In a new interview, Edsel Dope has defended the controversial Static-X reunion, arguing that it was done “right” because the goal was never to replace the late Wayne Static, but to “celebrate” his legacy and provide closure for both the band and its fans. The Dope frontman, who is widely believed to be the band’s masked singer Xer0, also laid out what he sees as the most crucial element for any tribute project: the full support of the fallen member’s family.
Speaking with PipemanRadio, Edsel, alongside Static-X bassist Tony Campos, explained the motivation behind the 2019 comeback, which came five years after Wayne Static‘s passing.
“They did it right,” Edsel said. “Their goal was not to move forward… The goal was to celebrate the achievement and then figure out a way for these experiences to take place for the betterment of the people that love the band and love the record and wanna celebrate and say goodbye, but also hello again.”
Campos agreed, adding that for the surviving members, it was a “very cathartic thing.” “‘Cause we never really got a chance to say goodbye to [Wayne]. A lot of fans didn’t get to say goodbye to him, and so this was an opportunity for all of us to you say goodbye to the dude and celebrate,” he said.
Edsel then explained what he believes is the single most important principle for any band continuing after the death of a key member, a rule he says both Static-X and the current Pantera celebration have followed.
“That was the big part of Static-X… that if Wayne‘s family wasn’t on board with every decision, that they weren’t gonna make a single decision,” he stated. “And you have to respect the people closest to the ones that aren’t here, because that’s the best barometer you can get. And anybody that’s outside that’s gonna tell you what they think the person would’ve thought has no idea. Because the people closest to these people that have passed on are the ones that are supporting and embracing it.”
He applied this same logic to the Pantera tour, noting the blessing of Dimebag Darrell‘s longtime partner, Rita Haney. He praised the tour for introducing the band’s music to a new generation, saying it’s “good for Dime and Vinnie. It’s good for metal.”
As for the online critics of both projects, Edsel had a blunt message.
“Everybody’s gotta give their basement opinion with Doritos f**king crumbs on their chest. You can’t please ’em all,” he said. “And as my old friend Racci Shay from Dope used to say, ‘If you can’t f**k ’em, f**k ’em.'”
