Died On This Date (May 18, 2015) Dean Schachtel / Industry Veteran
themusicsover Dean Schachtel
DOB Unknown – May 18, 2015
Dean Schachtel was a beloved music industry veteran who spent the latter part of his career working as the GM for Wendy Dio and Ronnie James Dio‘s Niji Entertainment. Schachtel, who also served on the board of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, was a major force behind the annual Dio celebrations that raised money for the fund. A tireless ambassador for the industry as a whole, his enthusiasm for all types of music was on display every single day. A regular presence at concerts, festivals, and other music related events, Schachtel shared his enthusiasm with anyone within earshot. Earlier in his career, Schachtel worked at Rhino, the Warner Music Group, and the Jewish Music Group, as well as KDSK radio in Southern California. In recent years, Shachtel also managed the social media campaigns for Motorhead and Territory League Wrestling. Dean Schachtel was 49 when he passed away on May 18, 2015. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Yahoo! Music for the assist.
Wayne Static was the lead singer and multi-instrumentalist for the Los Angeles based industrial metal band, Static-X. Formed in 1994, the band built a legion of followers thanks to a sound that co-mingled industrial metal, groove metal and nu-metal. Over the course of the band’s 16 year run, they released six albums including their Platinum-selling debut, Wisconsin Death Trip. Static was the only original member of the band throughout its entire lifespan. Seemingly musically gifted at an early age, Static’s parents bought him his first guitar at the age of seven, and by the time he was 12, he was in his first band. He eventually moved from Chicago to Los Angeles where Static-X was born. After a very successful run, the band went on hiatus in 2009 during which time Static released his solo debut, 2011’s Pighammer, which peaked at #97 on the US Album Charts. He formed a new version of Static-X in 2012, but disbanded it for good the following year. Outside of Static-X, Static collaborated with the likes of Skinny Puppy, Godhead, Soil, and Run DMC. He was scheduled to tour with Powerman 5000 and American Head Charge in November of 2014. Wayne Static was 48 when he passed away on November 1, 2014. Cause of death was not immediately released.