Wayne Static Memorial: Dave Navarro, Members of Coal Chamber, Snot Perform Wisconsin Death Trip

Regardless of your vibe about his music, you can respect Wayne Static for his innovation and his identity. Some acts have neither, let alone both, so it’s worth a cap-tipping to Static for having invented and popularized the disco-metal sound, like a poppy Ministry or a Fear Factory on the Wax Trax! label. Yes, Static X has no shortage of forebears and peers, but none of their stuff could be mistaken for Wayne’s. His sound is like his hair: Makes it easy to identify him from a mile away. Cool.

And it’s cool that Tuesday night’s memorial concert for Static was pretty classy. Via performances by Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction) and members of Snot, Ill Nino, Coal Chamber, Otep, and Orgy, the tribute focussed on Static X’s debut, Wisconsin Death Trip. Each track was backed by his solo band — who had been assembled to hit the road with Static when he died November 1 on the eve of a tour — and vocals were assigned to guest singers. That’s a tough gig with only a few weeks to prepare, so the first anniversary event might be even cooler. Maybe they’ll stage that one in his hometown Chicago. Cheers, Wayne! Check it out below: