Edsel Dope Denies Being Static-X’s ‘Xer0’ (Sort Of)
Despite recent alleged photographic evidence that says otherwise, Edsel Dope has released a weak denial that he is ‘Xer0,’ the “traveling memorial” (his words) currently fronting the band’s reunion tour. The TLDNR version is that it’s “easy it is to slap a little tribal neck tattoo onto someone in Photoshop.” Which is fair enough. Except he doesn’t deny having the ink in question, nor does he say that Xer0 doesn’t have the tattoo. He could release a photo of a neck tattoo-less Xer0 or a neck tattoo-less selfie, although I don’t know if that would prove anything, either, because just as easily as Photoshop can make a tattoo appear, it can make one disappear. Even the photo he included of himself watching Xer0 from the side of the stage could have been Photoshopped! So it’s like what even is reality anymore, bruh?
The statement also makes it clear that Edsel doesn’t like people, such as myself, who have thrown shade at the band for the way they’re handling this reunion and the very concept of the Xer0 character itself. That’s fair enough, too. I don’t have a defense for that one. Obviously plenty of people disagree with my stance on this. But think about it: if AC/DC had made Brian Johnson dress up like Bon Scott, or Alice in Chains had made William DuVall wear a Layne Staley costume, wouldn’t that have been, y’know, bizarre?
Edsel’s entire statement is below. Tickets to go see Static-X and Xer0 are here.
“Hello world.
“I have quietly sat through all of this speculation and have thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
“Yesterday’s internet eruption reminded me of an episode of Scooby-Doo.
“It’s incredible how far some people will go to get attention or clicks, so let me remind you how easy it is to slap a little tribal neck tattoo onto someone in photoshop.
“I’m honored for myself and for my band DOPE to be part of this 20th anniversary celebration, along with this unbelievable, traveling memorial to our old friend Wayne Static.
“Wayne is currently on the minds and in the hearts of the metal community in a very unique and special way. His memory / legacy is more celebrated than it has ever been before.
“I personally get to see the joy, the tears, and the incredible sense of healing that is occurring on the faces and in the hearts of Static-X fans, each and every night, around the world.
“I’m not attempting to be a spokesperson for Static-X, but I will share that I have personally met Wayne’s parents and siblings, as they have attended a number of these shows.
“I have personally seen their tears of joy and their expressions of gratitude and approval for the way that Tony, Ken, Koichi, & Xer0 are celebrating the music and memorializing the life and legacy of their son and sibling, Wayne Wells Static.
“I’m including a candid photo that I snapped of Static-X drummer Ken Jay embracing Wayne’s father, while Tony Campos, Wayne’s mother, Wayne’s siblings and friends share some personal time together. Words cannot express the love and respect that I’ve experienced out here.
“It’s one thing to go on a Scooby-Doo scavenger hunt, or to use photoshop to attempt to prove whatever you are trying to spin, but it’s entirely different when trolls, masquerading as journalists, spew their ignorant, hateful words towards something that is so incredibly personal.
“Anyone with the nerve to throw virtual tomatoes at a traveling memorial, that has been orchestrated and supported by the family, loved ones, and long-time friends of the deceased should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
“In the end, I’m not the type of person to allow others to dictate the narrative of my life or my art, so I’ve decided to also include a picture of me chatting it up, while watching another SOLD OUT Static-X show from the side of the stage the other night.”
[via The PRP]
