Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip 20th Anniversary Tour
(Harpo’s Concert Theater – Detroit, MI) After several months of waiting for this tour to start it was finally the day. July 13th, 2019 was the Detroit date for the big Static-X ‘Wisconsin Death Trip 20th Anniversary Tour’. This tour also serves as a tribute to the man himself, Wayne Static, who passed away suddenly on Nov 1st, 2014. I was excited about this show for many reasons. First off was the fact that I have always been a big Static-X fan and love so much of the music that they’ve put out. Secondly, I’ve had the honor and privilege of meeting Wayne on a few occasions and even got to spend several hours hanging out with him one of those times. Lastly, and the most personal to me, was that I got to do what turned out to be the last audio interview ever done with Wayne, just over 48 hours before he passed away.
As we pulled up to the venue the line was extremely long. Doors had just opened, and people were slowly going into the venue. I would honestly have to say that there were probably 800-1,000 people who were there early enough just waiting for the doors to open. We parked and hung out with a few friends and were informed by one of the stage crew guys that Raven Black would not be playing on the tour package tonight. I guess they were added to the Inkcarceration Festival and choose playing that over the Detroit date of the Static-X tour, so for tonight, the bill featured just Wednesday 13, Dope, DevilDriver and Static-X. With one less band that meant the show would also be starting later so I decided to walk around a bit and talk to people in line or hanging out by their cars waiting for the show to begin. While I did get to say hello to Wednesday 13 behind the venue, unfortunately I lost track of time and only caught the last song and a half or their set. As per usual, it sounded great and their costumes and stage presence were top-notch and very fitting for the occasion.
Next up was Dope. Another band I’ve always enjoyed and for me it made it even more special knowing that Edsel Dope was in fact ‘Zero’, the guest vocalist filling in as Wayne Static for the tour. Dope was on fire that night and it was seriously the best I’ve ever seen them live. The energy was high, and the songs kept flowing as they crushed out their 30-minute set. Highlights for me were Edsel talking about some memories of Wayne and their history knowing each other, hearing the song’s ‘Die MF Die’, ‘6-6-Sick’ and their cover of the song ‘You Spin Me Round’. Excellent set from the boys in Dope and definitely a great fit for this tour.
DevilDriver was next to take the stage. I’ve seen DevilDriver many times before, but I was extra interested in what songs they chose for this tour. Not only being a little more special, but with the rumored addition of a few Coal Chamber songs. Another great set for the night and another top-notch performance from a band who always brings it live. Every band just seemed to be so pumped to be on this tour and perform in a way that was worthy of Wayne and this special occasion. Great looking stage setup for DevilDriver and big highlights for me were hearing ‘Clouds Over California’, a few Coal Chamber songs including ‘Loco’ and the stories and memories shared again about Wayne. Devildriver did not disappoint and were another perfect fit for the tour, especially being right before Static-X to get to crowd all fired up and ready.
Despite it being so hot in the venue, everyone had made it through the night, and it was now time to see what we were all waiting for. Static-X and the tribute to Wayne Static. The bands lineup consisted of past Static-X members Tony Campos (bass), Koichi Fukuda (guitar) and Ken Jay (drums) along with Zero (Edsel from the band Dope). The band took the stage to an insane amount of cheers, applause and metal horns held high in the air as they opened with the song ‘Bled for Days’ and then continued on playing the rest of the songs from the ‘Wisconsin Death Trip’ album. So much to watch and enjoy that night. From the tributes to Wayne and footage on the video walls to the focus and energy from all 4 guys on that stage. So many great songs, so many memories of Static-X shows of the past and some sadness too as you again realized that Wayne is indeed gone and it’s actually coming up on the five-year mark. So crazy if you ask me, it seems like we lost him just a few years ago. Despite all that it was an excellent set from Static-X and the crowd was into every minute and every second of this hour plus performance. Too many highlights for me, basically the whole set was one big highlight. I loved some of the stories told by bass player Tony Campos and the kind words said, as many will remember Tony and Wayne weren’t exactly on the best of terms at the time of Wayne’s passing, but none of that seemed to matter tonight. Although Wayne was truly missed and it just wasn’t the same, I have to give a huge horns up high to Edsel from Dope. I along with everyone I talked to had a great time and really enjoyed the show. I don’t think anyone could have done a better job. Way to go Edsel, I’m sure Wayne would have approved.
All said and done the tour lineup was great, the bands were all incredible and the vibe was so real and fitting. The sound was booming and clear at Harpo’s that night, reminiscent of the old days when the theater was one of the most popular and well-known venues in the region. Shout out to legendary Detroit club owner Ruzvelt Stevanovski for taking over and working to keep Harpo’s alive. This show came and went so fast, but it was definitely worth the wait. I truly believe that Wayne would be proud to see the result of this special tour and how it’s bringing people together again remembering him and remembering the awesomeness that was Static-X.
