Bold takeaway: Families of Wayne Static and Tera Wray are united in opposing an unauthorized biographical project, warning of potential legal action and calling for respect of their loved ones’ legacy.
Recent plans announced by Matt Zane (associated with Society 1 and related ventures) to produce an unauthorized documentary about the late Wayne Static, the frontman of Static-X, and his wife Tera Wray, have drawn strong pushback from the families. Zane stated last month that he would direct and produce the film, claiming that filming began prior to the couple’s deaths.
Wayne Static died on November 1, 2014, at age 48, from a fatal combination of prescription drugs and alcohol. Tera Wray tragically took her own life in January 2016. Zane had previously collaborated with Wayne on video projects and met Wray through their mutual connections in the adult entertainment industry.
In an announcement from last month, Zane revealed plans to crowdfund the project with the aim of moving into full production in January. He indicated that the documentary would cover the final seven years of Wayne and Tera’s lives and noted that he and Wayne had previously worked on an unreleased EP, which Zane intends to complete using AI technology.
The families’ statement, released to the public, firmly opposes Zane’s plans and signals potential legal action. It reads:
“A message from the families of Wayne Static & Tera Wray.
We are sharing this with the world to ensure that our feelings are crystal clear on this matter.
We are not interested in the further development of any unauthorized biography or documentary focused on our deceased son, daughter, and siblings, Wayne Wells (‘Wayne Static’) and Tera Lents (‘Tera Wray’). This includes but is not limited to: any behind-the-scenes footage from music videos, adult film sets, concerts, house parties, developmental projects, reality TV pilots, private photos, or any other portrayals of Wayne Wells Static, Tera Lents Wray Static, or either of their likenesses. Any attempt to exploit their unauthorized likeness will be met with the appropriate legal response.
We strenuously object to any further exploration or exploitation of this dark and tragic chapter in their lives. Additionally, we feel that the music video for the Wayne Static song ‘Assassins Of Youth,’ directed by Matt Zane and released in 2013, and the Static-X ‘Stay Alive’ music video released in 2023, thoroughly depict the dangerous lifestyle that Wayne and Tera were embracing prior to their deaths. Further, Static-X is nearing completion of the official Static-X documentary titled ‘Evil Disco – The Rise, Fall, And Regeneration Of Static-X.’ The official documentary will explore Wayne Static and Static-X’s life’s work in depth. The film is expected to be around 80 minutes and will devote appropriate attention to the lifestyle changes and eventual tragedies that followed.
If Mr. Zane possesses any additional rare or unseen footage that could contribute to celebrating Wayne’s life and legacy, we kindly ask him to share it with our families for review and potential inclusion in the official ‘Evil Disco’ documentary. Additionally, any unreleased music featuring Wayne Static’s voice or his compositions would require estate approval before publication or release.
We further challenge Mr. Zane to disclose any musical works that he claims might include Wayne Static’s actual voice so that we can verify their authenticity and assess their suitability for consideration. We are not interested in Wayne Static’s voice appearing in AI-generated music.
In closing, we extend gratitude to Static-X fans around the world for their ongoing love and support for Wayne and the band. We are proud of the band’s achievements and the enduring legacy they have built together.
Static-X remains widely admired, and Wayne’s energy and legacy continue to be celebrated and revived through the band’s current performances.
We fully support the existing Static-X team and lineup, and their continued respect for Wayne’s memory and our family. We are glad the world continues to celebrate the powerful music Wayne and the band created and the vibrant energy he and the group have consistently brought to the stage.
Sincerely, The family and estate of Wayne Wells Static & Tera Lents Static.”
Opinions and interpretations regarding the proposed biography are likely to vary. If you’d like, I can tailor this rewrite to emphasize a particular angle (legal focus, archival ethics, fan impact) or adjust the balance between sympathy for the families and discussion of the documentary project.
