Metal Sludge The Power and the Glory
ORIGINAL METAL CHURCH SINGER DIES
David Wayne – January 1, 1958 – May 10, 2005
This is some news that we’re a bit late in reporting, but we wanted to be sure to make mention of it.
Sadly, the original Metal Church singer died the other day from complications sustained in an automobile accident several months ago. Here’s the original report posted May 10th at Blabbermouth.net:
Original METAL CHURCH frontman David Wayne has passed away. He was 47 years old. According to the webmaster of the David Wayne’s Metal Church web site, "we are unclear as to actually what happened. We are putting together an official press release and will post that out as soon as we get it done."
Wayne sang on METAL CHURCH’s first two classic offerings (1984’s "Metal Church" and 1986’s "The Dark") before leaving the group and being replaced by Mike Howe. Wayne subsequently teamed up with members of HERETIC members to form REVEREND, with whom he released two full-length albums and a couple of EPs. He eventually rejoined METAL CHURCH in time for the 1999 reunion album, "Masterpeace". A "solo" album (under the WAYNE banner), entitled "Metal Church" followed in 2001.
Blabbermouth also posted the following press releases and info related to the passing of David Wayne:
The following press release has been posted at the David Wayne’s Metal Church web site:
"On behalf of David Wayne’s Metal Church, we would like to express our deepest sorrow in the passing of our metal brother, David Wayne. This is not only a loss for us as a band and his family, but also millions of metalheads throughout the world. David died due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months ago.
"David Wayne was the patented scratchy vocals of several METAL CHURCH albums and was in the process of returning to the metal scene with his new band lineup. His goal was to return to the sounds of METAL CHURCH’s albums released in 1984 and 1986. We will always remember the burning words and vocals in ‘Gods of Wrath’, ‘Watch the Children Pray’, and ‘Start the Fire’. David and his current band had just completed several new songs and were ready to head to the recording studio after their European tour dates this summer.
"Along with David’s family and friends, we would ask that cards, letters, and flowers be sent to the below address. Additionally, donations are being accepted to help David’s family with funeral expenses.
David Wayne’s Memorial Fund
C/O Verna Schielling
1217 North 57th Court
Ridgefield, WA 98642
Former METAL CHURCH bassist Duke Erickson has commented on the passing of the group’s original frontman, David Wayne. As previously reported, Wayne died on Tuesday (May 10) due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months ago. He was 47 years old.
Erickson’s statement reads as follows:
"Most of the [bullshit] that went back and forth [between David and METAL CHURCH after David left the band] was from fans and not bandmembers anyway. Sure, we as a band, all have had our differences over the years but we’ve always tried to let bygones be bygones. I’m happy that the last time I saw Dave we had a great visit and there was no animosity in the air at all.
"This shocking news is, at this point in time, surreal. I don’t know what to say or think right now other than for me, reflecting back on those first few years that we had as a band, it was the stuff of legend. I appreciate what it was and am so thankful that I was around to experience it all. To us, in ’85 or so, we called Dave ‘E.T. The Extra Testicle’! [laughs] Those were some kick-ass times, for sure, and I cherrish all the fun memories still.
"Rest in peace, Dave."
METAL CHURCH founder/leader Kurdt Vanderhoof has commented on the passing of the group’s original frontman, David Wayne. As previously reported, Wayne died on Tuesday (May 10) due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months ago. He was 47 years old.
Vanderhoof’s statement reads as follows:
This is a very sad, sad day. At this moment I’m in total shock about this tragedy. I feel the music world has lost a legendary and unique talent. He will be missed greatly by all.
"My sincere condolences go out to all his friends, family and fans.
"Godspeed to you, Dave."
TUNGSTEN mainman Al Hodge has issued the following statement regarding the passing of original METAL CHURCH vocalist David Wayne:
"We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of original METAL CHURCH vocalist David Wayne, who died [on May 10].
"Mark [Talamo, drums] and I grew up on those first two [METAL CHURCH] albums. Every time we rode somewhere together, we wore those cassettes out and even as we got older we did the same thing with the CDs. In the old jam room as teenagers during the 1980s we’d bash out some of their tunes all of the time. That was our warm-up before we’d start in on our stuff. They influenced us big time!
"This is a sad day. I loved David Wayne’s voice. He had this distinct rasp that really accented the songs.
"The death card has silenced another member of the metal ‘battalions.’
"You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, brother.
"Rest in peace, David!"
As previously reported, Wayne died on Tuesday (May 10) due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months ago. He was 47 years old.
For more information about Metal Church and the David Wayne Memorial Fund, visit Metal Church’s Web site at www.metalchurch.com.
Condolences go out to the family of David Wayne. RIP
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