and metal bands, including Static-X, Dope, and Blacktop Mojo, to anyone willing to risk getting sick.

In the announcement of the gig, organizers wrote:

“As humans we NEED other human contact. MUSIC in itself is great, but the live streams as I am sure you all know is just not the same we need LIVE , feel it to the bones, run shivers up your spine MUSIC with people around us. Takes us all away on a trip that unless you have felt it you won’t understand.”

The event will host up to 2,000 music fans in a space that traditionally holds 10,000, which should allow for social distancing. Whether or not distancing will be required is not known, nor are any rules related to wearing masks.

In this Music Biz News update, host James Shotwell details the event, the plans to keep people safe, and how the world might not be as ready for live music as the festival organizers seem to believe.

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News

Static-X and Dope Tour Gear Stolen Amidst Coronavirus Lockdown

Two of hard rock’s leading bands are asking fans and authorities to help them recover nearly $200,000 worth of stolen equipment.

The continuing spread of coronavirus is hurting musicians at every level of the music business. Without touring, many artists are struggling to make ends meet, and those with savings are beginning to ask how long they can survive without getting back on the road. There are no easy answers, but one thing is certain: Everyone needs all the help they can get.

Static-X and Dope spent 2019 touring the world in celebration of album anniversaries and the legacy of late vocalist Wayne Static. Their combined touring efforts sold-out dozens of performances, which drew a demand for even more shows in 2020. Those plans were postponed due to coronavirus, and the band’s stored their touring gear in a Los Angeles warehouse before entering quarantine.

This week, someone (or multiple people) broke into the storage facility and robbed both bands of nearly $200,000 in gear. The two groups were advised by LAPD to take their story public, in order to help raise awareness with other small business owners and bands alike.

“With most of us in lockdown, and those who aren’t locked down, wearing masks in public, apparently it’s a great time to be a thief”, says Static-X drummer Ken Jay.

An official statement on the incident from Static-X reads:

“We want to encourage our community to keep a close eye on your property and on your facilities during this unprecedented time… We also ask for our fans to keep an eye out for the stolen items and maybe we can help the police find these people.”

The band has publicized a list of stolen equipment, complete with many of the serial numbers. The list includes: Multiple LED video panels, 2 drum kits, 40+ cymbals, various high-end audio/video gear, microphones, racks, branded backdrops, etc. View the full list of gear, as well as pictures of many items, here.

They have also set up a tip center where you can share any info that may help in the investigation.

“This is a tough one to swallow,” says Edsel Dope. “Our bands are small businesses that have developed and refined our touring systems over the years. The amount of time and effort that has gone into building out the tech and AV production alone is hard to quantify. It’s allot of money. We own all of our own gear and have built our touring business through years of continuous investment back into ourselves.

“In the end, we recognize that there are far worse things happening around the world. We want to send out positive vibes to everyone in this crazy time. Stay safe, protect yourself from ALL the threats, and take care of each other.
We will learn from this experience and take the necessary steps to rebuild during this downtime, while allowing ourselves to be a cautionary tale for others. Stay safe and we’ll see you soon!”

Statix-X is scheduled to release their new album, PROJECT REGENERATION Volume 1, on May 29.

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Haulix News Podcasts

Inside Music Podcast #169: Static-X (Tony Campos)

Discussing everything from Wisconsin Death Trip to the legacy of Wayne Static, Static-X bassist Tony Campos stops by Inside Music to share his unique journey in music.

Most artists dream of writing one song that captures the attention of other people. If they can accomplish that, those same artists may dream of doing it again, and again, until one day they release an album. That album will determine the trajectory of their career, as will everything that happens after the record is in stores. There are no guarantees in music. The most successful artists know this is true, and they never forget it.

Static-X did not plan on being together in 2019. If you could return to 1994 and tell the four-piece metal band a record they would release in 1999 would become an iconic piece of work they would probably laugh. Wisconsin Death Trip is a gem of the industrial metal genre. Two decades after its release, people are still falling in love with the album’s hard-hitting sound.

In 2014, Static-X unexpectedly lost founding member and vocalist Wayne Static. The news hit hard with fans and members alike, leading many to believe the band was as good as dead. Five years later, however, the group is back in action.

The Wisconsin Death Trip twentieth-anniversary tour is currently entertaining sold-out crowds across America. Static-X has not replaced Static. Instead, the band is collaborating with a mysterious vocalist called Xer0 who wears a Static mask on stage. The vocals are similar enough to embody the spirit of the original material, all while keeping the legacy of Static front and center.

Recently, Static-X bassist Tony Campos sat down with Inside Music host James Shotwell to discuss the band’s unlikely reunion. Campos revealed the hard work that went into the band’s new tour, as well as the group’s plans to continue celebrating Static’s life through music. You can stream the conversation below.

https://soundcloud.com/inside-music-podcast/169-static-x-tony-campos

Prefer video? We’ve got you covered:

Inside Music is available on all podcast platforms. Click here to subscribe on iTunes.

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